The fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour held last Saturday, April 20th, at Nyayo Stadium lived to the billing as six world-leading times were set in addition to another six meeting records.
52 athletes attained their seasonal best and another 33 posted their personal best times.
Another outstanding performance that sent the almost fully packed Nyayo Stadium was world-leading times from Ndori Buyapo of Botswana in the 400m men, where he posted 40.11 seconds, as Kenyan Zablon Ekwam finished 4th with a personal best time of 44.69 to earn himself an Olympic Games ticket.
3000msc world bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwott also sent a strong message as he won the 7 1/2-lap race with a world-leading time of 8:20.54 as Canadian Ethan Katzberg won the men’s hammer throw, registering both a world lead and a meeting record of 84.38m as the only Kenyan Dominic Abunda could manage a 60.09m throw.
Reigning World champion over 800 metres, Mary Moraa eased past her opponents to retain her 2023 title in 1 minute, 57.96 seconds, a new meeting record at the Kipkeino Classic and a big morale booster as she heads to the Bahamas for the World Relays.
American Lindsy Courtny also achieved a world-leading time in the 200-metre final, clocking 91.71, the same time as Botswana’s sensational Letsile Tebogo, who was relegated to 2nd place.
Reigning World Junior in 1500m Reynold Cheruiyot was in his own class as he won with a world-leading time of 3:31.96.
800m world silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi wrapped up the spectacular day with a world lead time of 1 minute 43.57 seconds.
Despite the African fastest man in 100 metres, Ferdinand Omanyala, failing to retain his title and losing it to American Keneth Bednarek, the event was tantalisingly a worthy outing for family.
