Wiseman Were and Mercy Oketch Shine with Stellar Wins at Kip Keino Classic
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: Kenyan athletes Wiseman Were and Mercy Oketch delivered masterclass performances on Saturday, clinching commanding victories in the 400m hurdles and 400m flat, respectively, at the Absa Kip Keino Classic held at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Were, the reigning national champion, clocked 48.36 seconds, comfortably within the 48.50-second qualifying mark for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, sealing his debut appearance at the global event. The 2022 African Championships bronze medallist fended off a strong challenge from Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang, who finished second in 48.59, while Kenya’s Kipkorir Rotich secured third place with a personal best of 49.17.
“I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete though I did not achieve that today,” said Were. “I will now sharpen my hurdle clearance as I prepare for the Diamond League.”
Tisang, despite a minor injury, expressed enthusiasm for a rematch. “The weather is superb. I enjoyed the race. I want to come back next time for this guy (Were) so we can run a fast time — a 47 is possible,” he said.
Rotich, who celebrated a new personal best, congratulated Were and shared optimism about the season ahead. “It was exciting. I’ve posted my personal best. Congratulations to Wiseman on his win.”
Saturday’s win mirrored Were’s performance at the 2024 Kip Keino Classic, where he posted 48.57 to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
In the women’s 400m, Mercy Oketch stunned the field with a national record of 50.14 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 50.38 set by Mary Moraa in 2023. Oketch led Uganda’s Shida Leni (50.93) and Kenya’s Mercy Chebet (51.52) to the finish line, securing her own Tokyo 2025 qualification.
“I feel happy with the time I have clocked. I’ve set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor, Mary Moraa,” Oketch said. “The crowd made me feel more energized.”
Leni, while missing out on the Tokyo mark, remained hopeful. “Running that time was my plan. I have more races in Europe — maybe there, I can qualify for the World Championships.”
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic continues to affirm Nairobi’s status as a premier athletics hub, showcasing rising and established talent on a global stage.
