Kip Keino Classic: Wilson Chepkwech steals show with U20 800m win
Wilson Chepkwech, a budding 800 m athlete, has recognised the role of reigning 800 m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi after clinching the U20 race in the Kip Keino Classic on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The youngster stole the show of a contested finish after crossing the line in a time of 1:46.33.
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He was followed closely by Tenderwa Collins and Pkiach Nashon, who recorded 1:46.56 and 1:47:15 to seal the podium finishers.
Wanyonyi’s influence
Speaking after the win, Chepkwech, who hails from Trans Nzoia but has his training abode in Kapsabet, celebrated the feat by recognising the immense role the decorated track star has had on his budding career.
“We train alongside Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and we always strive to do our best. I am not used to these stages. Huwa tunakimbia local but leo tumekimbia international. I feel good about the morale he always offers me and urges me to push harder, and I am gaining step by step,” he said.
Meanwhile, David Kibaiko, who ran 1:50.21, finished just off the podium. Cosmas Kipkemboi (1:51.61), Collins Kibet (1:53.96), Mathias Kasaine (1:57.65), and Shadrack Sampa (2:00.3) followed in that order.
Yego finishes third
In other related events, the seventh edition of the races witnessed a record-breaking moment in javelin as Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage delivered a stunning 89.28 m throw to win the men’s javelin and set a new record in the competition.
2016 Olympic champion Thomas Röhler was placed second with 83.33m, while Kenya’s Julius Yego finished fourth with a 79.87m throw.
Wanyonyi, Ferdinard Omanyala, the Africa’s fastest man, and world 800 m champion Lilian Odira are among the other Kenyan athletes looking to extend their fine run in subsequent sporting discplines of the second edition of the Global Tour Gold Races in Nairobi.
