The Kip Keino Classic 2025 showcased the power and potential of African athletics on a world stage, while also attracting elite international talent
With records broken, rising stars emerging, and established champions holding their ground, the event once again affirmed its reputation as a vital date on the global athletics calendar.
From Jonah Koech’s stunning 800m win to the resurgence of African female distance running, the 2025 edition was a celebration of grit, speed, and sportsmanship.
Fans, athletes, and federations alike now turn their eyes to the rest of the athletics season, energized by the thrilling show in Nairobi.
With the 2025 World Championships and Paris Olympics on the horizon, performances at the Kip Keino Classic will have a lasting impact.
Athletes like Lachlan Kennedy, Jonah Koech, and Mary Moraa have not only gained confidence but also sent a strong message to their competitors.
For Kenya, the Classic remains a beacon of athletic excellence and national pride. For the rest of the world, it’s a must-watch event that blends heritage, talent, and passion in one of the most storied athletic nations on the planet.
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Table of Contents
Kip Keino: Sprinting to Glory
Lachlan Kennedy’s Statement Win
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic delivered one of its most exciting editions yet on May 31, showcasing elite athleticism, fierce rivalries, and emerging global talents.1
The spotlight shone brightly on Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy, who stunned the home crowd and international viewers with a scintillating performance in the men’s 100m dash.
Clocking 9.98 seconds, Kennedy surged past local hero Ferdinand Omanyala and South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi.
For Kennedy, this win was more than just a personal best; it was a clear signal to the world that he is ready to contend with the world’s best in the upcoming World Championships and the Paris Olympics.
His explosive start and clean drive phase gave him the edge over Omanyala, who was previously undefeated at home over 100 meters.
When everything is flowing according to the plan. #absakipkeinoclassic2025 pic.twitter.com/T0yx5CAUkG
— Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour (@KipKeinoClassic) May 31, 2025
Home Favorite Omanyala Settles for Third
Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man and a former Kip Keino Classic champion, finished third with a time of 10.07 seconds.
Although not his season’s best, Omanyala remained gracious in defeat. He acknowledged Kennedy’s remarkable speed and promised to bounce back stronger.
The Nairobi crowd, while initially stunned, gave Omanyala a rousing reception—an affirmation of their enduring support.
South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza took second place, further underlining the rising sprinting talent emerging from the African continent.
Jonah Koech Reigns in the 800m
In the middle-distance events, USA’s Jonah Koech delivered a tactical masterclass to win the men’s 800m race.2
A strong second-lap surge saw him edge out Kenya’s Nicholas Kebenei and Alex Kipngetich, much to the surprise of the home fans. Koech, who has roots in Kenya, was warmly received despite defeating local favorites.
His finishing time of 1:43.94 marked one of his best performances on the international stage and solidified his place as a serious contender heading into the Olympic season.
A Showcase of Global Talent
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic once again proved its status as a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, drawing world-class athletes from across the globe.
From sprints and middle-distance races to field events, the Ulinzi Sports Complex was a cauldron of athletic brilliance and passion.
More than 20 nations were represented, with the United States, Australia, Jamaica, and several African nations sending their top athletes to compete on Kenyan soil.
The high-altitude location, passionate crowds, and quality competition made for an electrifying atmosphere.
Paralympic 100m Events: Inspirational Finishes
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic also included Paralympic 100m races for both men and women. Kenya’s Samwel Mushai won the T11 100m men’s race, guided by his longtime partner, in a time of 11.21 seconds.
In the T12 women’s 100m, Nigeria’s Lauritta Onye took gold, showcasing not just athletic excellence but also the power of inclusive sport on a grand stage.
Kip Keino: Crowd Energy and Local Support
The support from Kenyan fans was as vibrant and energetic as ever. More than 25,000 spectators filled the Ulinzi Sports Complex, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.3
From school children to seasoned athletics followers, the fans cheered relentlessly for every race, regardless of nationality.
The Kip Keino Classic continues to play a vital role in showcasing Kenyan and African talent to the world, while also welcoming global stars with open arms.
Key Results Summary:
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Men’s 100m: Lachlan Kennedy (AUS) – 9.98s
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Men’s 800m: Jonah Koech (USA) – 1:43.94
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Women’s 100m: Tamari Davis (USA) – 11.04s
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Men’s 400m: Muzala Samukonga (ZAM) – 44.65s
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Women’s 800m: Mary Moraa (KEN) – 1:57.89
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Men’s 3000m Steeplechase: Abraham Kibiwot (KEN) – 8:10.45
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Women’s 5000m: Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) – 14:28.34 (Meet Record)
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Men’s Javelin: Anderson Peters (GRN) – 89.20m
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Women’s Triple Jump: Shanieka Ricketts (JAM) – 14.75m
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T11 Men’s 100m (Paralympic): Samwel Mushai (KEN) – 11.21s
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Kip Keino Classic 2025: Full Results and Highlights Across All Events
The 2025 edition of the Kip Keino Classic, one of Africa’s premier athletics meets, lived up to expectations with elite performances from global and local athletes.
Held in Nairobi, Kenya, this World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event delivered fast times, fierce competition, and remarkable field event displays.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of results from each discipline, headlined by the USA’s Jonah Koech winning the 800m in stunning fashion.
The USA’s Jonah Koech emerged victorious in the men’s 800m, clocking a sensational 1:43.32, marking one of the fastest times of the season.
He was closely trailed by Kenya’s Nicholas Kebenei (1:43.75) and Alex Kipngetich (1:45.17), while veterans Ferguson Rotich and Cornelius Tuwei rounded out a competitive top five.
Sprinters Shine: 100m and 200m Men’s Highlights
Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy stunned the crowd with a blistering 9.98s to win the marquee sprint event. South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza followed with 10.03s, while home favorite Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 10.07s.
Dual participant Shaun Maswanganyi finished fourth (10.24s), just ahead of Belgium’s Simon Verherstraeten.
Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh took top honors in the 200m, finishing in 20.40s, ahead of South Africa’s Maswanganyi (20.47s) and Switzerland’s William Reais (20.72s).
Fahnbulleh’s powerful finish underlined his continued dominance over the half-lap sprint.
Kip Keino: Steeplechase Action Brings Drama and Depth
3000m Steeplechase Men’s
Kenya’s Edmund Serem thrilled the home crowd by winning in 8:27.68, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Dinka Fikadu (8:27.97).
Fellow Ethiopians Gemechu Godana and Diriba Girma followed closely, highlighting the enduring rivalry between the East African giants.
400m Events Bring Out Continental Firepower
South Africa’s Zakithi Nene delivered a breathtaking performance to win in 43.76, well ahead of Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie (44.98) and Kenya’s Zablon Ekhal Ekwam (45.01). Uganda’s Haron Adoli and Nigeria’s Emmanuel Bamidele completed a strong lineup.
400m Men’s Final 2
In the second-tier final, Kenya’s Brian Onyari Tinega shone brightest with a 45.06 finish. Fellow Kenyans Kevin Kipkorir, Kelvin Kiprotich, Allan Kipyego, and David Kapirante followed in succession, emphasizing Kenya’s growing sprint depth.
Explosive Field Events Provide a Spectacle
Canada’s Ethan Katzberg was in a league of his own with a mighty throw of 82.73m. Croatia’s Matija Greguric (76.68) and Hungary’s Daniel Raba (75.93) were the closest competitors. Netherlands’ Denzel Comenentia and Japan’s Shota Fukuda rounded off the top five.
Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio Di Silva delivered a sensational throw of 86.34m, outpacing Germany’s Thomas Rohler (80.79) and Portugal’s Leandro Ramos (80.68).
American Curtis Thompson (78.78) and Kenyan legend Julius Yego (78.74) completed the lineup.
Women’s Sprint Events Feature Emerging Stars
Liberian athletes dominated, with Maia McCoy taking the win in 11.21s and Destiny Smith-Barnett following in 11.29s.
Egypt’s Bassant Hemida (11.49), Botswana’s Murangi Refilwe (11.57), and USA’s Shannon Ray (11.64) made up the remaining top spots.
Hurdles and Steeplechase Events for Women See European and Ethiopian Dominance
Norway’s Amalie Iuel impressed with a solid run of 54.80, beating Finland’s Kristiina Halonen (55.32) and Germany’s Eileen Demes (55.38). USA’s Bianca Stubler and Slovakia’s Daniela Ledecka trailed closely behind.
Ethiopia took the top three places, with Wosane Asefa (9:30.68) leading Kena Tufa (9:31.72) and Firehiwot Gesese (9:32.09). Kenya’s Diana Chepkemoi and Jackline Chepkoech gave chase but had to settle for fourth and fifth respectively.
Field Events Highlight Women’s Strength and Depth
Canada’s Camryn Rogers won with a dominant throw of 77.93m, with Denmark’s Katrine Jacobsen (74.21) and USA’s Janee’ Kassanavoid (74.17) following. Romania’s Bianca Florentina Ghelber and France’s Rose Loga also performed well.
Egypt’s Esraa Owis produced a leap of 6.94m to take the title. Brazil’s Lisaandra Campos (6.84), Slovakia’s Maja Bedrac and Hungary’s Diana Lesti (both 6.58), and South Africa’s Danielle Nolte (6.56) rounded out a competitive field.
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