Kip Keino Classic: Kenyan men secure 1-4 sweep as Ethiopian women reign supreme in 1500m
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 31.05.25. | 19:04
Ethiopia’s Musa Sendei disrupted what could have been a clean Kenyan top five, finishing fifth
Abel Kipsang delivered a commanding performance to lead a Kenyan 1–4 sweep in the men’s 1500m at the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, May 31.
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Kipsang crossed the finish line in 3:35.09, executing a well-timed surge in the final lap to claim victory in front of a home crowd.
His compatriot Mathew Kipchumba followed closely, clocking a personal best of 3:35.87 to take second place.
Vincent Kibet secured third in 3:37.59, while Charles Cheboi Simotwo completed the Kenyan quartet in fourth with a time of 3:37.75.
Ethiopia’s Musa Sendei disrupted what could have been a clean Kenyan top five, finishing fifth.
He edged out Kenya’s Duncan Waweru, who nonetheless impressed with a personal best of 3:39.96 to place sixth.
Byegon Kipkoech and Anthony Kibet rounded out the Kenyan contingent in seventh and eighth, also setting personal bests of 3:42.78 and 3:43.78, respectively.
It was a proud moment for Kenya’s middle-distance running, with eight athletes finishing in the top ten and five posting lifetime bests.
Ethiopian sweep women’s 1500m
While Kenya celebrated success in the men’s 1500 metres, it was Ethiopia who dominated the women’s 1500 metres at the Kip Keino Classic, led by a composed performance from Hawi Abera.
She crossed the finish line in 4:06.52, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Purity Chepkirui, who claimed second in 4:06.97 after a thrilling sprint to the tape.
Ethiopia’s strength in depth was on full display, with three of their athletes finishing in the top five.
Ksanet Alem secured third place in 4:07.15, her season's best, followed closely by Axumawit Embaye in fourth with a time of 4:08.04.
Kenya’s Faith Chebet placed fifth, clocking 4:13.25, just ahead of Uganda’s Knight Aciru, who recorded a season's best of 4:13.43.
Despite missing out on podium places, Kenya found positives in the performances further down the field.
Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka ran a personal best of 4:15.90, marking a promising milestone in her development.
Rebecca Mwangi finished 11th in 4:30.97, while Vicody Chemutai completed the race in 12th.
Uganda’s Nowel Cheruto also impressed with a personal best of 4:24.62.
