Rising steeplechase star Edmund Serem eyes Kip Keino Classic glory
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 29.05.25. | 17:06
Ranked eighth globally this year, his 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive
When the starter’s gun fires at the men’s 3000m steeplechase during the Absa Kip Keino Classic this Saturday, the spotlight will fall squarely on one young man — 17-year-old Edmund Serem.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The rising star is fast becoming one of the most exciting talents on the global athletics scene. A World U-20 champion and African silver medallist, Serem is the latest sensation to emerge from Kenya’s rich tradition of steeplechase excellence.
With the sixth leg of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event taking place at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, Serem is primed to take centre stage and add another chapter to his meteoric rise.
He is also the younger brother of Amos Serem, the reigning Diamond League champion who famously stunned Olympic gold medallist Soufiane El Bakkali in Brussels last year.
Though Amos, 22, is currently sidelined with injury and will not feature in Nairobi, his younger sibling is ready to carry the family mantle.
“It feels good racing against my younger brother. I know he’s in great form, but I’m focused on recovering and joining him in the fight for a World Championships slot,” Amos said in an interview with Kip Keino Classic media.
With his brother absent, Edmund is the leading Kenyan hope for a podium finish. Ranked eighth globally this year, his 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive.
He made his Diamond League debut in Shanghai with a stunning silver medal in 8:08.68 — seven seconds faster than he had aimed for — then followed it up with a blistering personal best of 8:07.48 for bronze in Rabat.
“I’m not coming to Kip Keino to chase times. I already have the qualification mark for Tokyo 2025. This race is about winning — it’s tactical.”
Born in the rugged village of Muyeng’wet, nestled in the Kabao hills of Uasin Gishu County, Edmund carries the dreams of a family with deep athletic roots.
His father, a catechist and small-scale farmer, once dreamed of running professionally but never had the opportunity. Now, his sons are living that dream.
“Out of eight siblings, only Amos and I run — but it’s like he’s running through us,” Edmund reflected.
Coached by the legendary Patrick Sang — a three-time world steeplechase silver medallist and mentor to Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge — Edmund trains alongside Amos in the high-altitude haven of Kaptagat.
Their training group also includes top female steeplechasers Faith Cherotich and Jackline Chepkoech. All of them hail from the same village, bound by the spirit of shared struggle and ambition.
.jpg)
“Brotherhood gives me motivation. We push each other and remind ourselves of the days when Kemboi, Mateelong, and Kipruto would take turns leading races and joking mid-run. That brotherhood spirit lives on in us.”
And while the competition is fierce, there is a lighthearted edge to their sibling rivalry.
“Of course, we want to beat each other. Amos is more experienced, but I believe I’m catching up. The best part is, no matter who wins, the victory stays in the family.”
The Serems’ story brings echoes of another sibling duo — Stephen and Abraham Cherono — whose steeplechase rivalry captured global attention two decades ago.
Stephen, who later switched allegiance to Qatar and became Saif Saaeed Shaheen, won the 2003 World Championships, while his elder brother remained in Kenyan colours.
This Saturday, Edmund will aim to better his eighth-place finish from last year’s Kip Keino Classic, where he was hampered by a hamstring issue. Fully recovered and in top form, he returns with confidence and clarity.
And when he is not crushing barriers on the track, the Serem rivalry continues off it — in football. Amos is a Chelsea supporter, while Edmund backs Arsenal.
“So you can imagine what weekends are like in our house,” Edmund concluded.
.jpg)
