Author Archives: Mutwiri Mutuota

• Charged by repeat Absa Kip Keino glory, the omens for a second world title at Tokyo 2025 look good for Canadian Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg 

  June 4, 2025 4:32 am Comments Off on Charged by repeat Absa Kip Keino glory, the omens for a second world title at Tokyo 2025 look good for Canadian Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg 

  
  “I started my professional career in Kenya as a junior. To be able to keep coming back and keep performing well, it’s always an amazing feeling. There’s something really awesome about this country.” 

  NAIROBI, Kenya, June 3– Canadian Olympic men’s Hammer throw champion, Ethan Katzberg believes the omens of adding a second world title at Tokyo 2025 in September look great after successfully defending his Absa Kip Keino Classic title in Kenya.

  The British Columbia native uncorked three throws over the 80m mark last Saturday (May 31) in his four legal attempts, with the fourth throw of 82.73m striking a second successive Kip Keino gold in a world leading mark at the packed Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

  Last year, he arrived in Kenya as the Budapest 2023 world champion for his second appearance in the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, to open his season and duly took the top honours in 84.38m, his lifetime best and Area Record at the Nyayo National Stadium on April 20, 2024.

  An astonishing run of eight straight victories followed his Kip Keino Classic romp before he landed in France to hammer his way to Olympic glory 84.12m on August 4, 2024.

  Katzberg also owns the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile gold and a silver from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK in his expanding medal collection.

  His latest victory at Kip Keino Classic extended his unbeaten sequence this year to three—after top honours at the Lotto Diechmeeting (79.32m) on May 17 and the 50. Halplus Werfertage (81.22m) on May 24, both in Germany.

  But the 23-year-old now believes his charge for the Tokyo 2025 has good tidings after once again coming to Kenya and delivering a dominant victory—- none of the assembled field managed a throw over 80m in Nairobi.

  “I definitely hold Kenya close in my career,” he told this website.

  Despite arriving just a few hours before the start of the Absa Kip Keino Classic — the sixth stop of the 2025 Continental Tour Gold Series— Katzberg managed to thrill the vocal crowd with a world leading victory, the only athlete infield or the track who managed that feat on the day.

  “I started my professional career in Kenya as a junior. To be able to keep coming back and keep performing well, it’s always an amazing feeling. There’s something really awesome about this country,” he added.

  Matija Greguric of Croatia took silver after setting a new personal best of 76.68m, while Hungary’s Dániel Rába came third with a season’s-best of 75.93m.

  Now coached by Dylan Armstrong, the Beijing 2008 Olympics men’s Shot put bronze winner and Bernie Katzberg, the Paris 2024 champion first came to Kenya during the Nairobi 2020 World Under-20 Championships that was pushed to 2021 by the global coronavirus pandemic.

  Legal throw

  Unfortunately, he did not register a legal throw in the final as Jan Doležálek of Czechia won gold with a throw of 77.83m. Greece’s Orestis Ntousakis (77.78m) took silver, while France’s Jean Baptiste Bruxelle (77.70m) clinched bronze.

  

  In his second visit, now as a senior athlete during the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic, Katzberg won silver with a throw of 76.38m, behind Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Wojciech Nowicki (79.78m).

  Hungarian Donát Varga (74.12m) nailed the bronze.

  He would go on to Budapest, Hungary where he turned the tables and forced Nowicki to accept the silverto be crowned the world champion with a throw of 81.25m against 81.02m.  

  And last year, his huge throw in Nairobi set him on his way to winning the biggest medal of them all.

  “I can’t really ask for much more. I was in good shape coming here last season. I didn’t expect to throw as far as I did, to hit a personal best, and perform at that level ,it was really awesome! It was the best start and end of a season for me,” said the two-time Canadian national champion affirmed.

  And when the invite came to defend his Absa Kip Keino Classic title, it was a no-brainer for the Canadian star.

  “I have to keep pushing, that’s why I had to come to Nairobi. I wanted to keep it going and keep throwing far. Being able to have a good throw here at Kip Keino was really great,” he added.

  With a confidence boosting victory in Nairobi that has catapulted him to the summit of the world rankings, Katzberg believes he can now go on and enjoy another glorious season, with Japan firmly in his radar.

  “I’ve got a couple more competitions in Europe, the rhythm is there, and hopefully I will continue the good results as I prepare to defend my world title in Tokyo.”

  The milestone 20th edition of the biannual global track and field showpiece will return to Tokyo from September 13–21, in what will unusually be the climax of the season.

  Besides defending his title in Tokyo, Katzberg is also looking forward to return to Nairobi for an Absa Kip Keino Classic three-peat in 2026.

  Love affair

  Part of his love affair with the event is fuelled by the energy generated by the electric atmosphere that has made it one of the most-favourite meet for international stars who have brought their talents to Nairobi for the past six years.

  He is also aiming at sampling world famous tourist spots in the East African nation in deeper detail after being part of the visiting athletes who were accorded a tour of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.

  

  “All the fans get really excited for the competition. It’s great to be here. I’ve been here four times and I still haven’t done a proper safari. 

  “But thankfully, at the reserve, I was able to see some giraffes, elephants, and other animals, so that was very cool. But I need to do a real safari one of these times,” he quipped.

  Katzberg departed Kenya on Saturday night to prepare for the next stop in what he hopes will be a charge to the middle step of the podium in Japan.

  And the omens are looking bright for the affable Hammer throw star.

  -By Charity Wanja | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers &Peter Njoroge

• Exclusive Interview: Legendary Kipchoge Keino speaks on the legacy of Absa Kip Keino Classic

  June 2, 2025 5:58 am Comments Off on Exclusive Interview: Legendary Kipchoge Keino speaks on the legacy of Absa Kip Keino Classic

  “Let this race be more than a competition. Let it be a symbol of who we are and who we can become.”

  NAIROBI, Kenya, June 2– Kipchoge Hezekiah Keino is widely regarded as the father of Kenyan athletics, not because he is a pioneer of the sport but his career achievements defined him as the first local runner to shoot to global superstardom.

  His epic victories at the Mexico 1968 and Munich 1972 Olympic Games, where he remains the only man to win gold medals at the men’s 1500m and 3000m steeplechase— the rarest of doubles at the pinnacle of his sport, is the stuff of legends.

  Running in an era where athletics was not the professional money-minting sport it is today, the tales of his triumphs have been cascaded down the generations in movie theatres, small screen, books, magazine, radio and online, etching his name into the pantheon of the all-time greats.

  The 85-year-old former Olympics Kenya president remains a towering figure in the sport, although age has seen him lose the gait and command he bestrode his country’s athletics like a collosus.

  And the man who started his Olympics career at the Tokyo 1964 Summer Games is one of the few former athletes who have an international meeting named in his honour.

  Speaking ahead of the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic that went down last down last Saturday (May 31), the Kenyan running giant spoke in a voice rich with sagely experience and passion.

  Exclusive interview

  Despite his advancing years and the need to use a walking cane that has slowed the once elegant strides, the four-time Olympics medallist reflected on a journey that began with no formal running infrastructure.

  In an exclusive interview for this website, the towering figure also spoke on the evolution of the sport in Kenya and the significance of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event that is named in his honour.

  “When we started, we didn’t have coaches. We had no access to scholarships or prize money. We ran because of the passion. 

  “Today’s athlete has a chance to earn, to build a future, to support a family. That is progress,” said Keino who is honorary life member of the International Olympics Committee (IOC).

  The Kip Keino Classic, now a premier track and field event in Africa that marked its sixth running this year, is more than a meet—it is a celebration of Kenya’s hard-earned reputation as a global athletics powerhouse. 

  But for him, it’s also a symbol of a larger vision: one where sport becomes a national priority and the State supports talent at every level.

  “It feels great to have a race like this fly my name. But it is not about me. It is about our country. It is about showing the world what we have. 

  “That’s why this event must be supported, and why I thank the sponsors who have stood with Athletics Kenya,” he said, applauding Absa Bank Kenya for their title sponsorship.

  Since its inception, the Kip Keino Classic has brought world-class athletes to run on Kenyan soil, showcased raw talent and brought attention to the nation’s potential—not just in athletics, but as a host of international events. 

  However, Keino is quick to point out the paradox: that a country famed for producing some of the world’s greatest runners is still struggling to put up sports facilities.

  

  National conversation

  “Why does a country that produces the best athletes struggle to build standard stadiums?” he posed. 

  “We need competitive tracks not just in Nairobi, but in the counties. Regional stadiums will raise new talent. Look at how we started the race in Kasarani, then Nyayo, and now Ulinzi. That shows what can happen when we invest.”

  He was acknowledging that the Kip Keino Classic has been hosted in three venues within the Kenyan capital since its inception, the first event of its kind to do so in the world.

  For decades the Mexico 1968 and Munich 1972 Olympics champion has been a vocal advocate for nurturing talent from the grassroots.

  “At the last Paris Olympics, we were second to the US in athletics. We must ask ourselves why. We must build systems that allow athletes to excel here—then we can expand into sports like tennis, volleyball, swimming, and rugby,” he advised the powers that be.

  He cited the example of Paul Ereng, Kenya’s first Olympic 800m gold medalist, who has put together a successful coaching career in the United States. 

  Keino questioned what might have been if such talent had been harnessed locally.

  “Those who study abroad should come back and invest in Kenyan sport. Imagine how many would benefit if Ereng was coaching here. 

  “Athletics has opened doors for many, but let’s ensure it opens doors for the next generation too.”

  For Keino, the solution is clear: a national conversation involving government, sponsors, and athletics bosses to place the sport as a cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda.

  “Athletics leaders must come together and plan. We must ensure those who have done well are equipped with coaching skills to give back. 

  “The Ministry of Sports must play its role. We can’t rely on legacy alone—we must build a future.”

  Keino was among the thousands of cheering fans who turned Ulinzi Sports Complex into a festive atmosphere on Saturday, his eyes beaming with pride as the assembled field stormed to world leads, meet records and also, make the qualifying standard for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.

  “Let this race be more than a competition. Let it be a symbol of who we are and who we can become,” he delivered in his parting shot.

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers

• Visiting Absa Kip Keino Classic stars enjoy Magical Kenya experience with park Safari

  June 1, 2025 3:30 pm Comments Off on Visiting Absa Kip Keino Classic stars enjoy Magical Kenya experience with park Safari

  NAIROBI, Kenya, June 1– Visiting international stars had a chance to unwind and enjoy the famed Kenyan safari experience on Sunday (June 1)—a day after they competed at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic.

  The track and field luminaries traded their spikes for wild gear as they experienced the wonder of the Nairobi National Park—the only wildlife reserve located in the centre of a city in the world.

  The trip was organised by Magical Kenya- the arm of the Kenya Tourism Board charged with marketing the country as a tourist destination of choice.

  Needless to say, the drive left the visiting athletes awestruck. Here is how some reacted.

  Amalie Iuel- Women’s 400m Hurdles-NOR

  It was amazing. It was really, really fun. We got to see a lot of animals, and got to take lots of pictures, and it was a really fun way to end off a really good track meet.

  The lioness was really cool. We got to see it in the very end, so that was kind of the cherry on top. But I also loved seeing giraffes and zebras and rhinos, and we got to see all of that, black rhinos, white rhinos, and a bunch of monkeys.

  Rougui Sow- Women’s Long jump-USA

  It was amazing. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to be here in Nairobi. I traveled from Dakar to here, and everything was just amazing. The organisation, logistics, people. I was really impressed by how kind people were here. So, I’m very excited, and I can’t wait to come back next year. 

  Yeah, so we just went to the Safari earlier this morning, it was breathtaking. I loved watching the sunrise and the animals.

  

  I came in a bit late on Friday evening. I wish I had more time so that I can explore more about Kenya.   I loved the competition, and people were cheering for everyone.  I mean, I’ve traveled all around the world, and you don’t see that, I mean, everywhere. It was very amazing.

  Elisabeth Slettum- Women’s 400m Hurdles- NOR

  Oh, it was so much fun. So, many cool animals. So, that was a great experience. Seeing the lioness at the end. She was coming so close, and no, it was just a great experience. Thank you Kip Keino! Thank you, Kenya!

  Chidi Okezie- Men’s 400m-NGA

  I enjoyed my first Safari. I got to see the big five up close in their natural habitat. I will definitely comeback for holiday. Kenya has favoured me. I ran my PB. I can’t complain.

  -By Charity Wanja | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Magical Kenya

• Absa Kip Keino Classic 2025: Here is what the stars had to say

  2:51 pm Comments Off on Absa Kip Keino Classic 2025: Here is what the stars had to say

  The sixth leg of this year’s World Athletics Continental Tour Gold concluded in Nairobi on Saturday (May 31) with storming performances

  NAIROBI, Kenya, June 1– The 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic delivered another world class track and field competition as it marked its sixth edition on Saturday (May 31).

  This is despite the sixth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting of the season being held at a brand new venue, the 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex located south of the Central Business District of the Kenyan capital.

  A deep field of 189 athletes was registered to start, among them the stellar cast of Olympic, World, Commonwealth, continental and national champions.

  And here is what some of the stars and hopefuls who delivered rich performances in the day-long meeting had to say after their events.

  George Malala: 16.66m PB, Men’s Shot put- KEN

  I’m happy with the results, the rhythm is not there but I know as we continue it will where I want. I want to focus on my technique so that I can first qualify for Africa Championships.

  Silas Senchura: Winner, Men’s 10,000m- KEN

  I’m happy with the results. I managed to clock personal best. I will focus on my speed when I resume training

  Titus Kiprotich: Silver medallist, Men’s 10,000m- KEN

  I came here to try and finish in the podium bracket and to get an invitation for the World Championships trials. I train in Iten and I’m happy to have finished second.

  Wiseman Were: Winner, Men’s 400m Hurdles- KEN

  I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete though I did not achieve that I am happy with the victory. I will now sharpen on the hurdle clearance I prepare for the Diamond League.

  Mercy Oketch: Winner, Women’s 400m (NR)-KEN

  I feel happy with the time I have clocked, I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships. The crowed made feel more energised. 

  Brian Tinega: Men’s 400m Race B- KEN

  I had a lot of tension before the race because it was quite a strong field. I hoped to be able to qualify for the world championships in my individual event since I’m in with the relay team

  Da Silva Luiz Mauricio: Winner, Men javelin- BRA

  It’s been a great experience to come back to Kenya. This is my second time here, and I feel this was a good competition for me with solid series throws.  Now, I need to prepare for this year’s Tokyo Championships. I’m pleased with my performance today, and my goal for my next competition in Portugal is to maintain this form, especially throwing consistently like I did today, so I achieve more personal bests or even an Area Record – like today, this throw is an Area Record for South America. I feel that I’m in the right shape for my next events, all I can do now is to be grateful to Kenya for the event you’ve put on, the whole atmosphere – everyone in the crowd was cheering and this is very positive during a competition.

  

  Edmund Serem: Winner Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase- KEN

  I competed last week in Rabat and now at home. I’m happy that my body has picked well and getting more race exposure. I’m overwhelmed by how the crowd has cheered me. That’s a memory I will always carry with when I’m competing outside.

  Esraa Owis: Winner, Men’s Long Jump- EGY

  It feels good to be here in Kenya this was my first time and also wining was a plus for me. I still have more competitions I need to achieve the World Championships qualifying time in order to represent my country.

  Ethan Katzberg: Winner, Men’s Hammer throw (WL)-CAN

  Kenya feels like a second home I started off my career here and that is why I love coming back plus I also keep posting good results here. I did not expect to set a World Lead here but I love how my season is shaping. Last year threw my personal best and won gold at the Olympics.

  Amalie Iuel: Winner, Women’s 400m Hurdles-NOR 

  I feel happy for my second victory here at Kipkeino. It has not been easy but I love the atmosphere and the crowd.

  Jonah Koech: Winner, Men’s 800m-USA

  It has taken me 15 years to be able to compete like this and break my own barrier. I almost gave up but my kit company came in at the right time. I took long in school doing my degree and army training. Feels good to compete at my home away from home

  Maia McCoy: Winner, Women’s 100m-LIB

  I got left in the blocks.  I got a little confused in the blocks. Because when they said, shh, I thought they were going to say set. And I was like, Oh! So, I think that made me hesitate. And that’s when I started. Everybody just left me. But it’s OK.  I covered ground, and I got the win.

  Destiny Smith: Silver medallist, Women’s 100m-LIB

  There is a lot I have to work on as the season progresses. This is just my second race of the season, not bad and not good. I loved competing here, Kenyans are so hospitable. I will definitely be back next year.

  Shannon Ray- Bronze medallist, Women’s 100m- USA

  Not my best race. But I’m still happy with the results considering the wind and altitude.

  

  Joseph Fahnbulleh- Winner, Men’s 200m-LIB

  Africa is on the rise in terms of sprinting. There are many young African sprinters competing in the US, and I believe we are on the right track. My goal for the World Championships will be to get a medal, but now, I’m just focusing on getting into the rhythm.

  Walaza Bayanda: Silver medallist, Men’s 100m- RSA

  I felt good. It was a good line up it felt like a real championship. I love the atmosphere and how lovely Kenyan fans are. I will definitely be coming back for the next one.  

  Kennedy Lanchlan: Men’s 100m winner- AUS 

  I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. It a huge PB for considering how elite the field was and at a high altitude. It means the season is heading in the right direction for me

  Ferdinand Omanyala: Bronze medallist, Men’s 100m- KEN

  Not a good race as we wanted, but of course, we are correcting mistakes as we move on. Of course, we expected faster, but it’s already gone. Now we are going into the next phase, looking to execute things that we have not done. I want to appreciate the fans for coming out and cheering me on. The atmosphere was electrifying. We have been working on the transition part for the last couple of days, and we are looking to put things together.

  -By Charity Wanja | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers

• Abera, Wosane salvage Ethiopia’s pride at 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic

  2:22 pm Comments Off on Abera, Wosane salvage Ethiopia’s pride at 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic

  Distance running giants bag both the women’s 3,000m steeplechase & 1500m gold medals at their bitter rivals’ backyard

  NAIROBI, Kenya, June 1– Kenya and her northern neighbour Ethiopia share the most intense rivalry in any sport known to man when it comes to distance running.

  The latest chapter in this undying battle for supremacy came at the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic— the sixth leg of this season’s World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series held on Saturday (May 31) at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

  And it took until the 17th event of the day’s programme that consisted of national, discretionary and core events for Ethiopia to strike her first gold at their arch-rivals backyard.

  And they did it in style.

  Ethiopian star Wosane Asefa led a clean podium sweep in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final.

  Asefa produced a blistering kick at the bell to accelerate to the fold in a lifetime best of 9:30.68.

  Behind her Kena Tufa led the challengers home for silver in her lifetime best of 9:31.72 with Firehiwot Gesese completing the podium shut out in 9:32.09 further back.

  “I have achieved my goal today. Coming into this race, my main goal was to win. My next major target is to qualify for the World Championships. 

  “I loved the crowd because the cheers motivated me to keep going. Competing in Kenya feels great,” said Wosane said after her polished victory.

  Local favourite and Commonwealth Games champion Jackline Chepkoech was stunned to fifth in 9:44.48 just behind Diana Chepkemoi (9:41.52) who was the first Kenyan across the line.

  Hawi Abera stuns Ulinzi

  Just over half and hour later, it was gold number two for Ethiopia.

  In one of the most electrifying races of the evening programme, Hawi Abera stunned the packed Ulinzi Stadium by storming past Kenya’s Purity Chepkirui in the final metres to claim the women’s 1500m title.

  The 18-year-old Abera, who came into the race with a personal best of 4:04.90, ran with poise and precision, timing her final sprint to perfection. 

  She clocked 4:06.52 to take the gold ahead of Chepkirui— a World Under 20 champion and Olympic semifinalist who faded slightly in the last 100 metres to finish second in 4:06.97.

  Ethiopia’s Ksanet Alem, with a lifetime best of 4:06.20, bounced back from an underwhelming season to take the bronze in a season’s best of 4:07.15.

  As the penultimate event of the day, the women’s 1500m delivered drama, pace, and heartbreak for the home crowd, who had hoped to see Chepkirui clinch gold on Kenyan soil.

  From the start, Chepkirui controlled the tempo, hitting the 800m mark in a brisk split as the crowd roared. 

  She was closely trailed by Axumawit Embaye, a 3:58.80 runner, and Faith Chebet and it looked as if her determined front running would pay off.

  But Hawi, sitting back in fourth for much of the race, unleashed a perfectly timed kick on the final bend. With 60 metres to go, her long stride reeled in Chepkirui to snatch a dramatic victory.

  Embaye, the 2014 World Indoor silver medallist, came in fourth with 4:08.04, while Kenya’s Faith Chebet, who has no recorded PB, finished fifth in 4:13.25.

  Knight Aciru of Uganda, clocked a season-best 4:13.43 to finish sixth, while Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka, the youngest in the field at just 16, ran a personal best 4:15.90, bettering her previous best of 4:16.00 for a promising seventh-place finish.

  The women’s 1500m was a thrilling climax to a day of world-class competition, second only to the explosive men’s 100m finale that ensued immediately after. 

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers

• 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic: Olympic champions steal the show as meet records tumble in Nairobi

  May 31, 2025 4:49 pm Comments Off on 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic: Olympic champions steal the show as meet records tumble in Nairobi

  Canadian Paris 2024 Summer Games winners, Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers fulfil favourite roles to perfection as sixth edition wraps up in Kenya

  NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31– Canadian Olympic champions, Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers fulfilled their favourite roles to perfection as a slew of meet records fell when the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic meeting successfully concluded in Nairobi on Saturday (May 31). 

  The sixth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting of the season unfolded in a cracking atmosphere as thousands of fans cheered on the track and field talent on show.

  And for the first time, the military-owned 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex Stadium hosted the annual event and despite initials concerns, the switch proved to be a masterstroke, as the facility turned into a cacophony of colour and a cauldron of noise.

  Australia’s Lachran Kennedy produced arguably the most stunning upset of the day when he powered to a 9.98 personal best to shock the men’s 100m field and left the home crowd numb in the process.

  And he chose the perfect moment to do it, at the very last race and blue riband final of the day!

  World leading

  

  But first to the infield where Katzberg exploded to produce the world leading throw of 82.73m on his second outing of the season to take the top honours.

  “Kenya feels like a second home. I started off my career here and that is why I love coming back plus I also keep posting good results here.

  “I did not expect to set a World Lead here but I love how my season is shaping. Last year I threw my personal best (here) and won gold at the Olympics,” the Paris 2024 Summer Games winner said.

  Rogers sealed the Canadian double at the event when she won gold in a season’s best of 77.93m.

  Denmark’s Katrine Koch Jacobsen and Janee Kassanavoid filled the podium in that order with best throws of 74.21m and 74.17m.

  Double South American champion, Luiz Mauricio Da Silva of Brazil, upset a deep field to win the men’s Javelin a meet record of 86.34m.

  “It’s been a great experience to come back to Kenya. This is my second time here, and I feel this was a good competition for me with solid series throws. Now, I need to prepare for this year’s Tokyo Championships.

  Rio 2016 Olympic champion, Thomas Rohler of Germany launched his first effort to 80.79m that was enough for the silver, and he did not achieve any other legal throw on the day.

  Local hero and Beijing 2015 World Champion, Julius Yego finished fifth with his 78.74m effort in the second round.

  Stunning performance

  On the track, Norway’s Amalie Iuel delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 400m Hurdles— setting a new meet record of 54.80.

  Kristiina Halonen of Finland clocked a new personal best of 55.32 for silver with German Eileen Demes rounding off the podium.

  And now to the main event of the day.

  The pre-race hype was the showdown between Omanyala, the two-time Kip Keino Classic champion and Walaza, the newly minted Guangzhou 2025 World Relays champion.

  To the disappointment of the crowd that was screaming and cheering for their hero, the athletes had to be called back for a false start, heightening the tension.

  However, much to their relief, every athlete was given a green card, meaning no starter would be ejected from the contest.

  But from the restart, Kennedy ran clean through for his biggest career victory at the World Continental Gold Tour series.

  “I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. It is a huge PB for considering how elite the field was and at a high altitude.

  “It means the season is heading in the right direction for me,” the Australian winner said.

  The South African took silver as Omanyala closed the podium for bronze…his dream for a Kip Keino Classic three-peat postponed to another year.

  The women’s corresponding race saw Maia McCoy lead Liberian compatriot Destiny Barnett-Smith to the 1-2, with the clocks returning 11.21 against 11.29.

  Egypt’s Bassant Hemida took bronze in 11.49.

  Organisers are now looking forward to keep the Kip Keino Classic— named after the legendary Kenyan distance-running icon, Dr. Kipchoge Keino— who was present on the day— in the Continental Tour Gold or better, have it promoted to the Wanda Diamond League in the future.

  -By Organisers
  –Photos: Organisers

• Kennedy stuns home favourite Omanyala as in dramatic Kip Keino Classic men’s 100m finale

  4:24 pm Comments Off on Kennedy stuns home favourite Omanyala as in dramatic Kip Keino Classic men’s 100m finale

  Young Australian blasts to 9.98 lifetime best to steal coveted crown from two-time champion and South African challenger Walaza

  NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31, 2025– The man they all came to see and cheer delivered a medal but it was not the hue the passionate supporters expected or wished.

  In the signature event of the day, the men’s 100m at the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic was supposed to be the homage to African record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala, a two-time winner of this event.

  And he was coming off running another continental record of 14.39 in the rarely competed 150m.

  Omanyala’s billed challenger was South African sprint sensation, Bayanda Walaza, who arrived in Nairobi having been crowned a World Relays champion earlier in the month.

  But the expected showdown was never to be as Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy stole the show to storm to the coveted title.

  Running from lane 4, the 20-year-old blasted to his 9.98 personal best to stun the crowd into almost complete silence, the kind of quiet that normally, is required for the start.

  Kennedy’s Slipstream

  

  “I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. It a huge PB for considering how elite the field was and at a high altitude. 

  “It means the season is heading in the right direction for me,” Kennedy said.

  In his slipstream, Walaza, who won bronze at the Nairobi 2020 World Under 20 Championship in 2021 came home in 10.03 to at least, upgrade his medal in Kenya to silver.

  The South African hailed the assembled field after getting a proper run out at the punishing elevation of Nairobi.

  “I felt good. It was a good line up it felt like a real championship. I love the atmosphere and how lovely Kenyan fans are. I will definitely be coming back for the  next one,” he added.

  Omanyala stopped the timer in 10.07 for the bronze for his fourth Kip Keino Classic medal, which is a record for a sprinter at the annual event.

  Despite the slight headwind of -0.7 m/s, the race proved to be one of the fastest and most competitive sprints ever run on Kenyan soil. 

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organiser

• Teen prodigy Edmund Serem holds off Ethiopians to romp to Absa Kip Keino Classic steeplechase glory

  2:58 pm Comments Off on Teen prodigy Edmund Serem holds off Ethiopians to romp to Absa Kip Keino Classic steeplechase glory

  
  World Under 20 champions leads five rivals from the northern neighbours to the delight of home supporters for his first Continental Tour Gold title

  NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31– Kenyan teenager Edmund Serem executed his race to perfection to be crowned the new Absa Kip Keino Classic 3000m steeplechase champion on Saturday (May 31) at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.

  Edmund, the Lima 2024 World Under 20 champion and younger brother to Diamond League winner Amos Serem, enhanced his glowing reputation further by winning his first World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting title as a passionate local crowd cheered him on.

  His 8:27.68 victory was however, well outside his 8:07.50 ran at the Rabat leg of the Wanda Diamond League.

  Five Ethiopians trailed across the line much to the delight of the locals owing to the long-standing rivalry between the East African distance running powerhouses.

  Dinka Fikadu and Gemechu Godana were rewarded with personal bets of 8:27.97 and 8:31.82 for the silver and bronze in that order.

  “I competed last week in Rabat and now at home. I’m overwhelmed by how the crowd has cheered me. That’s a memory I will always carry with when I’m competing outside,” the winner of the discretionary event on the Kip Keino Classic 2025 roster said.

  Midway through the gruelling seven- and-a half-lap event, the younger Serem surged from behind to seize control, navigating barriers and the water jump with poise. 

  With 300 meters to go, Ethiopia’s Dinka, who came in with a PB of 8:44.90, mounted a fierce chase, narrowing the gap stride by a stride.

  Final straight

  

  As they entered the final straight, it became a showdown between the two, with the crowd willing the Kenyan on from each of the 10 stands that make up the 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex.

  That was enough to see Edmund hold off the late final surge by his closest challenger to deliver the victory, a massive improvement from the seventh position he finished here last year.

  Among the Kenyans, Wesley Langat, whose PB stands at 8:26.00, returned a modest 8:43.74 for seventh, while veteran Cornelius Kiplagat (PB: 8:54.90) and Wilberforce Kones (PB: 8:21.40, SB: 8:38.10) were among four athletes who failed to finish.

  Czech Republic’s Damian Vich, who owns a PB of 8:22.90, faded badly to finish in 8:53.99 as the first European in eighth followed home by Uganda’s Gideon Rotich.

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers

• Odira brings the house down in storming to women’s 800m Absa Kip Keino Classic title

  2:28 pm Comments Off on Odira brings the house down in storming to women’s 800m Absa Kip Keino Classic title

  “Clocking a new personal best in my first 800m outdoor competition was huge and qualifying for Tokyo as well,”

  NAIROBI, Kenya May 31, 2025– Lilian Odira brought the Ulinzi Sports Complex to its feet with a lung-busting finish to win the women’s 800 metres crown at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic on Saturday (May 31).

  The 26-year-old African silver winner emerged from the outside in the final lunge for glory to take the gold medal home in 1:58.31, a huge new personal best that saw her make the Tokyo 2025 World Championships standard, much to the delight of the home supporters.

  Her gritty finish saw over the final 50m saw her reel in Botswana’s Oratile Nowe and pre-race favourite, African champion Sarah— the cousin of world champion Mary Moraa for her biggest win on the elite World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.

  “I have really worked hard form the cross country build up. I was coming to gauge my body. 

  “Clocking a new personal best in my first 800m outdoor competition was huge and qualifying for Tokyo as well,” Odira said at the Mixed Zone, heart still pumping after taking a lap of honour to soak in the deafeaning cheers.

  Behind her, Nowe clocked 1:58.47 for silver and Moraa rounded off the podium in 1:58.96— both personal bests and well inside the Tokyo 2025 qualifying time of 1:59.00.

  “This is my first time qualifying for World Championships. I tried hard last year but it was not possible. I will go focus on my speed and endurance for me to be among the finalists at the World Championships,” the younger Moraa, 19, said.

  Relatively unknown

  Coming into the race with a previous best of 1:58.50, Odira knew she had to produce something special to outpace a competitive field. 

  Nowe ran bravely out of lane eight and had timed her race well before the Kenyan edged her with glory in sight.

  Just outside the medals, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloney, the Paris 2024 Olympics fourth finisher and a consistent sub-2:00 performer, finished fourth in 1:59.13.

  She came into the race with a PB of 1:59.10 and fought hard to stay with the leaders, particularly in the final 100 metres.

  The surprises didn’t end there. Kenya’s Judy Kemunto, also 19 and relatively unknown on the international stage, delivered a breakthrough performance. 

  She finished in 2:00.98 for a lifetime best, improving her previous mark of 2:02.10 for a strong fifth.

  Further down the pack, 19-year-old Maureen Chepkirui lit up the crowd with one of the biggest personal improvements of the day. 

  She smashed her old PB of 2:13.50, finishing in 2:03.59 in eighth, showing that the future is bright for Kenya’s emerging women’ two-lap talent.

  One of the youngest athletes in the race, 17-year-old Daisy Chepngetich Ruto, who had a personal best of 2:06.40, was unable to finish. 

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers

• Amalie Iuel drop’s meet record to reign supreme in women’s 400m Hurdles

  2:23 pm Comments Off on Amalie Iuel drop’s meet record to reign supreme in women’s 400m Hurdles

  Running from lane five and backed by a roaring crowd under bright Nairobi skies, Norwegian executed a smooth and powerful race to win Absa Kip Keino Classic title in 54.80

  NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31–  Norway’s Amalie Iuel delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 400m Hurdles— setting a new meet record of 54.80 at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic meeting at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.

  Running from lane five and backed by a roaring crowd under bright Nairobi skies, Iuel executed a smooth and powerful race, pulling away in the final 100m to better the previous meet mark. 

  The 31-year-old hurdler, who came into the race with a personal best of 54.68 and a season-best of 55.06, showed she’s peaking at the right time ahead of a busy summer.

  Kristiina Halonen of Finland, running from lane four, clocked a new personal best of 55.32, improving from her previous PB of 55.62 for silver. The 27-year-old also bettered her season best of 56.40, underlining her growth and determination.

  German hurdler Eileen Demes, whose personal best stands at 54.80, ran 55.38 to finish third. 

  She maintained solid form throughout, holding off a strong challenge from Bianca Stubler of the USA, who set a new personal best of 55.48, eclipsing her previous best of 56.04 to land just outside the podium.

  In fifth place, Slovakia’s Daniela Ledecká clocked 55.97, her best time this season (previous SB: 56.55), not far off her PB of 55.83. 

  Norway’s Line Kloster, who has a career best of 53.91, finished sixth in 56.46, a bit off her top form.

  Veteran Norwegian Elisabeth Slettum ran 57.47 from lane one. 

  With a PB of 55.77, the 38-year-old’s presence brought added experience to the field. American Jessica Wright, whose PB stands at 55.78, clocked 58.98, well outside her best despite a decent season start of 56.79.

  With Iuel’s record-breaking run and personal bests from multiple athletes, the 400m hurdles race lived up to the billing—fast, fierce, and a fan favourite. 

  The Ulinzi crowd was left buzzing, not only for the meet record but for a line-up that delivered some of the finest hurdling seen on Kenyan soil.

  -By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
  –Photos: Organisers