Wanyonyi Shines in 1500m as Kip Keino Classic Delivers Thrills
Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered an eye-catching performance to win the men’s 1500m at the Absa Kip Keino Classic on Friday.
Stepping out of his preferred two-lap event, Wanyonyi proved his versatility by powering to victory in a personal best time of 3:34.11. He held off a strong challenge from Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, who finished second in 3:34.73.
The performance signaled Wanyonyi’s growing strength over the longer distance, though the rising star maintained that his focus remains firmly on the 800m.
“I am happy with my performance. The wave light helped guide my pace. I still love my 800m and I will continue focusing on it this season. I don’t want to rush into doubling,” he said.
Kyumbe Munguti completed the podium, clocking 3:36.21 to finish third.
In the women’s 1500m, Mirriam Cherop delivered a composed and tactical race to clinch victory in 4:08.49. She surged ahead after the pacemaker stepped off, unleashing a decisive kick in the closing lap.
“I came here to test my endurance and I’m happy with the performance. The fans really motivated us,” she said.
Ethiopia’s Deseta Tadele finished second in a personal best 4:09.55, while Uganda’s former world 800m champion Halima Nakaayi placed third in 4:09.66.
Elsewhere, Cornelius Kemboi produced a strong late surge to win the men’s 5,000m in 13:09.31, edging out Frankline Kibet (13:10.70) and world bronze medallist Jacob Krop (13:13.59).
“It was a good race. I executed my plan well and the crowd was amazing,” Kemboi said.
In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Joyce Biwott dominated to claim victory in a personal best 9:55.26. Ethiopia’s Zeritu Dada (9:57.27) and Kenya’s Mercy Chepng’eno (9:58.40) followed closely behind, with all three athletes posting career-best times.
The Kip Keino Classic once again lived up to expectations, offering a series of thrilling performances as athletes fine-tune their form ahead of a packed global athletics calendar.
