Kip Keino Classic: Omanyala, Moraa optimistic of fast times on home soil
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 20.04.24. | 07:52
This year's event will be held at Nyayo Stadium unlike in the previous three editions which were hosted at Kasarani
Athletics fans around the globe are gearing up for a nerve-wracking day as the fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic is set to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Named after legendary distance runner Kipchoge Keino, the event was the first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Meeting on African soil. Its inaugural edition was held in 2020.
Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, four-time African javelin champion Julius Yego, 800m queen Mary Moraa, 2021 world U20 champion Vincent Keter, world U20 champion Reynold Kipkorir, and Olympic bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen are some of the track stars who will be competing.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, Omanyala says he is more focused this year than last year.
The speedster who emerged victorious in his 100m field in the last two editions of the event pointed out that his new coach Geoffrey Kimani motivates him to be calmer compared to the previous years.
"I changed my coach and I feel I am getting into the season with a different mentality. I will let the coaches do the work and let the action speak. At the moment, it is all about the event. Nyayo is a fast track, open air and we will see fast times on the course. Am looking forward to a positive start of the season," the 28-year-old said.
When asked about his targets and expectations ahead of a busy athletics year, the visibly undeterred sprinter noted that setting targets was the shortest way to unnecessary pressure.
“This year, we are not setting targets. We just go out there and run. If we set targets, we put so much pressure on ourselves. No pressure this year,” he offered.
On her side, world 800m champion Mary Moraa is hoping to use this event as a springboard ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics. She remains hopeful of lowering her time on home soil.
"I will be racing in the 800m. I remember how many people turned out at Kasarani. This gives us energy. We will possibly see good times posted at Nyayo Stadium,” the 800m queen said.
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Event director Barnaba Korir is pleased that Kenya is hosting it for the fifth time.
He urged fans to turn up and watch their favorite athletes compete live. Despite the financial hitch triggered by the budget cut by the government, he is certain of the success of the event.
"When an event of this magnitude comes to Kenya, you don't have to sit in front of your TV to watch these athletes. Come cheer and interact with them. We ask all Kenyans to support the event," he added.
The event kicks off at 11 am.
2024 Kip Keino Classic Schedule
11:00 - Triple Jump Men
11:15 - Shot Put Men
12:30 - Javelin Throw Men
13:40 – Car parade
14:00 - 10000m men
14:12 - Hammer Throw Women
14:45 - 400H M
14:55 - 400 W
15:05 - 5000 W
15:30 - 400 M
15:40 - 5000 M
15:45 - High Jump Women
16:00 – Start in broadcast
16:05 100m Women
16:13 - 3000 SC M
16:15 - Hammer Throw Men
16:30 - 800m Women
16:43 - 200m women
16:50 - 1500m Men
17:02 - 3000 SC Women
17:23 - 400H Women
17:31 - 800m men
17:40 - 1500m women
17:54 - 100m men
18:00 - end show
