Oketch breaks national 400m record at Kip Keino Classic
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic lived up to its billing with a string of electrifying performances at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex. From Wiseman Were’s dominant 400m hurdles win to Mercy Oketch’s national record-breaking 400m dash, the Continental Gold Tour meet saw athletes smash personal bests, book World Championship slots, and thrill the home crowd with world-class displays.
Kenyan athletes lit up the track at the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic, producing record-breaking performances and personal bests as fans filled Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex for the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour meet.
Wiseman Were delivered a statement win in the 400m hurdles, clocking 48.36 seconds to secure qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo. The national champion fended off Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang (48.59) and Kenya’s Kipkorir Rotich (49.17) to clinch top honours.
“I’m happy with the win but I’m aiming for a sub-47. I’ll now work on hurdle clearance as I prepare for the Diamond League,” said Were. Tisang, who hopes for a rematch, added: “The weather is great, but the altitude is high. I believe we can go faster.”
In the women’s 400m, Mercy Oketch smashed the national record with a brilliant 50.14-second run, toppling the previous mark held by her mentor Mary Moraa and earning a ticket to Tokyo. Uganda’s Leni Shida followed in 50.39, while Kenya’s Mercy Chebt (51.52) finished third—each runner setting personal bests.
“It’s an amazing feeling to break the record in front of this crowd,” Oketch said.
Field events were equally electric, with George Malala stealing the show in shot put. The Kenyan broke the meet record with a 16.60-metre throw, securing gold and a new personal best. “I want to fine-tune my technique to qualify for the African Championships,” said Malala.
On the men’s 400m B category, Brian Onyari Tinega ran a sizzling personal best of 45.06 to win a competitive race. “It was a strong field and I was nervous, but I’m happy with the outcome,” said the Police speedster.
In the distance events, Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat stunned a strong Kenyan field in the women’s 5,000m, pulling away in the final laps to win in 15:03.33. Kenya’s Maureene Chebor (15:14.57) and Ethiopia’s Mamite Gemene (15:21.25) completed the podium.
Silas Senchura thrilled fans in the men’s 10,000m, kicking hard at the final bend to win in 28:18.46. He outpaced Titus Kiprotich (28:21.89) and Joseph Kimutai (28:23.83) in a tactical race.
“I wanted to finish on the podium and this performance gives me hope ahead of the national trials,” Kiprotich said.
In the men’s 5,000m, Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Amare and Ayele Tedese finished one-two in 13:34.02 and 13:34.86, respectively, ahead of Kenya’s Stanley Waithaka (13:38.17), who had led for much of the race.
“This was a good speed test as I focus on the 10,000m trials,” said Waithaka.
With national records, personal bests, and championship qualifications secured, the Kip Keino Classic once again proved itself a premier showcase for East Africa’s finest track and field talent.
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