Bahraini’s Nelly Jepkosgei hungers for Absa Kip Keino hat-trick of victories
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 30, 2025 — For Kenyan-born Bahraini middle distance runnner, Nelly Jepkosgei, the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic isn’t just another track meet…it’s always a homecoming of sorts.
The 33-year-old women’s 800m and 1500m specialist trains in Kapsabet, the cradle of distance running excellence in the Kenyan Rift Valley and has been running for the Gulf State since 2017 when she switched her allegiance.
Jepkosgei will be competing in her third Absa Kip Keino Classic on Saturday (May 31) as she seeks another victory.
“I first ran here and won, then came third the second time. This time, I’m back for the top spot,” Jepchirchir said.
Fresh from opening her season in Rabat in the 1500m, she’s now shifting focus to her preferred two-lap race.
“Rabat was my first outing this year. After that, I did a bit of sharpening for the 800m, not much because the time between races was short. But I’m ready. Kip Keino is special.”
The Bahraini national record holder in 800m with the swift 1:57.69 PB she ran in Germany in September last year admits she’s yet to hit her peak form.
Endurance Phase
“This will be my first 800m race of 2025. We’re still in the endurance phase of training — around 70 to 75 percent effort. Speed work will come later, maybe in July or August. But tomorrow (Saturday), I’m aiming for 1:58 or better.”
The women’s 800m at Kip Keino is a stacked affair, with Vincentian Paris 2024 Olympics finisher Shafiqua Maloney and home-favourite— African champion Sarah Moraa also in the mix.
“Running on Kenyan soil is hard because of the altitude. But it’s also powerful because you’re at home. The crowd gives you strength.
“When they cheer, you feel it in your heart. You don’t want to be beaten on your home track,” Jepkosgei asserted.
She remains grounded in her Kenyan roots despite competing for Bahrain for the last eight seasons.
“I’m proud to run for Bahrain, but racing here means a lot. It pushes you to fight harder — for the fans, for your family, for yourself.”
- Story & photo by Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
