- Mujinga Kambundji has withdrawn from the 2025 Kip Keino Classic after discovering she is pregnant.
- Kambundji was expected to take part in the Kip Keino Classic for the first time in her career.
- Kambundji is set to miss the rest of the 2025 season.
Top sprinter Mujinga Kambundji has announced her withdrawal from the highly anticipated 2025 Kip Keino Classic.
Kambundji, who was expected to make her first appearance at the Kip Keino Classic, broke the news on Friday, May 23.
According to the reigning world indoor champion, she will not feature in any race until 2026 because of pregnancy.
“Season’s over, for the most beautiful reason. I’m incredibly happy to share that our little miracle is on the way!
I’m so grateful for this new adventure and already looking forward to returning to the track in 2026. Big thanks to my team, partners and everyone who’s part of the journey,” she stated.
Kambundji was one of the main attractions for the World Athletics recognized event that is set to be held on May 31 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
However, her withdrawal does not make the Kip Keino Classic less interesting because several other big names have confirmed their participation.
Some of these athletes include 2016 Olympic Games Javelin winner Thomas Rohler from Germany, Australia’s Kennedy Lachlan and Liberian runner Joseph Fanbulleh.
Speaking during the launch of the event, Kip Keino Classic meet director Barnaba Korir expressed confidence in hosting a successful competition despite challenges.
“Despite so many events worldwide, the interest in this year’s Kip Keino Classic has grown. That this competition is able to pull such top athletes shows how much Kenya is attractive as a sporting destination,” he commented.
The primary obstacle that the organizing team has had to overcome include the lack of a World Athletics recognized stadium.
The ongoing construction works at the Nyayo National Stadium forced the team the move the event to the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
However, according to Korir, athletics fans should still expect a thrilling Kip Keino Classic despite the change.
Meanwhile, unlike other editions, fans will have to pay in order to access the venue where the event will be held. The regular ticket goes for Ksh 200 with the VIP ones being auctioned at Ksh 2000.
Finally, it is not yet clear whether the organizers will find another top athlete to replace Kambundji before the event or not.
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