Kenya’s athletics future emphatically took centre stage as rising talents dazzled during the inaugural U20 competition at the Kip Keino Classic held on Friday, 24 April at the Nyayo National Stadium.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsIntroduced for the first time, the U20 races brought together top performers from the recently concluded Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national games in Kisumu. The young athletes seized the moment, delivering performances that showcased the country’s depth in middle and long-distance running.The women’s programme featured the 800m and 3,000m flat races, while the men competed in the 800m, 3,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase.##NAJAVA_MECA_9701869##In the women’s 800m, Nancy Kibet stormed to victory in 2:03.21, edging out Nancy Jepngetich (2:03.43) and Caren Jepchirchir (2:03.82) in a tightly contested race. Despite a slow start, Kibet expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming national trials.“I am targeting the World Under-20 Championships ticket during next month’s trials. I loved the competition, though I was slow at the start. I hope by the time I come for the trials, we shall have worked on a few technicalities,” she said.The women’s 3,000m saw Masai Venenza claim top honours in 9:08.98, ahead of Linda Chepkwemoi (9:10.10) and Mercy Chepngeno (9:10.53), in another closely fought contest.Same blood, same fire 🔥. Twins Venenza Masai and Linda Masai take 1st and 2nd in the U20 women’s 3000m at the ABSA Kip Keino Classic 2026.#golazoevents #absakipkeinoclassic2026 #tujazenyayo #KassSports pic.twitter.com/YObjoA4Cp2— Kass Media Group (@Kass_FMOfficial) April 24, 2026 In the men’s 800m, Wilson Chepkwech clocked 1:46.53 to narrowly beat Collins Tenderwa (1:46.56), with Nashon Pkiach finishing third in 1:47.15.Emmanuel Kiprop delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 3,000m, winning in 7:45.56 ahead of Wesley Kiplagat (8:01.04) and Enock Tuitoek (8:05.07). Reflecting on his run, Kiprop admitted initial uncertainty before growing into the race.“Coming into this race, I was unsure about how I would handle it. After a few laps, I felt comfortable taking the lead and I’m glad to have won. The World Cross Country Championships helped me a lot in terms of building up for the track season. I want to go and train hard and hopefully represent my country once again at the World Under-20 Championships,” he noted.The 3,000m steeplechase produced one of the day’s most exciting finishes, with Brian Kandie taking victory in 8:46.02, just ahead of Emmanuel Lemiso (8:46.68) and Brian Kiptoo (8:48.28).“It feels good to win my first race at this event. I am so happy. My target now is to make the World Under-20 Championships team. I believe in myself and this win has really boosted my confidence ahead of the trials. If I make the cut, that will be a dream come true,” said Kandie.Lilian Odira reveals impact of motherhood ahead of season-opener at Kip Keino ClassicLemiso, who battled discomfort early in the race, remained optimistic despite finishing second.“I had a slight upset in my legs at the start of the race but I’m grateful to have finished second today. My tactics carried the day. I’ve been competing in the Athletics Kenya meets, which have helped me a lot. I’m hoping to represent Kenya at the World Under-20 Championships and my main focus now is to make the time,” he said.Why Sawe is predicting new course record in 2026 London MarathonCollated U20 results3000m U20 MenEmmanuel Kiprono – 7:4:56Wesley Kiplagat – 8:01:04Enock Tuitoek – 8:05:07Cornelius Kibichi – 8:05:40Robinson Lelesit – 8:19:53800m U20 MenWilson Chepkwech – 1:46:53Collins Tenderwa – 1:46:56Nashon Pkiach – 1:47:15David Kibaiko – 1:50:21Cosmas Kipkemboi – 1:51:61U20 3000m steeplechase Brian Kandie – 8:46:02Emmanuel Lemiso – 8:46:68Brian Kiptoo – 8:48:28Nicholas Kitum – 8:49:19Renis Kiplagat – 8:58:28WomenU20 800m womenNancy Kibet – 2:03:21Nancy Jepngetich – 2:03:43Caren Jepchrichir – 2:03:82Josephine Sembeyo – 2:05:85Miriam Chemtai – 2:06:153000m U20 womenMasai Venenza – 9:08:98Linda Chepkwemoi – 9:10:10Mercy Chepngeno – 9:10:53Lorna Cherono – 9:14:70Tabitha Wanjiru – 9:17:58
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