by Alfonz JuckThe final event programme for the Kipkeino Classic #ContinentalTourGold at Nyayo National Stadium is here.
For tickets (free), dial *658*22#. Limited slots available.
Which events are you looking forward to most? pic.twitter.com/i5ilmbIxZC
— Kipkeino Classic Continental Tour (@KipKeinoClassic) October 2, 2020
This is the update on the Kip Keino Classic, to be held on 3 October 2020.
Inaugural WACT Gold to end in Kenya
“Joy” , photo by Etienne Fiacre/ Monaco DL
NAIROBI (KEN): The final gold meeting of the inaugural World Athletics Continental Tour is the 1st Kip Keino Classic on Saturday as Kenya stages its first one-day meeting at this level. Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed his joy seeing Kenya host the meet and added: “Our event in Nairobi will be different compared to other Continental Tour Meet because we not only have core events but also, we made it a national championship to give other athletes who have not had a chance to compete due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” The meet has attracted 97 foreign athletes, 65 men and 32 women, from 24 countries. The government has footed the entire budget for the Kip Keino Classic and is already making preparations for the 2021 World U20 Championships that will be next year in Nairobi.
Event by event short previews (international)
Men
200m – Arthur Cisse will be trying to build on his recent 20.23 PB form, which brought him the win in Doha.
800m – World bronze medallist and global No.5 Ferguson Rotich, plus Collins Kipruto with Wycliffe Kinyamal and Australian Joseph Deng are fastest in the field on this season’s times.
1500m – Timothy Cheruiyot looks to continue on top form and is a class apart here, with Bethwell Birgen and Kumari Taki among the top names.
5000m – Nicholas Kimeli, who leads the world rankings at 10,000m and was second behind Joshua Cheptegei when he set his world record, is the standout with sub-13 and sub-27 times to his name.
3000m steeplechase – Leonard Bett is the top time after Conseslus Kipruto and Soufiane El Bakkali withdrew.
Hammer – Ozkan Baltaci, who has thrown 77m this year, and Pavel Bareisha with Italian veteran Marco Lingua are prominent.
Javelin – Three 80+ throwers among top names: Belgian Herman, Poland´s Chmielak and Grobler from South Africa.
Women
200m – Bassant Hemida from Egypt is the favorite with sub 23 this year, also in the mix British Kristal Awuah.
800m – World fourth-placer Winnie Nanyondo and Emily Yarigo should be the ones fighting it out while 2013 world champion Eunice Sum is in there too with Claudia Bobocea from Romania.
1500m – Winny Chebet and Axumawit Embaye lead a competitive field. Also there Ethiopian Lemlem Hailu and Mercy Cherono stepping down.
5000m – World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri is back on track after her world leads at 3000m and 5000m. She’ll face world 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Tirop, who was closest to her in Doha, and Sheila Chelangat.
3000m steeplechase – World champion Beatrice Chepkoech looks to overturn her defeat to Hyvin Kiyeng from the flat distance in Doha. Interesting there Genevieve Gregson from Australia and Ireland´s Michelle Finn.
Hammer – Anastasiya Kalamoyets and Vanessa Sterckendries will be looking to breach the 70m line as will be Venezuela´s record holder Rosa Rodriguez.
National-level events – Former world 10km road record-holder Rhonex Kipruto and three-time world bronze medallist Paul Tanui go in the 10,000m, while Nicholas Chirchir headlines the 400m hurdles. In the morning also 20 km walk races will be staged. Another interesting addition into the programme is 4×400 m mixed relay with local teams. Also high jump with national record holder Mathew Sawe will be held.
Nairobi ready to unleash fresh African experience at Kipkeino Classic#ContinentalTourGoldhttps://t.co/BWxkAllbDw
— Kipkeino Classic Continental Tour (@KipKeinoClassic) October 2, 2020
