Mercy Oketch runs a World Lead to break Kenyan record at the Simbine Classic

Kenya’s 400m national record holder Mercy Oketch delivered a statement performance at the Simbine Classic, clocking a world-leading 35.77 to win the women’s 300m and break the Kenyan national record on Tuesday, 28 April.

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Competing in Pretoria, South Africa, Oketch edged out American Kenondra Davis in a thrilling finish, with Davis crossing the line in 35.81. The time not only secured victory but also firmly placed Oketch at the top of the global rankings in the rarely contested distance.

Her latest feat continues a rich vein of form for the Kenyan, who has steadily built momentum throughout the season.

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At the Kip Keino Classic, she dominated the women’s 400m, winning in a season-best 50.17 ahead of Paris Peoples (51.06), while Mercy Chebet completed the podium with a personal best of 51.14.

Earlier in the campaign, the Asian Games champion and Olympic finalist underlined her consistency at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix.

Although she finished second, Oketch posted a strong 50.28, a performance that hinted at her championship pedigree even in the early stages of the outdoor season.

Her progression has been fueled not just by results, but also by inspiration drawn from global icons. Oketch has openly cited Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as a benchmark, studying her technique and approach to elite competition.

The two athletes last shared the track at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where McLaughlin-Levrone claimed victory in the 400m heat in 49.41 seconds ahead of Martina Weil (50.61), with Oketch finishing third in 50.76.

Reflecting on that experience, Oketch revealed how closely she analysed the Americans’ execution.

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“According to how she ran and how I ran with her, I didn’t feel like I had strained or struggled, but I ran really well. I don’t think it is hard; it’s just a matter of training,” she said in an interview with NTV’s Sport On.

“The only difference between her running style and mine was the leg turnover; hers was way faster. You need to have confidence and train very hard. You need to have a strong mindset that you can do it, and that rhythm will just find you,” she shared.

With her latest record-breaking run, Oketch now sits comfortably atop the list of Kenya’s all-time performers in the 300m.

Her 35.77 eclipses the previous national benchmark held by Damaris Mutunga (37.80), with Maureen Jelagat Maiyo (39.31), Gladys Chepngetich (39.55), and Rukia Nusra Omulisia (40.15) completing the top five.

Women’s 300m – All-Time Kenyan Performances

Mercy Oketch – 35.77

Damaris Mutunga – 37.80

Maureen Jelagat Maiyo – 39.31

Gladys Chepngetich – 39.55

Rukia Nusra Omulisia – 40.15