Ulinzi Sports Complex was left in a sad note as Kenyan-born Jonah Koech edged local stars with a dramatic 800m win.
Jonah Koech stole it in the dying embers to win the 800m at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Kenyan-born American unleashed a powerful final kick to clock a personal best of 1:43.32, edging out a competitive pack of seasoned and rising stars.
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18:20 - 31.05.2025
Ferdinand Omanyala and Bayanda Walaza Floored by Surprise Australian Challenger at Kip Keino Classic
Ferdinand Omanyala and Bayanda Walaza did not live up to expectations at Kip Keino Classic as they were beaten by little-known Australian Lachlan Kennedy.
Home fans were treated to a fierce battle among Kenya’s finest, with Nicholas Kiplang Kebenei securing second place in 1:43.75, also a personal best.
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Alex Ng’eno Kipngetich, just 24 years old, showed his class by finishing third with a season-best 1:45.17, keeping Kenya well represented on the podium.
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17:50 - 31.05.2025
America’s Shannon Ray Outpaced by Liberian Duo in 100m at Kip Keino Classic
Liberia impressed in the women’s 100m at the Kip Keino Classic, with strong performances against international competition in Nairobi.
Veteran Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich followed closely in fourth, recording 1:45.32, while Cornelius Tuwei and Aaron Kemei Cheminingwa finished fifth and sixth respectively, both delivering strong runs under 1:46.
Botswana’s duo, Tumo Nkape and Lethlogonolo Mokgethi, rounded out the race with respectable performances, while Eric Nzikwinkunda of Burundi did not start, and Algeria’s Khaled Benmahdi was unable to finish.
Koech’s stunning victory—on Kenyan soil—was symbolic, a homecoming of sorts, and a reminder of his enduring connection to Kenya, even while flying the American flag.
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16:25 - 31.05.2025
Wiseman Were: Why Kenyan Sprinter Is Not Happy Despite Smashing Meet Record at Kip Keino Classic
Kenya’s 400m hurdles sensation Wiseman Were lowered the Kip Keino Classic record and also hit the World Championship qualifying standard but he still has some regrets.
His win brought the Ulinzi Sports Complex to its feet, capping a sensational 800m showdown at the Kip Keino Classic.