Kenyans Show Up Big at Kip Keino Classic, Nairobi's DL dream rekindled

As the dust settled on the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday evening, the mood at Ulinzi Sports Complex was electric, not just from the world-class performances but from the thousands of passionate fans who turned up in numbers to witness one of Africa’s premier track and field meets.

While international stars made their mark, it was the gallant efforts of homegrown talent that gave the crowd reasons to cheer, even as Kenyan pride was tested in some of the hotly contested races.

Headlining Kenya’s shining moments was Edmund Serem, who stormed to victory in the men’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:27.68, securing qualification for the upcoming World Championships. Serem’s commanding performance brought the house to its feet, symbolizing Kenya’s long-held dominance in the event.

“I am happy for the win, I had not adequately trained for the race. I recently competed in Rabat, Morocco, last weekend, and the exhaustion was still there, but I managed the race well.”

Not to be outdone, Lilian Odira produced an inspired run in the women’s 800m, clocking 1:58.31 to punch her ticket to the Worlds and solidify her status as one of Kenya’s most promising middle-distance stars.

“It was about racing with heart,” said Odira post-race. “I felt the energy from the fans, and I knew I had to deliver.”

At the same time, former 400m national champion and KDF athlete Zablon Ekwam also managed to make a name for himself in a highly competitive 400m Heats. Ekwam finished 3rd overall with a time of 45.01 seconds.

The highly paced race also saw the winner, South African Nene Zakithi, record a world lead time of 43.76 seconds, while the second-placed Okezie Chidi from Nigeria recorded his season's best with a time of 44.98 seconds.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the hosts. The women’s 3000m steeplechase ended in heartbreak as Ethiopia’s trio of Asefa Wosane, Tufa Kena, and Gesese Firehiwot swept the podium. Kenya’s Chepkemoi Diana, Chepkoech Jackline, and Chepkemoi Sharon settled for 4th, 5th, and 7th, respectively. Asefa clocked a personal best 9:30.68.

In the men’s 5000m, Stanley Waithaka Mburu salvaged some pride, finishing third behind Ethiopia’s Hailemarian Amare and Zenebe Ayele, with a time of 13:38.17.

Kenya's Abel Kipsang, a 2022 World Indoor silver medalist, added more joy for fans by winning the men’s 1500m in 3:35.09, showcasing his growing momentum ahead of global competition.

The Continental tour drew praise from the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Salim Mvurya, who lauded the organization, athlete conduct, and fan turnout.

“We witnessed elite athletics at its best. Now, we shift our attention to the upcoming Nairobi City Marathon, even as we fast-track the development of sports infrastructure, including tartan track installations,” Mvurya said during a press interview at the stadium.

The Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, once again proved to be a celebration of global sporting talent. 

It also reminded Kenya’s athletics fire still burns bright, even as the competition stiffens with many stakeholders and fans hoping the event will transition into a Diamond League circuit soon.