This archive report was first published on 18 September 2021.
The second edition of the Kip Keino Classic Meet is set to take place at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 18, 2021, attracting a galaxy of world-class sprinters.
Among the top contenders is former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin of the United States, who has indicated that he is in Nairobi to give upcoming sprinters a run for their money.
Gatlin, the only man to have beaten world record holder Usain Bolt in his prime, expressed his excitement about competing in Kenya, stating, "It's my first time in Kenya. I have travelled the world for over 20 years but I'm excited to be here, to run in my 'motherland' is very important to me."
Kenyan sensation Ferdinand Omanyala will also be in action, having recently been shattering records at will. Omanyala posted on his social media platforms, "It has been a great season! I'm excited that I will close it with my last race on home soil. See you there at Kasarani."
Other stars to watch in the 100m dash include US trio of Trayvon Bromell, Tyree King, and Mike Rodgers, as well as French duo of Mouhamadou Fall and Golitin Amaury, and Nigeria's Jeremiah Ogheneruemu.
Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon will headline the women's 1500m category, with fans eagerly anticipating her race at home after beating Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands in the Tokyo Games and the Diamond League.
Kenyan 3000m steeplechase team will face a tough challenge from Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, who is slowly stamping his authority in the discipline.
