Kip Keino Classic: Wanyonyi shines as Kenyans dominate men's 1,500m

Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered a statement performance under the floodlights, storming to victory in the 1,500m at the Kip Keino Classic on Friday, 24 April at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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Wanyonyi clocked a personal best of 3:34.11 to take top honours in a tightly contested race, finishing ahead of compatriot Reynold Cheruiyot, who timed 3:34.73, while Kyumbe Munguti completed the podium in 3:36.21.

Matthew Kipsang (3:36.27) and Brian Komen (3:37.79) rounded off the top five.

Despite being widely known for his dominance in the 800m, Wanyonyi once again proved his versatility over the longer distance, a race he competed last year at a meet in Kapsabet. Notably, that outing preceded a remarkable run that culminated in global success, including a world title in Tokyo.

Fresh off being crowned the 2026 SOYA Awards Male Sportsperson of the Year, Wanyonyi expressed satisfaction with his season opener, hinting at even bigger ambitions.

“The race was good. This shows that my build-up has been strong. I want to go sit down with my coach and discuss the 800m. This is the first race of the season, and it has shown me that it was well. It was my first 1,500m race this season, but I will return to the 800m. My next race is the Rabat Diamond League,” he said.

Cheruiyot, who pushed Wanyonyi all the way to the line, remained optimistic about his progress and the strength of Kenya’s 1,500m contingent.

“I thank God for this. When I go back to training, I will build up from here and I am sure I will perfect. In the next championship, our 1,500m squad will be intact and we will bring many medals,” he noted.

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In the women’s 1,500m, however, Kenyan athletes fell short of a dominant showing as Ethiopia’s Deseta Tadele and Sifen Dageta broke into the top positions with strong performances, both registering personal bests.

Kenya’s Mirriam Cherop led the local charge, winning the race in 4:08.49, ahead of Tadele (4:09.55 PB) and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi (4:09.66). Ethiopia’s Dageta (4:10.20 PB) placed fourth, while Kenya’s Purity Chepkurui finished fifth in 4:11.09.

Cherop, delighted with her victory, is already eyeing more success this season.

“I am very happy for this win and looking forward to many more wins in the coming days. I will sit with my coach and see where to polish,” she said.

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Men’s 1,500m

Emmanuel Wanyonyi 3:34:11 Personal best

Reynold Cheruiyot 3:34:73

Kyumbe Munguti 3:36:21

Matthew Kipsang 3:36:27

Brian Komen 3:37:79

Women’s 1500m

Mirriam Cherop 4:08:49

Deseta Tadele 4:09:55 personal best

Halima Nakaayi 4:09:66

Sifen Dageta 4:10:20 personal best

Purity Chepkurui 4:11:09