Brian Komen opens up on below standard season preparations

Kenyan middle-distance runner Brian Komen has explained why he remains cautious ahead of the Kip Keino Classic.

Komen admitted that he is unsure whether he can lower his personal best as he opens his 2026 season.

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The 26-year-old's 1500 m personal best stands at 3:28.80, set at the Wanda Diamond League Monaco on 12 July 2024.

Despite his impressive rise over the past two seasons, Komen has downplayed expectations of a fast time in Nairobi, citing less-than-ideal preparations.

“I will open my season at the Kip Keino Classic. I’m not certain about improving my personal best since my preparations haven’t been ideal, but I’ll give it my all,” Komen said.

Komen heads into the race after finishing second at the national trials in 3:36.4, behind Reynold Cheruiyot, who claimed victory.

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The duo is set to represent Kenya at the upcoming Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, where Komen will be defending his title.

“I’m heading to Ghana as the defending champion, and I understand the responsibility that comes with that. I’ll give it my best to retain the title, and I’m confident that Reynold and I can secure the top two positions,” he added.

The Kip Keino Classic will serve as a crucial tune-up for both athletes before they shift focus to the continental assignment.

Komen’s recent build-up has been hampered by injuries, having battled a stress fracture on his tibia last season as well as a hamstring issue towards the end of the campaign.

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However, he now says he is fully fit and focused on the road ahead.

“Last season, I suffered a stress fracture on my tibia, but I’ve fully recovered now. I’m injury-free, and our focus is firmly on the season ahead,” he said.

After the Kip Keino Classic, Komen plans to kick off his Diamond League campaign in Rabat, Morocco, as he continues to rebuild his form against elite competition.

“When I return to training, my focus will be on building both speed and endurance,” he noted.

Training in Iten, the heart of Kenya’s distance running culture, Komen has been sharpening his craft under experienced coaches while sharing sessions with top athletes, including Daniel Ebenyo.

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Komen’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.

After running 3:33.84 in 2023, he made a significant leap in 2024, clocking 3:28.80 to become the sixth-fastest man in the world that year and securing his first Diamond League victory in Doha.

He also reached the 1500m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, although his campaign ended on a disappointing note as he finished last after battling flu during the preliminary rounds.