Kip Keino Classic: Future stars light up track with thrilling U20 debut

Kenya’s athletics future emphatically took centre stage as rising talents dazzled during the inaugural U20 competition at the Kip Keino Classic held on Friday, 24 April at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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Introduced for the first time, the U20 races brought together top performers from the recently concluded Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national games in Kisumu. The young athletes seized the moment, delivering performances that showcased the country’s depth in middle and long-distance running.

The women’s programme featured the 800m and 3,000m flat races, while the men competed in the 800m, 3,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase.

In the women’s 800m, Nancy Kibet stormed to victory in 2:03.21, edging out Nancy Jepngetich (2:03.43) and Caren Jepchirchir (2:03.82) in a tightly contested race. Despite a slow start, Kibet expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming national trials.

“I am targeting the World Under-20 Championships ticket during next month’s trials. I loved the competition, though I was slow at the start. I hope by the time I come for the trials, we shall have worked on a few technicalities,” she said.

The women’s 3,000m saw Masai Venenza claim top honours in 9:08.98, ahead of Linda Chepkwemoi (9:10.10) and Mercy Chepngeno (9:10.53), in another closely fought contest.

In the men’s 800m, Wilson Chepkwech clocked 1:46.53 to narrowly beat Collins Tenderwa (1:46.56), with Nashon Pkiach finishing third in 1:47.15.

Emmanuel Kiprop delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 3,000m, winning in 7:45.56 ahead of Wesley Kiplagat (8:01.04) and Enock Tuitoek (8:05.07). Reflecting on his run, Kiprop admitted initial uncertainty before growing into the race.

“Coming into this race, I was unsure about how I would handle it. After a few laps, I felt comfortable taking the lead and I’m glad to have won. The World Cross Country Championships helped me a lot in terms of building up for the track season. I want to go and train hard and hopefully represent my country once again at the World Under-20 Championships,” he noted.

The 3,000m steeplechase produced one of the day’s most exciting finishes, with Brian Kandie taking victory in 8:46.02, just ahead of Emmanuel Lemiso (8:46.68) and Brian Kiptoo (8:48.28).

“It feels good to win my first race at this event. I am so happy. My target now is to make the World Under-20 Championships team. I believe in myself and this win has really boosted my confidence ahead of the trials. If I make the cut, that will be a dream come true,” said Kandie.

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Lemiso, who battled discomfort early in the race, remained optimistic despite finishing second.

“I had a slight upset in my legs at the start of the race but I’m grateful to have finished second today. My tactics carried the day. I’ve been competing in the Athletics Kenya meets, which have helped me a lot. I’m hoping to represent Kenya at the World Under-20 Championships and my main focus now is to make the time,” he said.

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Collated U20 results

3000m U20 Men

Emmanuel Kiprono - 7:4:56

Wesley Kiplagat - 8:01:04

Enock Tuitoek - 8:05:07

Cornelius Kibichi - 8:05:40

Robinson Lelesit - 8:19:53

800m U20 Men

Wilson Chepkwech - 1:46:53

Collins Tenderwa - 1:46:56

Nashon Pkiach - 1:47:15

David Kibaiko - 1:50:21

Cosmas Kipkemboi - 1:51:61

U20 3000m steeplechase

Brian Kandie - 8:46:02

Emmanuel Lemiso - 8:46:68

Brian Kiptoo - 8:48:28

Nicholas Kitum - 8:49:19

Renis Kiplagat - 8:58:28

Women

U20 800m women

Nancy Kibet - 2:03:21

Nancy Jepngetich - 2:03:43

Caren Jepchrichir - 2:03:82

Josephine Sembeyo - 2:05:85

Miriam Chemtai - 2:06:15

3000m U20 women

Masai Venenza - 9:08:98

Linda Chepkwemoi - 9:10:10

Mercy Chepngeno - 9:10:53

Lorna Cherono - 9:14:70

Tabitha Wanjiru - 9:17:58