World Athletics Championships 2025: Botswana, South Africa Power into 4x400m Relay Final as Kenya Miss Spot

Kenya's 4 x 400 meter relay team just miss out of the final of the 2025 Tokyo World Championships despite spirited run as USA are shockingly dumped out.

Kenya’s men’s 4x400m relay team narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after finishing fourth in their heat with a spirited 3:00.76.

Despite an aggressive run and staying in contention through three exchanges, the quartet of George Mutinda, David Sangaek Kapirante, Dennis Masika Mulongo and Kevin Kipkorir fell just short of the automatic qualifying places and outside the two fastest-loser spots.

South Africa, Qatar and the Netherlands advanced directly from Heat 1, while the two non-automatic time spots were later claimed from a blistering second heat, leaving Kenya’s impressive run unrewarded.

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Kenya Fight Hard But Miss Out

Kenya entered Heat 1 determined to disrupt the established order, and the opening legs kept them within touching distance of qualification. Mutinda and Kapirante produced sharp splits, while Mulongo maintained the pressure with a composed third leg.

On the anchor, Kipkorir faced a fierce chase down the back straight as the Dutch, Qataris and South Africans held their form in a tight battle for the top three. Kenya crossed in 3:00.76 — just outside the Dutch time of 3:00.23 — but it wasn’t enough.

China (3:00.77), the United States (3:01.06), France (3:01.64) and Zambia (3:01.71) all finished behind Kenya, underlining the quality of the run but also the razor-thin margins at this level.

Any hopes of sneaking into the final via the time qualifiers quickly evaporated in the second heat. Botswana, inspired by sprint star Letsile Tebogo, stormed to victory in a staggering 2:57.68 — the fastest time across the rounds. Belgium (2:57.98) and Australia (2:58.60) followed in automatic places, while Great Britain & Northern Ireland (2:58.11) and Jamaica (2:59.13) claimed the only two time-qualifier spots available.

That meant Kenya’s 3:00.76, although quicker than several teams in Heat 2 including Portugal, Japan and Brazil, was not enough to progress.

What Next For Kenya?

The disappointment masks a significant step forward for Kenya’s quarter-milers. Their 3:00.76 time shows progress and hope for the future as it placed them within the sub 3:01 barrier that has long separated contenders from finalists.

The evolving global standard, however, is ruthless. To reach finals consistently, teams now require times in the 2:58–2:59 range. For Kenya, the takeaway is clear: maintain secure baton exchanges, sharpen second- and third-leg splits, and push the season’s best below the three-minute mark.

Finalists: Botswana, Belgium, Australia, South Africa, Qatar, Netherlands, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Jamaica.