The 2025 Kip Keino Classic has run into headwinds that threaten to undo the enviable progress that has so painstakingly been jointly made by the Kenyan government, Athletics Kenya, World Athletics and the race organisers.
Kenya is home to well-known world-class runners who dominate international competitions. Behind their success lies the quality and certification of the tracks where they train and compete. Kenya has only two tracks accredited by World Athletics, all equipped with Mondo surfaces—the gold standard in athletics track technology. However, the organizers move to move the Kip Keino Classic to Ulinzi Sports Complex raises many questions than answers.
These certified tracks ensure that officials validate performances, recognise records, and accept athletes’ qualifying times for major events like the World Championships.
The Challenge
Organisers moved the Kip Keino Classic to the Ulinzi Sports Complex, raising alarm within the athletics community. Unlike Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, which have Mondo-certified tracks, Ulinzi’s tartan track lacks World Athletics accreditation.
This threatens the legitimacy of the results recorded during the event. Athletes risk having their times rejected when submitting qualifications for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Moreover, this situation could jeopardise their careers and Kenya’s representation on the global stage.
Why Mondo-Certified Tracks Matter for Athletes’ Performances
World Athletics enforces strict standards for track certification. The track surface must meet exact specifications regarding material composition, thickness, and uniformity to guarantee fairness, athlete safety, and performance consistency.
In addition, Mondo, the Italian company behind the surfaces used at the Olympics and World Championships, sets the benchmark. Without such certification, officials may deem times recorded at Ulinzi Sports Complex unofficial, regardless of athletes’ effort or performance quality.
Athletes Need Valid Qualifying Times
The 189 athletes participating in the Kip Keino Classic face a race against time. With the World Championships qualification window closing, they need fast, certified times to secure their spots.
The Kip Keino Classic traditionally serves as a vital platform for athletes to achieve these benchmarks. However, the uncertified status of Ulinzi’s track threatens to undermine this opportunity. With questions rising on whether competing there is worth the risk.
Broader Implications for Kenyan Athletics Infrastructure
The move to Ulinzi Sports Complex also reflects broader challenges in the Kenyan athletics infrastructure. The government’s investment in stadium renovations has sidelined major venues, forcing organisers to settle for less optimal locations.
While financial constraints and scheduling conflicts explain the move, the long-term consequences could be severe.
The event might lose international credibility, media attention could decline, and sponsorships may dry up if it fails to meet global standards.
Global Athletics Community Watches Kenya’s Response
Experts stress that maintaining certified venues remains essential for preserving competition integrity and athletes’ achievements. For instance, Dr. Laura Garvican-Lewis, a renowned expert in athletics physiology and member of the World Athletics Athlete Biological Passport Expert Panel, said:
“World Athletics maintains strict standards for track certification to ensure fairness and athlete safety. Without a certified Mondo surface, performances risk being invalidated, which can severely impact athletes’ qualification chances for major events like the World Championships. Venues like the Ulinzi Sports Complex must meet these standards promptly to protect athletes’ careers and maintain the integrity of the sport globally.”
In addition, Kenya’s reputation as a breeding ground for champions depends not only on talent but also on providing world-class facilities that meet international criteria.
Organisers’ Promise to Upgrade Ulinzi: Will It Be Enough?
Though the organisers pledge to upgrade the Ulinzi Sports Complex to meet World Athletics standards before the event. The question remains whether they will complete these improvements promptly and to the required quality, with only one week remaining. For such upgrades require time, expertise, and significant investment.
The Stakes
The uncertified Ulinzi Sports Complex currently stands as a barrier rather than a bridge to all athletes participating in the Kip Keino Classic. Moreover, Kenya’s response to this challenge will shape the future of its athletics legacy and influence its standing in the world sports arena.
Moreover, the uncertified track at Ulinzi Sports Complex threatens to set athletes gracing the event several miles behind. It risks invalidating crucial qualifying times and undermining the prestige of the Kip Keino Classic.
However, the world watches, waiting to see if the “home of champions” can uphold its promise on the global stage.
