TOKYO2025: Schedule for Kenyans in action on Day Four

A total of eight Kenyans will be in action at Tokyo's National Stadium on Tuesday, 16 September as the 2025 World Championships enter Day Four.

Of the eight, three will be contesting a final, led by three-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, who will headline the women's 1500m final scheduled for 1605 EAT.

As well detailed in our earlier piece, everything is on the table for the 31-year-old to make more history - becoming the first athlete after Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj to win four 1500m world titles.

TOKYO2025: Kipyegon bidding to equal El Guerrouj’s 1500m legacy

She will be joined in the highly exciting race by compatriots Nelly Chepchirchir and Dorcas Ewoi, all who will be delighted to win their first senior global medals.

That prospect will be challenged by a talented group that will consist of Australia’s Olympic silver medalist Jessica Hull, two-time world indoor champion Freweyni Hailu, and nine-time US national champion Nikki Hiltz.

Wanyonyi begins chase for world title

Kicking off the day from a Kenyan perspective will be the men's 800m heats, which will involve all heavyweights in what could end up to be a mouth-watering final on Saturday, 20 September.

Four Kenyans will be represented across the seven afternoon heats kicking off at 1335 EAT, led by Paris 2024 Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who will be warming up to what he hopes will be his first senior World Championship title.

TOKYO2025: Emmanuel Wanyonyi begins pursuit of missing piece

The 21-year-old will be in Heat Five that guns off at 1411 EAT, coming after the duo of Alex Ngeno (Heat One at 1335 EAT) and Kelvin Kimtai Loti (Heat Two at 1341 EAT).

The last of the Kenyans involved in the two-lap event will be Nicholas Kebenei, who will line up at 1429 EAT in Heat Seven.

The quartet will aim to finish top three in their respective heats to book a place in Thursday, 18 September semifinals. Also on offer will be places for three of the fastest losers.

Oketch fairytale

Footballer-turned-sprinter Mercy Adongo Oketch will look to extend her incredible run this year when she lines up in the women's 400m semifinals at 1515 EAT.

The 23-year-old, who clocked 50.76 seconds to finish third in her heat on Sunday, 14 September, will line up in Semifinal Two, where a top two finish will see her sail to the final.

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Oketch will be in the same heat as Diamond League champion Salwa Eid Naser, relay world champion Lieke Klaver, and multiple time World Championships medalist Stacey Ann Williams - all women who have run under 50 seconds.

The Kenyan's work will be hugely tested, but there also exists a spot to the final should she be among the two fastest losers in the three heats.

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Full Schedule

1335 EAT - Men's 800m heats - Alex Ng'eno, Kelvin Kimtai, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Nicholas Kebenei

1515 EAT - Women's 400m semis - Mercy Adongo Oketch

1605 EAT - Women's 1500m final - Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Dorcas Ewoi.