The Ulinzi Sports Complex witnessed high drama and raw emotion on Saturday as Kenyan-born American, Jonah Koech, stunned a strong field to claim victory in the men’s 800m at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic.
In a thrilling final lap that left fans on the edge of their seats, Koech unleashed a blistering finishing kick to take the win in a personal best of 1:43.32.
The race wasn’t short of local brilliance, with Nicholas Kiplang Kebenei pushing Koech all the way to the line to finish second in 1:43.75. Alex Ng’eno Kipngetich, aged just 24, rounded off the podium positions in third, clocking a season-best 1:45.17.
Veteran campaigner Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, wasn’t far behind, finishing fourth in 1:45.32, while Cornelius Tuwei and Aaron Kemei Cheminingwa both registered solid times under 1:46 to complete the Kenyan presence in the top six.
Outside the Kenyan charge, Botswana’s duo of Tumo Nkape and Lethlogonolo Mokgethi delivered respectable performances in a highly competitive field. Eric Nzikwinkunda of Burundi was a non-starter, while Algeria’s Khaled Benmahdi unfortunately failed to finish the race.
But it was Koech’s emotional triumph on the land of his birth that stole the headlines. The 800m showdown was more than just a race, it was a homecoming moment for the American star, who continues to carry a deep connection to Kenya despite competing under the American flag.
As he crossed the finish line, the Ulinzi Sports Complex erupted in applause, acknowledging one of their own, even as he stood atop the podium for a different nation.
The 2025 Kip Keino Classic once again reaffirmed its status as a premier event on the African athletics calendar, delivering unforgettable moments and underlining Kenya’s enduring legacy in middle-distance running.
