Former 110m hurdles world record holder Colin Jackson will flag off eastern India’s biggest road race at the crack of dawn on December 17.
Jackson has been named the international event ambassador of the eighth edition of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, partnered by The Telegraph.
Jackson claimed his first senior medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1986, bagging silver in the 110m hurdles. He set a world record to win gold at the Stuttgart World Championships in 1993 and won the World title again in 1999. The highest point in his career came when he won gold at the World Championships in Stuttgart in 1993 in 12.91 seconds.
“Running is a universal language that has the ability to inspire and bring the community together. Running has basically been my whole life — on and off the track. It has helped me navigate through life and helped me be better, and perform better. I am excited to be a part of TSK 25K and I urge everyone to come join me in this biggest sporting celebration,” Jackson said.
Touted as the only World Athletics Accredited 25K, the $100,000 prize money race will witness the best athletes from across the world compete alongside India’s elite and amateur runners in Kolkata.
Football star Hernan Crespo and tennis legend Boris Becker are among the past international ambassadors in the earlier editions of the race, which is credited to have inculcated the love for running in many Kolkatans.
“Jackson’s records are still an inspiration and motivation for many. We believe his presence and engagement for TSK 25K will encourage participants to push their limits and embrace a healthier lifestyle,” said Chanakya Chaudhary, vice-president, corporate services, Tata Steel.
Jackson’s 110m hurdles world record stood for 13 years until broken by Liu Xiang at the Super Grand Prix in Lausanne in 2006.
”After finishing his hugely successful career in track and field, Jackson reinvented himself and went on to explore other fields with equal élan,” said the organisers.
He has authored multiple books and is a sports commentator on BBC for track and field. Jackson and his sister are the founders of Go Dad Run, which raises funds for prostate cancer patients in the UK.
Registrations for TSK 25K categories — 10K, Ananda Run (4.5km), Silver Run (2.3km), and Champions with Disability (2.3km) — will remain open till 11.59pm of November 26 or till running places are filled, whichever is earlier, at tatasteelkolkata25k.procam.in/ , the organisers said.