Big names clash at Kip Keino Classic

The event has attracted elite athletes from across the globe, and with thousands of fans expected to fill the 10,000-seater stadium, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Headlining the event is Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, who is eyeing a sub-10-second finish in the men’s 100 metres.

Omanyala, buoyed by home support, will take to the track at 5:52pm, hoping to replicate or surpass his previous explosive performances on Kenyan soil.

“This season I am really trying hard to run a sub 10 and this starts tomorrow across the season. I call upon all our fans to turn up early in the stadium and rally behind us.”

He will face stiff competition from Walaza Bayanda of South Africa, a rising star born in 2006, who already boasts an impressive personal best of 9.94 seconds. The clash is set to be one of the highlights of the day.

In the women's 100 metres, Maia McCoy, now representing Liberia after switching allegiance from the USA, is ready to make her mark.

McCoy, who has clocked a season’s best of 11.02, says she has no regrets about her decision and is unfazed by Nairobi's altitude, declaring herself ready to shine on Kenyan soil.

“I was ranked 33rd in the world in 100m last season and they (Liberia) decided not to take me to Paris (Olympics), I was hurt," high-spirited McCoy narrated at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi when she jetted in on Tuesday night,” she said during pre-race interview on Friday.

Homegirl Sarah Moraa, will be battling in the women’s 800 metres, facing her long-time rival Oratile Nowe from Botswana.

Moraa described the showdown as a “tie-breaker,” with both athletes pushing their limits in a highly anticipated rematch.

Nowe, who has a personal best of 1:58.96, will be looking to spoil Moraa’s homecoming, setting up an electric middle-distance duel.

“We have competed twice both of us winning either ties and so tomorrow will be a tie breaker for us”

In the field events, the men’s javelin throw promises drama and power. Kenya’s own Julius Yego, the 2015 World Champion with a SB of 78.52 Metres, will go head-to-head with Anderson Peters from Grenada who has a SB of 85.64 metres.

Peters, known for his explosive throws, stated that it would be “a celebration” for anyone hitting the 90-metre mark, though he’s currently targeting 86 or 87 metres as he builds momentum.

Yego, when asked about retirement, dismissed the idea, saying he still has fuel in the tank and intends to keep competing.

“I still have more years in my career to start thinking about coaching or retirement, lets enjoy the moments and when the time comes I will make a decision.”