Kip Keino Classic:Omanyala sets comeback tone as Gabby Thomas chases history
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 24.04.26. | 07:47
All eyes will also be on rising star Mercy Oketch in the women’s 400m as she targets her national record
The seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying yet, with global champions and record-holders set to light up the track at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, 24 April.
Part of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, the Nairobi leg has consistently delivered memorable performances, but this year promises even more.
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A newly laid track, the introduction of wavelight technology, and a shift to an evening programme set the stage for fast times and dramatic finishes.
Leading the charge is American sprint star Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic and world gold medallist, who headlines both the 100m and 200m.
Fresh from a dominant double victory in Addis Ababa, Thomas will be chasing another sprint sweep.
In the 100m, she faces defending champion Maia McCoy, alongside compatriot Cambrea Sturgis and Kenya’s Millicent Ndoro.
The 200m could produce history, with Thomas eyeing the first-ever sub-22 performance on Kenyan soil, as she lines up against Sturgis and France’s Cyréna Samba-Mayela.
In the field, Canada’s hammer throw queen Camryn Rogers returns to defend her title after opening her season with a North American record.
She will battle USA’s Janee’ Kassanavoid.
On the men’s side, her compatriot Ethan Katzberg headlines a stacked field featuring Ukraine’s Mykhalio Kokhan and Egypt’s Mostafa Elgamel.
Back on the track, Kenya’s sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala will be determined to thrill the home crowd once more.
Fresh off a sub-10 run in Addis Ababa, Omanyala faces a strong field including Canada’s Aaron Brown, USA’s Brandon Hicklin and South Africa’s Gift Leotlela.
Omanyala is determined to reclaim the title that has eluded him for two years now.
“Now that I have built up momentum, I have to stand on business at the Kip Keino. I am hoping for a sub-10-second race, but at the back of my mind, I am looking at the world lead,” Omanyala said.
Jamaica’s Bryan Levell, currently among the world’s top 200m runners, adds more firepower, while the men’s 400m brings together Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene and USA’s Brian Faust in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Kenya’s middle-distance stars will also be in focus. World champion Lilian Odira headlines the women’s 800m against Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew and Habtam Gebeyehu.
Odira has, however, downplayed expectations of a fast start to her season, hinting at a long-term plan.
“We have been trying something new with my coach this season, hence why I skipped the cross country. But do not worry, good things are in store,” she said.
In a surprise twist, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi steps up to the 1500m, where he will face a formidable field including; Timothy Cheruiyot, Reynold Cheruiyot and Abel Kipsang.
The steeplechase will feature an intriguing family affair as brothers Amos and Edmund Serem and line up together, alongside Abraham Kibiwot and Ethiopia’s Milkessa Fekadu.
All eyes will also be on rising star Mercy Oketch in the women’s 400m as she targets her national record, while the men’s javelin sees Kenya’s Julius Yego take on Olympic champion Thomas Röhler.