Kip Keino Classic: Wise run from Were seals World Championships ticket
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 31.05.25. | 15:48
This victory not only stamped Were’s authority as the man to beat locally but mirrored his exploits at last year’s edition of the Kip Keino Classic
Wiseman Were wrapped up his May in sensational style, storming to a commanding victory at the Kip Keino Classic held on Saturday, 31 May at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
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Were clocked 48.36 seconds, comfortably within the 48.50 qualifying standard for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. That performance saw him book his spot at the global showpiece for the first time.
“I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete, though I did not achieve that. I am happy with the victory,” he said after crossing the line.
The 2022 African Championships bronze medalist held off stiff competition from Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang, who finished second in 48.59, while Kenya’s Kipkorir Rotich placed third in 49.17.
This victory not only stamped Were’s authority as the man to beat locally but mirrored his exploits at last year’s edition of the Kip Keino Classic, where he earned a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a time of 48.57 seconds.
Looking ahead, Were is targeting more Diamond League appearances as he fine-tunes his race craft.
“I will now sharpen on the hurdle clearance as I prepare for the Diamond League,” he added.
Tisang, who has shared the track with Were at the 2024 African Championships, is already plotting a return to Nairobi.
“The weather is good, superb, I enjoyed it, I ran a good race. The altitude is high, and I want to come back next time for this guy (Wiseman Were) so we can run a fast time. A 47 is possible,” Tisang, who is nursing a minor injury, said.
Kipkorir was pleased with his podium finish.
“It was exciting because I posted my personal best time. Congratulations to Wiseman on his win, and I’m looking forward to the season ahead,” he offered.
Mercy Oketch Smashes 400m National Record
In one of the most electrifying moments of the day, Mercy Oketch shattered the national women’s 400m record, clocking 50.14 seconds to clinch victory and secure her ticket to the Tokyo World Championships.
The 2024 Africa Military Games silver medalist broke the previous national mark held by her mentor Mary Moraa, delivering a career-defining run that left the Ulinzi crowd on its feet.
“I feel happy with the time I have clocked. I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships,” Oketch said.
Uganda’s Leni Shida provided the stiffest challenge, finishing second in 50.39 seconds, also a personal best. Kenya’s Mercy Chebet placed third in 51.52, likewise setting a new lifetime best.
“The competition was nice because running that time was my plan. I have more races after this in Europe, and maybe there, I can qualify for the World Championships,” Shida said.
Oketch, who is also a key member of Kenya’s 4x400m mixed relay team for Tokyo 2025, will join forces with Kevin Kipkorir, Mercy Chebet, and David Sanayek in what is shaping up to be one of the most promising relay squads in recent memory.
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