Gov't support key to Kip Keino Classic success, says AK
Korir says that preparations are complete ahead of the sixth edition of the event that takes place in unbecoming circumstances, especially with the unavailability of the Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums.
The government has played a major part in ensuring that the Kip Keino Classic is a successful event this year, Athletics Kenya honcho Bernard Korir has said.
Speaking ahead of the Classic, which takes place on Saturday, 31 May 2025 and is a sanctioned World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet, Korir says that preparations are complete ahead of the sixth edition of the event that takes place in unbecoming circumstances, especially with the unavailability of the Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums.
Korir believes that regardless of the situation, there is a lot to look forward to ahead of the meeting that will see both local and international athletes play a part.
"The government has been very supportive towards several athletics events over the years and as a result, we are grateful. Once more, we want to thank the government for the opportunity they have granted us to host this event for the past six years, and we want to promise them proper accountability, he said at the Ulinzi Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.
First held in 2020, the Continental Gold Tour is an annual series of independent track and field competitions recognized by World Athletics.
The Kip Keino Classic joined the series in 2021 after receiving certification and since then has been trying to scale up the event's profile.
Athletics Kenya announced Monday that an air quality monitoring sensor has been installed at the Ulinzi Sports Complex ahead of the sixth leg of the 2025 Continental Tour Gold series.
The sensor is a World Athletics requirement that venues hosting international championships meet clean air standards.
This ensures that athletes, both local and international, compete in environments where the air is not only safe but also verified.
Korir is adamant that Kenyans will get an event to die for this weekend and has urged them to secure tickets ahead of the event that will see regular tickets retailing from as low as Sh200 per person.
"This event is going to be very competitive. The athletes that we have visited are hungry for success and I can assure those who are going to attend the event of fireworks and it will be very interesting to watch," he stressed.
Among the big names expected to compete are Kenyan and African record holder in the 100 metres, Ferdinand Omanyala as well as South African sprinter Bayanda Waraza in what is expected to be an interesting encounter, amongst many others.
