Kip Keino Classic 2026: Dambile Runs 19.77, Thomas Doubles, Katzberg and Rogers Dominate in Nairobi
The Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, the second leg of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, delivered a series of standout performances highlighted by Sinesipho Dambile in the men’s 200 metres (19.77), Ethan Katzberg in the men’s hammer throw (82.43m), Camryn Rogers in the women’s hammer throw with a meeting record of 80.03m, and Gabby Thomas, who completed a sprint double with victories in the 100m (11.01) and 200m (world lead 21.89). Rumesh Tharang Pathirage also impressed with a meeting record of 89.28m in the men’s javelin.
Men’s 200 Metres
Sinesipho Dambile stormed to victory in a personal best of 19.77, shaving 0.20 off his previous mark. The South African moved to second on the world seasonal list behind Gout Gout (19.67).
Dambile continued his strong form following his national title in 20.02 and returned successfully to Nairobi, where he won U20 bronze in 2021.
Sinesipho Dambile: “I am happy that I executed the race well on the bend and maintained the speed in the final straight. Nairobi is a special place for me.”
Jamaica’s Bryan Levell took second in 19.93, while Claude Itongue finished third in 20.51.
Men’s 100 Metres
Ferdinand Omanyala thrilled the home crowd, winning in 9.96 to break 10 seconds for the second straight race after his 9.98 in Addis Ababa.
Rivaldo Roberts finished second in 10.12, ahead of Canada’s Aaron Brown (10.15).
Ferdinand Omanyala: “It was awesome. The moment I stepped on the track, it was all joy. I knew I was going for something spectacular.”
Women’s 100 Metres
Gabby Thomas opened her double with victory in 11.01 (-1.1 m/s), ahead of Cambrea Sturgis (11.15) and Maia McCoy (11.18).
Women’s 200 Metres
Thomas completed the double in style with a world-leading 21.89, becoming the first woman to break 22 seconds on Kenyan soil. Sturgis followed with a PB of 21.93, and Millicent Ndoro placed third in 23.21.
Gabby Thomas: “I am very happy to become the first woman to break 22 seconds on Kenyan soil. The welcome I received here was incredible. Sport can unify people, and these moments matter.”
Women’s Hammer Throw
Camryn Rogers claimed her second consecutive victory in Nairobi with a meeting record of 80.03m. After opening with 72.89m and two fouls, she took control with 77.53m before surpassing Anita Wlodarczyk’s previous meeting record (78.06m) with 78.60m. Rogers sealed the win with her final-round throw, setting an African all-comers record.
Rogers, who previously set a world lead of 81.13m at the Texas Relays, was followed by France’s Rose Loga, who finished second with a PB of 75.19m, while Iceland’s Gudrun Hallgrimsdottir improved her lifetime best to 73.88m for third.
Camryn Rogers: “I produced the first throw beyond the 80 metres barrier on Kenyan soil. I enjoyed the electric atmosphere. I thank the crowd for the strong support. I achieved the goal of winning for the second consecutive year with a massive statement ahead of the rest of the season.”
Men’s Hammer Throw
World and Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg secured his third consecutive win in Nairobi with a world-leading 82.43m. He delivered a remarkably consistent series, with five throws beyond 81 metres.
Mykhaylo Kokhan placed second with 81.26m, and Volodymir Myslivchuk was third with 77.71m.
Ethan Katzberg: “I really enjoyed my return to Nairobi. Kenya feels like a second home. I started my international career here, and I keep producing good results.”
Men’s Javelin Throw
Rumesh Tharang Pathirage set a meeting record of 89.28m to take victory. He backed it up with throws of 84.42m and 84.87m.
Thomas Röhler was second with 83.33m, and Douw Smit placed third with 81.19m.
Rumesh Tharang Pathirage: “I express deep gratitude. I enjoyed the Kenyan culture. I am a student of the game and appreciated advice from senior throwers.”
Men’s 1500 Metres
Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi stepped up to win the 1500m in a PB of 3:34.11. Reynold Cheruiyot followed in 3:34.73, with Kyumbe Munguti third in 3:36.21.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi: “My strategy was to follow the pace before taking control at the bell. This race is part of a long-term transition to longer distances.”
Men’s 400 Metres
Zakhiti Nene defended his title in 44.50, narrowly edging Muzala Samukonga (44.55). Kelvin Tonui Kiprotich finished third in 44.95.
Zakhiti Nene: “I love my Kenyan fans. The support here makes it feel like home.”
Men’s 800 Metres
Kelvin Loti Kimtai won in 1:43.63, just 0.02 off his PB. Alex Kipngetich Ngeno was second (1:44.12), while Noah Kibet and Biruk Tadese both set PBs.
Women’s 400 Metres Hurdles
Amalie Iuel clocked a world lead of 54.12, improving her own meeting record. Kemi Adekoya was second in 54.60.
Women’s 800 Metres
Nigist Getachew won in 1:58.79, ahead of Lilian Odira (1:59.15). Habtam Gebeyehu set a PB of 1:59.72 for third.
Men’s 3000 Metres Steeplechase
Gemechu Godana won in a meeting record of 8:14.55, pulling away on the final lap. Simon Koech Kiprop finished second in 8:15.71.
Women’s 400 Metres
Mercy Oketch defended her title in 50.17, ahead of Paris Peoples (51.06).
Other Results
- Men’s 400m hurdles: Kipkorir Rotich (48.99)
- Women’s 3000m steeplechase: Joyce Biwott (9:55.26)
- Men’s 10,000m (national programme): Kevin Chesang (28:31.50)
