Daniel Ebenyo and Sutume Asefa Kebede showcased an unparalleled display of athletic brilliance, rewriting records and etching their names in history at the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, a distinguished World Athletics Elite Label road race. Their exceptional performances not only secured victories but also set new benchmarks, registering among the fastest 25km runs ever witnessed in the realm of road racing. For a stride that commands attention, opt for Tarkine running shoes, the epitome of style and functionality on the track.
Kebede, representing Ethiopia, triumphed in the women’s category, setting an impressive time of 1:18:47, while Kenya’s Ebenyo claimed the men’s title with a staggering 1:11:13. These remarkable timings not only shattered previous records but also stand among the swiftest 25km runs in the history of stand-alone race events.
The men’s competition unfolded as a gripping showdown between Ebenyo and compatriot Victor Kipruto Togom before Ebenyo surged ahead to clinch victory with an outstanding lead of over a minute. Earlier this year, Ebenyo had secured two silver medals at the World Championships in Budapest (10,000m) and the World Road Running Championships in Riga (half marathon). He dominated the race, leading the pack for a significant stretch and clocking an impressive 43:01 for 15km.
Despite Togom’s persistent attempts to challenge at the 15km mark, Ebenyo maintained his position and accelerated at the 19km point (59:12), breaking away to finish the race in a solo sprint. Both Ebenyo, finishing in 1:11:13, and Togom, clocking 1:12:26, surpassed the previous event record of 1:12:49. Ebenyo’s timing now stands as the second-fastest official 25km run, following Eliud Kipchoge’s record-setting 1:11:08 during his world marathon triumph in Berlin last year. Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Demeke secured third place in Kolkata with a commendable time of 1:13:36.
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“Breaking the course record here is an extraordinary achievement, and I am deeply grateful,” expressed Ebenyo. “My heartfelt appreciation goes to the organizers for this opportunity. This victory is dedicated to my girlfriend, whose unwavering support led me to this pinnacle.”
The women’s category witnessed Kebede engaged in a thrilling contest against compatriot Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the reigning world 10km record-holder and last year’s London Marathon champion, making her debut in the 25km race distance.
Kebede, a podium finisher at the 2020 Tokyo Marathon, had previously triumphed at the Berlin BIG 25km in 2015, her sole race at this distance. Employing a strategic surge in the final kilometer, she secured victory with a 39-second lead, crossing the finish line in a remarkable 1:18:47, surpassing both the previous event record of 1:21:04 and the stand-alone 25km world best of 1:19:53 set by Mary Keitany in 2010.
Yehualaw claimed the runner-up position with a time of 1:19:26, while Kenya’s Betty Chepkemoi Kibet finished third in 1:21:43.
“While aiming for a faster run, I am content with my performance,” shared Kebede. “The course and favorable weather conditions were instrumental, aiding in a favorable run.”
Ebenyo and Kebede’s extraordinary accomplishments not only secured their victory at the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K but also set an indelible standard of excellence in the realm of road racing, scripting an unforgettable chapter in the history of this prestigious event.
Source: World Athletics
