List of global stars set to light up Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi
Top international track and field names such as Gabby Thomas, Camryn Rogers, and Ethan Katzberg are among the major attractions expected when the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold arrives in Nairobi for the Kip Keino Classic scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Previous editions of this prestigious meet have produced numerous regional and national best performances. With the installation of a brand-new track, the addition of advanced wavelight pacing technology, a strong lineup of elite athletes, and the programme now set for the evening rather than the afternoon, the seventh staging of the event is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet.
A keen look at competing athletes
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American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas, who owns multiple Olympic and world titles, is among the athletes to watch in the women’s 100m race. She heads into the competition following an impressive showing at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, where she secured victories in two sprint events. Thomas will face tough opposition from defending champion Maia McCoy, fellow Americans including Cambrea Sturgis, and Kenya’s Millicent Ndoro, who will be eager to impress on home ground.
In the women’s hammer throw, Canada’s Camryn Rogers stands out as the leading contender as she returns to Nairobi aiming to retain her crown. The Olympic and two-time world champion began her season strongly, producing a throw of 81.13m earlier this month in Austin to improve her own North American record. Among those expected to challenge her is two-time world medallist Janee’ Kassanavoid of the United States.
Meanwhile, Rogers’ fellow Canadian and Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg will also be seeking consecutive victories in the men’s hammer throw. The athlete, who holds the North American record of 84.70m set at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, will compete against strong rivals including Olympic bronze medallist Mykhalio Kokhan of Ukraine and Egypt’s Mostafa Elgamel, both of whom have exceeded the 81-metre mark.
Omanyala put to test
Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala will be among the crowd favourites as he returns to the venue where he famously set the African 100m record of 9.77 in 2021. Fresh from clocking 9.98 to win in Addis Ababa, he is expected to face stiff competition from Canada’s Aaron Brown, American Brandon Hicklin, and South Africa’s Gift Leotlela.
Jamaican sprinter Bryan Levell, a world bronze medallist currently ranked among the top athletes globally in the 200m, will also be in action. He arrives in Nairobi in excellent form after recently posting a 9.90 time in the 100m in Kingston. His main challengers are expected to include South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile and the USA’s Kyree King.
The men’s 400m race is shaping up to be one of the standout events, featuring Zambia’s Olympic bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene, and American Brian Faust, a world indoor silver medallist.
Kenya’s Lilian Odira, a world champion, will headline the women’s 800m as she lines up against strong Ethiopian challengers Nigist Getachew and Habtam Gebeyehu. The men’s 800m field is equally competitive, boasting six athletes who have recorded times faster than 1:44.00. Botswana’s Kethobolige Haingura will be among those seeking to challenge Kenyan runners such as Wyclife Kinyamal, Aaron Cheminingwa, and Alex Kipngetich.
In a notable shift, Kenya’s Olympic and world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will compete in the 1500m rather than his usual 800m race. He will line up alongside compatriots Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot, Brian Komen, and Abel Kipsang, as well as American champion Jonah Koech.
The men’s 3000m steeplechase promises an exciting contest, with brothers Amos Serem and Edmund Serem racing together as the elder sibling continues his return from injury. Other Kenyan athletes in the event include Abraham Kibiwot, Leonard Bett, and Simon Koech, who will face Ethiopian competitors such as Milkessa Fekadu and Hailu Ayalew.
Spotlight on Oketch
Attention will also be on Kenya’s rising star Mercy Oketch in the women’s 400m, where she aims to improve on her national record of 50.14 seconds. She will compete against athletes including American Paris Peoples and Uganda’s Leni Shida. In the women’s 400m hurdles, world finalists Shiann Salmon of Jamaica and Gianna Woodruff of Panama will go head-to-head with Kemi Adekoya.
The men’s javelin contest features several top throwers, including Kenya’s Julius Yego, Belgium’s Timothy Herman, Germany’s Olympic champion Thomas Rohler, and Portugal’s Leandro Ramos. In the long jump, the competition will include American Tionna Tobias and Burkina Faso’s Marthe Koala, both boasting personal bests of 6.94m, while Nigeria’s Ruth Usoro aims to build on her season-best performance of 6.65m.
