• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 days ago

Odira using Kip Keino Classic as build-up for Commonwealth Games

Reigning world 800m champion Lilian Odira says this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic will be a key part of her preparations for two major events later this season — the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.

Odira will begin her 2026 season at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, where she will also be aiming to defend the title she won at last year’s Kip Keino Classic.

The 27-year-old says the event will help her assess her form after spending months in training without competition.

“I’m going to run at the Kip Keino Classic as my season opener because I haven’t competed since the start of 2026. I want to see how my body is and how far we have gone with training,” said Odira.

The Kenyan star heads into the race after a remarkable 2025 season where she won her first global title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

After conquering the world stage last year, Odira is now focused on maintaining her top form as she prepares for another demanding season.

She believes the Kip Keino Classic will provide the perfect platform to test herself before heading for bigger assignments later in the year.

Odira will face strong competition in the women’s 800m race from South Africa’s Aviwe Hoboloshe, Ethiopia’s Habtam Gebeyehu and Kenya’s Judy Kemunto.

The world champion is also excited about competing in front of home fans at Nyayo Stadium.

“Most of our fans usually watch us compete in international races, but now we have a chance to perform in front of them at home,” she said.

She also revealed that Friday’s event will mark her first-ever night race in Kenya, adding to the excitement ahead of the competition.

Following the Kip Keino Classic, Odira’s attention will shift to representing Kenya at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before targeting success at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.