The World Athletics Continental Tour Nairobi Meet Director, Barnabas Korir, has promised that this year’s 5th edition of the Kip Keino Classic race will be a world-class show.

Korir revealed a star-studded list of international athletes set to take part in the event slated for April 20, 2024. The global stars, according to Korir, underline the event’s status as a Continental Tour gold. “This one-day international championship has attracted elite global athletes and World Champions, as well as Kenyan stars,” stated Korir.

“Elite global athletes will include Deadmon Bryce from the USA, Ray Shannon from the USA, Kaden Lilly from Germany, Reid Alana from Jamaica, Nowe Oratile from Botswana, Kandisounon Lena from France, Desta Netsanet from Ethiopia, and Mboma Christine from Namibia,” Korir added.

The competition features a wide range of events from sprints to javelin and hammer throws, promising to give Kenyans a firsthand thrilling experience of what happens on the global stage.

In the javelin event, Julius Yego will take on Germany’s Rohler Thomas, who is returning to the competition for a rematch with the “YouTube athlete.”

Ministry of Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum graced the launch and hailed the organizers for a job well done, underlining the government’s commitment to support the cause. “As a ministry, we will continue to give the required support, and the government is investing substantially to ensure the success of our athletes. This will include supporting the adequate rewarding of our athletes to ensure that Kenya continues to demonstrate its prowess in sports.”

On his part, athletics body chief General Jackson Tuwei expressed his delight for the incredible partnership exhibited so far to make this year’s championship a success. “We are thrilled and grateful to our partners and the government. Their support through the years has enabled us to host a world-class event that puts us at an admirable spot in the global arena, and with this, we are assured of capacity building that boosts our country’s development. I call on Kenyans to come out in large numbers at the Nyayo National Stadium to support our national stars,” said Tuwei.

Also Africa’s fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala will be going head to head with American Bednarek Kenneth in the 100 m race.

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