Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi Steps Up to 1500m test at Absa Kip Keino Classic
Uganda’s middle-distance star Halimah Nakaayi is moving up in distance at the 2026 Absa Kip Keino Classic.
The 2019 800m World champion best known for her prowess in the two-lap race, will line up in the 1500m at Nairobi’s iconic Nyayo National Stadium, a strategic move as she builds towards the new season.
“I’m opening my season with a focus on assessing my endurance levels and identifying areas that need improvement,” she explained.
“With the outdoor season just starting, this is a good opportunity to understand where we need to work moving forward.”
Primarily an 800m specialist, Nakaayi holds the Uganda’s national record with a personal best of 1:57.26, in the two-lap race. Despite the step up in distance, her approach remains simple. “My plan is very simple—just to enjoy the new journey of the 1500m and see how fast I can run on the day,” she added.
Training with Greatness, Chasing more
Nakaayi sharpens her craft in one of the most competitive training environments in global athletics, working alongside multiple Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon of Kenya and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan.
“I am very lucky to train with some of the greatest ladies who have achieved what I am dreaming to achieve,” she noted.
“I am working towards being a better version every day. I am physically and mentally prepared to challenge myself by doing longer distances.”
This will be her fourth appearance at the Kip Keino Classic. She has previously competed in her specialty, the 800m, with a second-place finish in 2021 marking her best result at the meet.
Earlier this year, she finished 11th at the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret, western Kenya.
“Kenya is my second home,” she said. “It’s my passion to support our own competitions.”
This year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic returns to Nyayo National Stadium after last season’s relocation, with the event set to be staged at night and featuring wavelight technology for the first time.
