Kip Keino Classic 2026: Key Information for Gabby Thomas, Ferdinand Omanyala and Co Ahead of the Event

The 2026 edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic is just days away, and the organisers have unveiled important information for Gabby Thomas, Ferdinand Omanyala, Gift Leotlela, Bryan Levell, Muzala Samukonga and other stars ahead of the sixth edition of the event.

The 2026 edition introduces a revolutionary night schedule at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium, complete with advanced Wavelight technology to push athletes toward record-breaking times.

According to official communications from Athletics Kenya, all athletes, including those competing in the national and international heats, must navigate a tight schedule.

A crucial step for every competitor is the collection of Bib numbers. This will take place at the Tamarind Tree Hotel on Thursday, April 23, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

All invited participants are required to confirm their participation in the event via a dedicated line (+254 717223952) to ensure heat lanes are locked in.

Athletes and officials are scheduled to check in at the Eka Hotel starting from 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, to settle in before the competition begins.

To keep operations on track for the departures, all guests must complete their check-out by 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 25.

Meanwhile, coming off a blistering 9.98-second victory at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix just days ago, Ferdinand Omanyala is finding his rhythm at the perfect time.

"I am through with the cookery now. The food is ready, and it’s time to serve it… just come with a huge appetite," he said. "I am coming with speed... not IShowSpeed to the party."

However, the path to gold is blocked by Canada’s Olympic relay champion, Aaron Brown and the rising American speedster, Brandon Hicklin.

Gift Leotlela, who is fresh from winning the men’s 100m at the South African Championships, is also a formidable threat.

On her part, triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has already made waves upon her arrival in Nairobi. Fresh from sweeping the 100m and 200m titles in Ethiopia, Gabby Thomas will be out to continue her winning streak.

“Ethiopia was an incredible first stop on my African continental tour!! Won the sprint double at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix. Great hospitality, energetic crowd, and yummy food. Thank you, Ethiopia, for the opportunity to race here. Next 👉🏽 Nairobi,” Gabby Thomas posted on Instagram on Sunday.

This year’s event serves as a curtain-raiser for Kenya’s ambitious bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.

The shift to a night schedule, finishing between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, is designed to mimic the atmosphere of European major meets, providing a cooler environment that may lead to faster times.