Kenya’s hopes of a dream start at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo suffered a major setback after the 4x400m Mixed Relay team was disqualified for lane infringement on Saturday, despite storming to a second-place finish in their heat.
Anchored by world 800m bronze medalist Mary Moraa, the Kenyan quartet clocked a blistering African and National Record of 3:10.73 in Heat Two. Moraa, who received the baton from Allan Kipyego, powered through the final stretch to secure what initially looked like a well-earned place in the final.
The team had lined up in lane five, with Brian Tinega starting strongly before passing the baton to Mercy Adongo, who maintained momentum before handing over to Kipyego. Moraa’s decisive anchor leg sent the Kenyan camp into wild celebrations, until officials confirmed the disqualification.
The ruling meant Team USA, Great Britain, and South Africa advanced as the top three automatic qualifiers from the heat, while Kenya’s second-place finish was struck off.
Official Heats Results – Mixed 4x400m Relay
- USA – 3:10.18 (Q)
- Great Britain – 3:10.22 (Q, SB)
- Belgium – 3:10.37 (Q, SB)
- Netherlands – 3:11.11 (Q)
- Poland – 3:11.15 (Q, AR)
- South Africa – 3:11.16 (Q)
- Italy – 3:11.20 (q, NR)
- Japan – 3:12.08 (q, NR)
- Spain – 3:12.57
- Australia – 3:13.46
- Ireland – 3:13.59
- Germany – 3:13.61
- Jamaica – 3:13.96
- China – 3:13.96
- France – 3:14.02
- Canada – 3:18.94
Kenya – DQ (Lane infringement, TR17.2.3)
Kenya is expected to appeal the decision.
The final is scheduled to take place later in the evening, with global heavyweights already lining up for a fiercely contested showdown.
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