Why 2026 Kip Keino Classic will be hosted at night
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 28.03.26. | 17:04
Since its inception, the World Continental Tour Gold event has traditionally been held on Saturdays, starting from 10:00 am through to the evening
The 2026 edition of the Kip Keino Classic will feature a major format shift, with organisers opting for a night schedule to enhance both the fan experience and global viewership.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
The meet will be held on Friday, 24 April, at the Nyayo National Stadium, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This marks the first time the event will be held under floodlights.
.jpg)
Since its inception, the World Continental Tour Gold event has traditionally been held on Saturdays, starting from 10:00 am through to the evening.
Race Director Barnaba Korir says the decision is largely informed by the need to maximise television production and audience reach.
“In the evening, it is actually much better, especially when it comes to TV production and viewership. It is during the evening when viewers are at home, and also, those who want to come to the stadium can come.
Those who want to watch on TV can also do so when they have the opportunity,” Korir explained.
Korir added that the shift is also about elevating the overall spectacle of the event by blending athletics with entertainment.
“Beyond that, we are also going to have big entertainment. We have to combine sports and entertainment. We are asking Kenyans to be part and parcel of this great event. This is the highest level of athletics event that we have,” he continued.
Over the years, the Kip Keino Classic has attracted some of the biggest names in global sprinting. Stars such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Justin Gatlin, Sha'Carri Richardson, Kenneth Bednarek, and Trayvon Bromell have all graced the one-day meet, underlining its status as a premier sprinting stage.
Meanwhile, World Athletics technical official Owen Malone believes the conditions in Nairobi will once again favour fast performances.
“We have a major advantage in Nairobi, being at a high altitude. Because we are between 1,700 and 1,800 metres above sea level, there is less air resistance. We can really expect fast times, especially in the sprints,” Malone said.
Malone is part of the team currently overseeing preparations at Nyayo Stadium, ensuring the facility meets World Athletics standards.
The process includes measuring and re-marking the track as well as testing critical equipment such as electronic timing systems to guarantee smooth operations on competition day.