As the dust settled on the tracks of the Kip Keino Classic 2025, a group of international athletes swapped their spikes for safari hats, embarking on a memorable adventure through Nairobi National Park.
Athletes from around the world experienced a wild, breathtaking escape that revealed Kenya’s beauty far beyond stadium cheers and timings.
The excursion was part of a strategic initiative by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to position Kenya not only as a global athletics powerhouse but also as a premier sports tourism destination.
Leveraging the international attention that comes with hosting the Absa Kip Keino Classic, now in its sixth edition, KTB curated the familiarization trip to showcase the country’s unmatched natural beauty and cultural richness.
Athletes Awed by Kenya’s Wild Charm
Among those enchanted by the park’s sprawling savannahs and free-roaming wildlife was Thomas Röhler, Germany’s Olympic javelin champion. Thomas Röhler, competing in his second Kip Keino Classic, marveled at giraffes gracefully silhouetted against Nairobi’s striking city skyline.
“The Nairobi National Park’s juxtaposition with the city’s skyline and giraffes is unlike anything I have seen before,” Röhler remarked.
“Being here feels special because Kenya is the home of champions. The human connection and the stunning environment have made a lasting impression.”
Belgian sprinter Simon Verherstraeten, visiting for the first time, marveled at Kenya’s scenic beauty and the crowd’s enthusiasm.
“It’s a big difference with Belgium meetings, which are a bit smaller and less enthusiastic, also less public,” Verherstraeten noted.
“It is really nice to be here and to feel the warmth of the people and also the interest in athletics. Normally you only see the inside of a hotel and the track. Now, it is really nice that on a day we are traveling, we get to see a bit of the country.”
Tourism Promotion Through Sport
The familiarization tour is part of KTB’s broader tourism strategy, tapping into the rising influence of athletes and sporting events to market Kenya’s destinations to global audiences.
With research showing that 48% of travelers book trips inspired by social media posts, and 80% of fans trusting recommendations from their favorite athletes.
Norwegian star Amalie Luel admired Kenya’s vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
“Kenya and Nairobi are just so full of culture, and you can tell the people here are so proud of their country. They want to show off all the things that they have to offer, such as the beautiful wildlife,” she shared, vowing to return for a longer stay.
Celebrating Heritage and Natural Diversity
The Absa Kip Keino Classic 2025, held on May 31 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, is a Gold level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour.
Since its 2020 inception, it has cemented its place as a key fixture on the global athletics calendar, offering prize money, ranking points, and now, a gateway to Kenya’s wild beauty.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei underscored the strategic value of this approach.
“The reach of sporting events has become a very powerful marketing currency, and any destination looking to stay competitive must grasp the essence of that audience,” Chepkemei said.
“We are delighted to have hosted these athletes during the Kip Keino Classic, which is in itself a celebration of Kenya’s athletic heritage and our unmatched natural diversity.”
She added that by integrating city experiences, national park visits, and cultural showcases into the event itinerary, Kenya strengthens its global brand and enriches athlete experiences beyond the finish line.
