Kip Keino Classic: Oketch relishes home support ahead of 400m title defence

Holder Mercy Oketch is embracing the advantage of competing on home soil as she prepares for another major appearance at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi this Friday.

The 400m national record holder says racing in front of a home crowd gives her added motivation and comfort compared to competing abroad, where athletes often face isolation.

“Competing here, everyone supports you and cheers you on. I think it's better than competing outside," Oketch said. "Outside, you are on your own,no one is there for you. But here in Kenya, the people will be cheering us."

Oketch enters this year's edition as the defending champion in the women's 400 metres at the Kip Keino Classic, a victory that cemented her growing reputation on the continental circuit and highlighted her rapid rise in sprinting.

She holds the national record in both the indoor and outdoor 400 metres and has been steadily building experience on the international stage through major championships and elite meetings.

As she looks to defend her title, Oketch says she has been focusing on key technical areas of her race in a bid to sharpen her performance.

"I have worked on my starts and my finishing," she explained. "I hope this meet will be good, and I will do my best."

The 400m specialist has placed particular emphasis on race execution, especially improving her opening phase and maintaining strength through the final stretch which are crucial elements in an event often decided in the last 100 metres.

The Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, continues to provide Kenyan athletes with a rare opportunity to compete against world-class opposition at home while measuring their progress on the global stage.