Kip Keino Cla*sic: Omanyala outcla*sed, Moraa, Cheruiyot shine
Ferdinand Omanyala was outclassed during the Kip Keino Classic showdown in the 100m race at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
America’s Kenneth Bednarek emerged as the winner after timing 9.91, Omanyala came in fifth after clocking 10.03 seconds, and Mark Otieno finished sixth in 10.22 seconds.
Emmanuel Matadi was second after running in 9.99 seconds, while Britain’s Jeremiah Azu finished third in 10 seconds. The fourth position was claimed by Ali Chituru.
Meanwhile, Mary Moraa won the women's 800m with a world-leading 1:57.96. The Kenyan short-distance runner was within the leading pack in the initial 200m before breaking off and winning by a time of 1.57.96.
Nelly Chepchirchir and Vivian Cherotich came in second and third by clocking 1.58.26 and 1.58.93, respectively, as Kenya swept the podium positions.
Kenya also shone in the men's race as Abraham Kibiwot clocked 8.20.54 to win, with Amos Serem, Mathew Kosgei, and Wesley Lang'at claiming the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
In the 400m, Wiseman Were won by breaking the previous record meet at the Kip Keino Classic, as he clocked 48.57, a time that also ensured he qualified for the upcoming Olympic Games. The Olympic Games qualifying time is 48.70, and Were met the qualification bracket by more than 10 seconds.
Elsewhere, Kirwa Yego claimed the top position in the men's tripple jump by covering a distance of 15.95m. Gilbert Pkemoi came in second for jumping 15.59 m, as Philip Mwema claimed the third position by covering a distance of 15.47m.
Finally, in the 1500m, Reynold Cheruiyot clocked 3.31.96, leading as Brian Komen and Daniel Munguti took the second and third positions, another clean podium sweep for Kenya.
