Gaborone 2026 World Relays: Preview, Prize Money, Team Kenya, Time and Where to Watch

A 30-member Kenyan contingent, led by Ferdinand Omanyala and Mercy Oketch, is set to compete in Gaborone, Botswana, this weekend at the World Athletics Relays 2026, with crucial qualification spots for major upcoming championships on the line.

The event, which runs between May 2 and 3, is crucial for qualification places to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships as well as the 2027 World Championships.

This year's competition, the eighth edition of the World Relays, marks a historic first as it is being held on African soil.

A total of 723 athletes from 40 nations will compete across six events: men's, women's, and mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Team Kenya will field teams in five of these races, mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays, the men's and women's 4x400m squads, and the men's 4x100m team.

Beyond the pursuit of medals, the Gaborone meet serves as a vital qualifier for two prestigious World Athletics events. The top 12 teams from all six relay events will secure a direct entry to the World Athletics Championships 2027 in Beijing. Additionally, the top six finishers in the two mixed relays will earn a spot at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships, scheduled for later this year in Budapest.

The qualification process is straightforward. On Saturday, the top two teams from each heat will advance to the finals, guaranteeing their place in Beijing. These teams will then compete for medals and preferential lane draws on Sunday. Teams that do not qualify on the first day will have a second chance in an additional round on Sunday, where the top two teams from each heat will also book their tickets to the 2027 World Championships.

The Kenyan squad features a blend of experience and rising talent, including Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and fast-rising Mercy Oketch.

Team Kenya Squad at the 2026 World Relays:

4x100m Men and 4x100m Mixed (Male athletes): Ferdinand Omurwa Omanyala, Mark Otieno Odhiambo, Moses Wasike Onyango, Elkana Kiprotich Sabila, Dennis Wangui Mwai, Meshack Kitsubuli Babu, Ronald Kiprono Koech, Samuel Waweru Chege & Steve Odhiambo Onyango. 4x400m Women & 4x400m Mixed (Female Athletes): Mercy Adongo Oketch, Mercy Chebet, Hellen Syombua Kalii, Maureen Nanjala Wafula, Anne Mbatha Nzula, Margaret Naserian Tajeu, Gladys Muthoni Ngure, Purity Chepkoech Joy & Lanoline Owino Aoko. 4x400m Men & 4x400m Mixed (Male Athletes): Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui, Dennis Masika Mulongo, George Mutinda Mutuku, Kevin Kipkorir, Danson Kibet, Erick Kimathi, Joshua Ndombi, Kipkorir Rotich & Erastus Mbaluka Musilu. 4x100m Mixed Relay (Female athletes): Millicent Ndoro, Diana Lilian Awako Aoko & Eunice Kadogo Murandafu.

In Gaborone, all the participating teams will not just be fighting for qualification tickets to the Ultimate World Championships and World Championships but also cash incentives.

At the 2026 World Relays, winning teams in each event will be awarded $40,000 (Ksh5.1 million), $20,000 (Ksh2.6 million) and $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) for second and third place respectively while fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight place attract $8,000 (Ksh1 million), $6,000 (Ksh7750,000), $4,000 (Ksh516,720), $3,000 (Ksh387,540) and $2000 (Ksh258,360) in that order.

The first event will gun off at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday from 3.05pm (Kenyan) time being the Mixed 4x100m Relay First Qualifying Round and fans can catch the action live on SuperSport TV.

Live streaming of the World Athletics Relays 2026 will be available on the World Athletics+ platform and website.