NAIROBI, Kenya, June 27, 2025 – History was made at the Ulinzi Sports Complex as the trio of George Mutinda, Brian Tinega and Kevin Kipkorir punched their tickets to World Championships, set for Tokyo in September this year.
Mutinda led the way, clocking 44.51 to cut the tape in the men’s 400m, ahead of Tinega (44.67) and Kipkorir (44.80) who came second and third respectively.
Though exasperated after a nail-biting contest, Mutinda was over the moon.
“I am so excited to have clocked the qualifying time for Tokyo. I have been working really hard in training for the past one year…especially on my endurance. I will continue to work harder so I can produce even better results in subsequent races,” the Kenya Police sprinter said.
His Kenya Police counterpart, Tinega, said the race is one he will savour for many years.
“Indeed, it was one of the toughest races I have ever run in a while. After I only managed to clock 44.99 yesterday (Thursday), I vowed to give it my all to do better today. I am happy that my efforts have borne fruit in the form of a ticket to Tokyo,” Tinega said.
Friday’s feat was the latest for Tinega who had already booked his place on the plane to Tokyo via the World Relays in Guangzhou, China.
He was part of Team Kenya’s mixed 4x400m relay team that bagged bronze at the global competition in May this year, as well as the men’s 4x400m relay team – qualifying for the Tokyo games on both occasions.
Also part of the relay team was Kipkorir who said he is going to intensify his training in order to rise to the occasion.
“I thank God for helping me to seal this qualification. It’s not over yet because I still need to improve on my starting,” Kipkorir said.
Battle for honours
The national championships brought together the who-is-who in athletics in a battle for glory in different categories.
As expected, it was a cutthroat competition in which all athletes gave their all in pursuit of the national crown.
In the women’s 800m, Lilian Odira and Sarah Moraa continued their ‘mini-rivalry’, with the former emerging tops after clocking 2:02.08.
Moraa, the World Under 20 champion, came second in 2:02.56 as Judy Kemunto clocked 2:02.93 to finish third.
It was a battle of the Cheruiyots in the men’s 1500m as the 2022 World Under 20 champion, Reynold, beat his older namesake, the 2019 world champion Timothy to the finish line.
Reynold clocked 3:37.23 across the finish line as Timothy came second 3:37.28.
The 2022 World Indoor bronze medalist Abel Kipsang finished third in 3:40.20.
Similarly, it was a clash of familiar foes in the men’s 3000m steeplechase where Simon Koech triumphed.
The 2021 World Under 20 bronze medalist clocked 8:22.99 in first place, ahead of Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwott (8:36.10) and Benjamin Kigen (8:39.75) in second and third, respectively.
Celestine Biwot was victorious in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking 9:36.37 to claim top honour.
World Under 20 bronze medalist Diana Chepkemoi finished second in 9:56.60 whereas Caren Chebet bagged the final podium place after timing 10:01.64.
Ferdie’s mixed fortunes
It was business as usual for Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala who was peerless in the men’s 100m, winning in 10.08.
Steve Odhiambo (10.27) and Meshack Babu (10.31) claimed second and third respectively.
It was a different ball game in the men’s 200m, however, for the African record holder as Zablon Ekwam ran away with the win.
The Paris Olympian clocked 20.47 for the win as Omanyala ran 20.53 in second place.
Dennis Mwai clocked 20.73 to finish third.
At the same time, Silas Sentura continued his sizzling performances this year with victory in the men’s 10,000m.
Sentura clocked 28:26.17 to cross the finish line first, ahead of Edwin Soi (28:29.19) and Kelvin Kiplagat (28:30.01).
With the national championships done and dusted, attention turns to the national trials for the World Championships, set for August 1-2.
