Record-breaking Omanyala steals the show at Kip Keino Classic

Ferdinand Omanyala broke new limits on Saturday with a blistering 9.77 run in the men’s 100m at the Kip Keino Classic, finishing second in a world class field that had former Olympic champion and multiple world champion Justin Gatlin.

American champion Trayvon Bromell did just enough to edge the home hero Omanyala, winning in 9.76 with his compatriot Gatlin timing 10.03 to round off the top three places. Mouhamadou Fall of France placed fourth in 10.04.

Omanyala not only smashed his previous national record of 9.86 as he also obliterated the African record of 9.84 held by South Africa’s Akani Simbine.

“Running on home soil is always a pleasure for me and I thank my compatriots for the support they have given to me. I feel fast and that is why I was actually targeting to run 9.7 I hope I can do better next season and hopefully one day I will go for the World record,” said Omanyala who now moves to ninth in the 100m all-time list.

Faith Reigns Supreme

Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon continued her red-hot form over the metric mile when she sailed to victory in 4:02.40

Ethiopian pair of Hirut Meshesha (4:03.01) and Freyweyni Hailu (4:04.39) finished second and third respectively.

After bagging Olympic and Diamond title, Kipyegon said the focus now shifts to next year.

“It was a good way to end the season at home with a win. I think it was a good season for me and I will am optimistic I will pick up from here next season,” said Kipyegon.

Moraa Upsets Nakaayi

Home girl Mary Moraa trounced the world 800m champion Halima Nakaayi of Uganda in the two-lap race.

Moraa who recently clocked 2:00.11 with Nakaayi coming home second in 2:00.63 while Noelie Yarigo of Benin finished third in 2:02.98

El Bakkali silences Kenyans

After ending Kenya’s dominance in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Olympics, Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco inflicted yet another defeat to Kenyans at their own turf.

The towering Moroccan clocked 8:21.20 to beat Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwott to second spot.

In the women’s race, former world under 20 champion Celliphine Chespol returned to winning ways after an injury layoff.

She clocked 9:30.55 with Fancy Cherono timing 9:32.50 to finish second as Jackline Chepkoech rounded off the podium in a time of 9:33.64