Kip Keino clash a precursor of World Championships trials

Albeit a discretionary race at this weekend's World Athletics (WA) Continental Tour gold meeting dubbed Kip Keino Classic, the men's 1500m race promises fireworks as the best of Kenyan mile runners lock horns. 

The field is led by the in-form World Indoor bronze medalist and Olympian Abel Kipsang who raced to a 3:36.17 at the Athletics Kenya (AK) national championship last week, beating a strong field to book his ticket to the Senior African Athletics Championships set for 8 to 12 June. 

For competition, Kipsang will face former World Youth 1,500m champion Kumari Taki for the second time in two weeks. The 22-year-old finished second at the AK national championship, pointing to the beginning of a spectacular comeback after struggling with injury. 

The race is also likely to feature the sibling duo of former world 1500m champion Elijah Manang'oi and his younger brother and former World Under-20 champion George l Manang'oi, both members of the star-studded Rongai Athletics Club (RAC). 

Also in the mix is another RAC athlete, the defending World Under-20 champion Vincent Keter who has since transitioned to the senior ranks and is looking to defend his Classic title.  

US sprinter Kerley jets in for Kip Keino Classic clash with Jacobs and Ferdinand Omanyala

World champion and Olympics silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot who was expected to add to the race's stellar field has, however, elected to move a discipline down and compete in the 800m race. 

"Cheruiyot is dealing with an injury and to ease into the busy outdoor season that is just getting started. We will, however, have him compete in the 800m if given the green light by the medical team that is accessing him daily. 

As at now, he is clear to race but that could change before Saturday, injuries are complex. We will also use the same strategy for him going into the Diamond League races as we work towards his title defense in Oregon," offered his tactician Bernard Ouma in an interview with Mozzart Sport. 

Ouma disclosed that the Manang'oi's participation at the Classic is still in doubt. "We are still waiting to see if they can get a lane for the chance to compete. Keter has been cleared to race," Ouma confirmed. 

Defending champion, Keter has his work cut out against the stellar field. Last year, the youngster clocked 3:35.99 to beat Moroccan Abdellatif Sadiki and Ethiopian Kasaye Adehena in a race that Kipsang and World junior record holder Ronald Kwemoi did not compete in as expected. 

"Maintaining this momentum is the real test. The competition in this race in Kenya is unbelievable and with all the upcoming races, everyone is out to put in better times in every race. The classic will be no different and I will hope to be in the podium," offered Kipsang. 

Adding to the race's dynamics will be Kenyan-born American Paul Chelimo. The 2016 Olympics silver and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist will be out to wrestle the title from the Kenyans.