Bryan Levell, Dalilah Muhammad Among Star Names Confirmed for 2026 Kip Keino Classic

Kip Keino Classic race director Barnaba Korir has confirmed a strong lineup of top athletes for the 2026 edition, set for Friday, April 24, at Nyayo National Stadium.

Speaking during the event’s media launch, Barnaba Korir revealed that this year’s competition will not only attract elite talent but will also make history by being staged under floodlights for the first time.

The 2025 edition delivered thrilling performances, headlined by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, double world U20 champion Bayanda Walaza, and Lachlan Kennedy in the men’s 100m.

In the 400m, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene competed alongside Kenya’s national record holder Mercy Oketch, further underlining the event’s growing global appeal.

Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala headlines the 2026 Kip Keino Classic lineup, leading a strong field of elite athletes.

Bryan Levell, the world 200m bronze medallist, has also confirmed his participation in the event. Meanwhile, Dalilah Muhammad, who had hinted at retiring after the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, will also make a return to competition.

“It’s going to be it for me this year. I think this will be it. I haven’t really made an announcement or publicly known, but yeah, I’m thinking one and done,” Dalilah Muhammad said last year.

Former world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot has also been confirmed for the event, with reigning Olympic and world 800m champion also set to compete.

Julius Yego will also be in action in the javelin. Olympic 400m bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga is also expected to line up for the men’s 400m. Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi, the former world 800m champion, will also be competing.

“These are just a few athletes who have confirmed their participation, and we shall release the full entries in due time. We have a rich team that will be participating. This year marks a major milestone for the Kip Keino Classic…it will be the first time the event is held at night,” Barnaba Korir said.

“Some people might think it’s late, but all the Diamond League events are held in the evening, and we are twisting it for the evening.”

Meanwhile, the event will also feature the junior category for the first time, marking a new era for the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour event.