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Olympic hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg to headline 2026 Kip Keino Classic
26th March, 2026 09:16 AM
Reigning world and Olympic hammer throw king Ethan Katzberg is set to be the star attraction at the 2026 Kip Keino Classic, with Nairobi gearing up for an electrifying showcase of top-tier athletics on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
In its seventh staging, the high-profile competition will introduce a groundbreaking element, as organisers schedule events under floodlights for the very first time.
The evening session, planned between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm, is anticipated to create a vibrant and high-energy setting as elite competitors step into the spotlight.
Meeting director Barnaba Korir confirmed Katzberg’s attendance, describing the Canadian’s inclusion as a significant lift to the event’s rising global stature. This is after Korir has revealed that preparations for the upcoming showpiece have gathered momentum following a recent high-level inspection at Nyayo National Stadium, the main venue for the event.
“We can confirm that Ethan Katzberg of Canada, who is already a World and Olympic champion, will be coming,” Korir said as per Athletics Kenya.
Katzberg heads to Nairobi boasting an outstanding résumé.
He clinched Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a remarkable 84.12m throw, finishing ahead of Bence Halasz (79.97m) and Mykhaylo Kokhan (79.39m).
On the global circuit, he first captured the world title at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 with an 81.25m mark, before retaining his crown in Tokyo the following year with a championship-record effort of 84.70m.
Ethan Katzberg in Kenya
He debuted at the Kip Keino Classic in 2023, placing second with a 76.38m throw, before going on to dominate the next two editions, winning in 2024 (84.38m) and 2025 (82.73m).
Aside from Katzberg’s presence, the Kip Keino Classic is emerging as an important preparatory event for sprinters targeting success at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, scheduled for May 2–3.
Korir explained that the timing of the Nairobi meet makes it a convenient stop for athletes en route to Botswana. “As we prepare for the World Relays in Botswana, some of the top sprinters from Europe will pass through here as they go to Gaborone,” he said.
“This is because the Kip Keino Classic comes just days before the World Relays, so athletes will make a stop here before proceeding further south to Botswana.”
High-profile names
Korir further revealed that additional high-profile names will be confirmed soon, adding more depth to the already strong lineup.
“We will announce the other athletes in the course of this week,” he said.
With a full schedule that includes sprint races, middle-distance contests, and field disciplines, Korir believes this edition could rank among the most competitive yet.
“This year’s programme will feature sprints, middle-distance and field events, and will be one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history,” he said.
Inspired by Kenya’s success in staging the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, organisers are aiming to deliver another world-class spectacle.
“After a successful Safari Rally, we want to make sure we have a successful Kip Keino Classic,” Korir added.
