Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold meeting has promised a night of blistering times when the seventh edition of the spectacle roars to life on April 24 from 4 pm to 9 pm at Nyayo National Stadium.
Meet director Barnaba Korir revealed that early renovations at Nyayo were a deliberate move to avoid the setbacks that derailed last year’s plans.
“Last year, we had issues with the stadium, and we were not able to host Kip Keino at Nyayo. But this year everything is done,” Korir said.
“We now have a new tartan track, a Mondo surface, installed last year, and we brought in a surveyor from World Athletics to ensure the stadium meets the required standards,” he added.
Owen Malone, a Diamond League technical director for Shanghai, Brussels and Xiamen meetings, believes the upgraded surface is primed to deliver explosive performances. “It is a Mondo track, which is very fast and very popular with sprinters,” he said.
“We have a major advantage in Nairobi because we are at an altitude between 1700 and 1800 metres, meaning there is less air resistance.”
He explained that, unlike conventional tracks, the Mondo surface is firmer, offering superior energy return, a crucial ingredient for sprint success.
“The sprinters understand this, and that is why it is easy for us to attract top-level athletes. This track is hard and gives excellent energy return,” he noted.
“We can expect very fast times, especially in the sprints. The altitude can be a bit challenging for distance runners, but with Kenya’s depth of talent, we should still see quality races.”
Malone further revealed that the new track is on course to receive certification from World Athletics within weeks. “Everything is looking good. The first certification report will be sent to World Athletics next week, and it could be approved within two to three weeks,” he said.
In a move set to elevate both performance and spectacle, this year’s Kip Keino Classic will also introduce WaveLight technology, a feature synonymous with elite Diamond League meetings.
The digital pacing system uses LED lights along the inside rail of the track, flashing at pre-set speeds to guide athletes towards target times, whether world records or personal bests, while enhancing the viewing experience. “We want to try wave lights this time because they help produce fast times and give athletes something to follow,” Korir explained.
“If we are targeting specific times in an event, the system allows athletes to track the pace easily and hit those marks,”
Korir added that a team of experts has already inspected the facility to ensure the technology can be seamlessly integrated. “We have already had a team here for inspections, and discussions are ongoing on how best to incorporate it into the programme,” he said.
Malone echoed the optimism, noting that preparations are firmly on track. “It has been a very fruitful three days working together with Sports Kenya and Athletics Kenya in preparation for the event,” he said.
The Belgian highlighted timing systems, sports equipment and broadcast presentation as key focus areas. “We have been concentrating on competition equipment, timing systems, television production and overall event presentation. Everything looks very good, and we are ahead of schedule compared to previous years.”
Korir also pointed out that the shift to an evening programme, a departure from past afternoon editions, is aimed at boosting global visibility. “In most major events, including the Diamond League and other Continental Tour meetings, races are held in the evening. It is much better for television production and global viewership,” he said.
