The 2025 Kenyan Athletic Championships and 4 big observations made

In past years, the Kenyan athletic championships were usually held in conjunction with the national trials for any major upcoming championships. However, with the new qualification standards and changes in anti-doping regulations, the national trials are now invitational events happening closer to the major championships. Athletes used to finish in the top three positions at the national championships and immediately earn places to represent the country at the Olympics, provided they make arrangements with their management to meet the qualification standards before the championships. These days, athletes must meet the regulations and times before being invited to national trials.

Consequently, the Kenyan national athletic championships, which took place on June 26th and 27th, may not have drawn all the attention, given that most of the big stars did not feature.

For example, all three reigning Olympic Champions from last year in Paris, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chebet, and Faith Kipyegon, did not attend the national championships as they were engaged in other international competitions. Kipyegon was in Paris attempting to break the 4-minute barrier for the women’s mile.

Nonetheless, Kenya usually teems with so much talent, and the championships were full of thrilling battles for the national titles.

Below are some of the big observations made at the 2025 Kenyan national championships:

Big names failed to feature, while the few who featured didn’t do their special events

Kenya’s big stars usually find a way to deny us the opportunity to know who is the best in an event before the national trials. Many fans would have liked to see Emmanuel Wanyonyi run against the new talents in the men’s 800m event. Or, the youngster Phanuel Koech, who just came out of nowhere to run 3:27.72, ran against the experienced Kenyan runners. Or, Faith Cherotich stamping her authority in the women’s 3000m steeplechase race. However, none of these dominant stars this year were interested in adding the national titles to their resumes.

A new crop of talent emerged at the Kenyan Athletic Championships

In the men’s 800m final, two little-known runners, Kelvin Loti and Laban Kipkorir ran spectacularly to finish first and second in 1:43.61 and 1:43.64, respectively. These are amazing times that are rarely run on Kenyan soil at high altitude. 

The top two places in the women’s 800m event also went to the new emerging talents Lilian Odira (2:02.08) and Sarah Moraa (2:02.56). Third place went to a high school student, Judy Kemunto (2:02.93). 

Kenya’s long-distance track runners often shift to road running too early

Because of the large field, the men’s 10,000 m was run in two heats, with time being used to determine the winner. The two races were exciting and seemed to have the same story to tell. Daniel Ebenyo, the World Silver medalist from Budapest 2023, appeared to control most of the race until another little-known runner, Kelvin Rotich, produced a devastating kick on the homestretch to relegate him to second place.  While many Kenyan fans saw him as the best runner to win more national medals in this event, Ebenyo shifted his focus to the marathon, perhaps a bit too early. After the race, he told reporters he was training for another marathon later in the year. 

Another experienced 5000m/10,000m runner and 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, Edwin Soi also finished second after years of shifting to the marathons and half marathons. If only he had stayed on track for more years, perhaps he would have won more accolades.

The sprint events are now taking root in Kenya

During the world relay championships in Guangzhou, China, earlier this year, Kenyan fans learned about Mercy Oketch for the first time. She helped anchor Kenya’s team in the mixed 4x400m to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year. The men’s 4x100m team also qualified for the world championships, a historic feat that is a testament to the growth of the sprint events in Kenya.

At the national championships this week, Oketch continued to etch her name in history books as she comfortably won the race in 50.32.

Three runners ran under the world championships qualification time in the men’s race. George Mutinda ran 44.51 for the win ahead of Biran Tinega (44.67) and Kevin Kipkorir (44.80).

The competition also in the 100m and 200m events was fiercer than usual.

About the Author
Justin Lagat is a Kenyan long-distance running coach, a freelance sports journalist, and a marathon runner.

While based in Eldoret, Kenya, he coaches runners from different countries around the world online. He has worked as a columnist with RunBlogRun since 2012.

Some of his work as a journalist has been featured in other international sports publications, including World Athletics, iRun Magazine, and African Sports Monthly magazine, among others.

Website: www.kenyanathlete.com
Facebook Page: Justin Lagat (https://www.facebook.com/kenyanathlete/)
X (Twitter): @LagatJustin