Star-Studded 2026 Kip Keino Classic Set for Historic Floodlit Night in Nairobi
The 2026 Kip Keino Classic just got a lot more exciting — and a lot more historic.
Confirmed for Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, April 24, the Diamond League event will be held under floodlights for the first time ever. Junior athletes will also compete at a Kip Keino Classic for the first time, adding an extra layer to an already stacked card.
The names already confirmed read like a who’s who of world athletics. Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic and world 800m champion, is in. Ferdinand Omanyala — Africa’s fastest man and Commonwealth 100m champion — headlines the sprints. Bryan Levell, world 200m bronze medallist, is also confirmed. Former world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot and javelin legend Julius Yego add more firepower.
And then there is Dalilah Muhammad. The American 400m hurdles great had hinted at retirement after 2025, saying “I think this will be it.” She is back.
Muzala Samukonga and former world 800m champion Halimah Nakaayi round out the confirmed list so far. “These are just a few athletes who have confirmed — we shall release the full entries in due time,” said race director Barnaba Korir.
April 24 under the Nairobi lights. Mark it down.