The 2025 Kip Keino Classic once again showcased world-class athletics, with athletes delivering personal bests, national records, and world-leading performances across multiple disciplines, setting an exciting tone ahead of the upcoming global championships.

Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva delivered a stunning performance at the sixth edition Kip Keino Classic held at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, winning the men’s javelin competition with a new personal best throw of 86.34 metres. The 25-year-old clinched the title with his second attempt, marking a significant milestone in his career during the Kenyan leg of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.

Da Silva edged out 2016 Rio Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, who also set a personal best with a throw of 80.79 metres to finish second. Portugal’s Leandro Amos completed the podium with a throw of 80.68 metres.

Reflecting on his victory, da Silva expressed his delight at competing in Kenya for the second time. “This was a great competition for me with solid throws. I’m preparing for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and I hope to maintain this form in my next competition in Portugal,” he said. He added that his throw could be considered an Area Record for South America and praised the enthusiastic Kenyan crowd for their support.

Wiseman Were secures World Championships spot with 400m hurdles victory

Kenya’s national champion Wiseman Were delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 48.36 seconds to comfortably meet the World Athletics Championships qualifying standard and secure his place at the Tokyo event. The 2022 African Championships bronze medallist fended off Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang (48.59) and compatriot Kipkorir Rotich (49.17), who set a personal best.

Were expressed satisfaction with his win but remains focused on breaking the 47-second barrier. He plans to sharpen his hurdle technique ahead of the Diamond League circuit. Tisang also expressed eagerness for a rematch in Kenya, aiming for a sub-47 time next season.

George Malala sets shot put meet record

Kenyan shot putter George Malala thrilled home fans by setting a new meet record of 16.60 metres at the Kip Keino Classic, securing gold with a personal best throw. Malala emphasized his focus on improving technique to qualify for the African Championships. Benson Macharia and Leonard Bett took silver and bronze respectively, both posting strong performances.

Brian Onyari Tinega blazes to personal best in Men’s 400m B category

Police sprinter Brian Onyari Tinega topped the men’s 400m B category with a personal best of 45.06 seconds, edging out Kevin Kipkorir (45.29) and Kelvin Kiprotich (45.58). Tinega highlighted the strong competition and his ambition to qualify for the World Championships individual event.

Ethan Katzberg dominates Men’s Hammer throw with World-Leading mark

Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg of Canada impressed with a world-leading throw of 82.73 metres, winning the hammer throw at the Kip Keino Classic. Katzberg praised Nairobi as a “good luck charm” and expressed optimism ahead of the World Championships. Croatian Matija Greguric and Hungary’s Daniel Raba completed the podium.

Kenya’s Dominic Abunda finished eighth with a season best of 61.50 metres, gaining valuable experience competing against world-class athletes.

Zakithi Nene blazes World-Leading 400m time

South Africa’s Zakithi Nene stunned spectators with a world-leading 43.76 seconds in the men’s 400m heat, beating Nigerian Chidi Okezie (44.98) and Kenyan Zablon Ekwam (45.01). Nene expressed delight at his personal best and the Kenyan atmosphere, while Ekwam vowed to chase qualification in upcoming races.

Sarah Chelangat Triumphs in Women’s 5000m

Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat dominated the women’s 5000m, finishing in 15:03.33 ahead of Kenya’s Maureene Chebor (15:14.57). Chelangat took the lead in the final laps, leaving a strong field behind. Chebor expressed satisfaction with her performance and hopes to qualify for the World Championships.

Silas Senchura wins Men’s 10,000m in tactical race

Kenya’s Silas Senchura powered to victory in the men’s 10,000m, clocking 28:18.46 after a slow-paced race. He outkicked Titus Kiprotich (28:21.89) and Joseph Kimutai (28:23.83).

Kiprotich expressed contentment with his podium finish and hopes to qualify for the World Championships trials.

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