Kip Keino Classic: Wanyonyi shines as Ethiopia’s Getachew floors Odira

Matthew Kipchumba, African champion Brian Komen, former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot and Vincent Keter completed Kenya’s sweep to seventh place respectably.

The race, aided by Wavelight pacing technology, maintained a relentless tempo, but Wanyonyi’s composure and finishing speed proved decisive.

His time shaved over a second off his previous best, signalling a seamless transition from two laps to four and underlining his ambitions ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

In the women’s 800m, however, it was heartbreak for Kenya as reigning world champion Lillian Odira was dethroned in emphatic fashion.

Ethiopia’s Getachew stormed to victory in a season’s best 1:58.79, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Odira settled for second in 1:59.15, unable to match Getachew’s blistering closing pace. Fellow Ethiopian Habtam Gebeyehu claimed third in 1:59.72, while Kenya’s Naomi Korir and Judy Kemunto rounded out the top five.

Getachew, one of Ethiopia’s rising stars and a recent standout at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026, once again proved her pedigree with a commanding run that flipped the script on Kenyan dominance.