- Edmund Serem claimed victory in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic on Saturday, May 31, at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
- He clocked 8:27.68, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Dinka Fikadu (8:27.97 PB), with Gemechu Godana (8:31.82) finishing third.
- In the women’s 800m, African silver medalist Lilian Odira won in a season-best 1:58.31.
Kenya’s World U20 champion Edmund Serem secured his place in the 2025 World Athletics Championships after a triumphant performance in the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday May 31.
Serem crossed the finish line in an impressive 8:27.68, outpacing Ethiopia’s Dinka Fikadu, who clocked a new personal best of 8:27.97 to claim second place. Fellow Ethiopian Gemechu Godana followed closely, with 8:31.82 to finish third.
“I competed last week in Rabat and now at home. I’m overwhelmed by how the crowd has cheered me. That’s a memory I will always carry with me when I’m competing outside,” said the African 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist.
The Lima 2024 World U20 champion and younger brother to Diamond League star Amos Serem, Edmund elevated his rising stature further by capturing his first World Athletics Continental Tour Gold title.
Five Ethiopians followed closely in what was a thrilling contest, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans familiar with the fierce regional rivalry between East African distance-running giants.
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Among the Kenyan contingent, Wesley Langat, with a personal best of 8:26.00, finished a subdued seventh in 8:43.74, while seasoned runner Cornelius Kiplagat (PB: 8:54.90) and Wilberforce Kones (PB: 8:21.40, SB: 8:38.10) were among four competitors who were unable to complete the race.
Odira dazzles in Women’s 800m as Moraa joins her for World stage
In the women’s 800 metres, African Championships silver medalist Lilian Odira delivered a stunning performance, clinching victory in 1:58.31.
She edged out Botswana’s Oratile Nowe, who finished in 1:58.47, while Sarah Moraa took third place with a personal best of 1:58.96 earning her a berth at the upcoming championships.
Odira was visibly elated after the race, especially after clocking her fastest time this season.
“I have really worked hard from the cross-country build-up. I was coming to gauge my body. Clocking a new personal best in my first 800m outdoor competition was huge — and qualifying for Tokyo,” said Odira.
Moraa, just 19, expressed joy and determination following her breakthrough:
“This is my first time qualifying for the World Championships. I gave it everything last year but fell short. Now, I’ll shift focus to sharpening my speed and endurance to make it into the finals,” she shared.
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Kip Keino Classic 2025 – Men’s 3000m steeplechase results
1. Edmund Serem (KEN) – 8:27.68
2. Dinka Fikadu (ETH) – 8:27.97 PB
3. Gemechu Godana (ETH) – 8:31.82 PB
4. Zakariya Girma Daraba (ETH) – 8:32.39
5. Yonatan Tadesse (ETH) – 8:38.98 PB
6. Zelalem A. Asfaw (ETH) – 8:42.39
7. Wesley Langat (KEN) – 8:43.74
8. Damian Vich (CZE) – 8:53.99
9. Gideon Rotich (UGA) – 9:19.37
10. Cornelius Kiplagat (KEN) – DNF
11. John Koech (BRN) – DNF
12. Wilberforce Chemia Kones (KEN) – DNF
13. Amos Kimeli (KEN) – DNF
Kip Keino Classic 2025 – Women’s 800m results
1. Lilian Odira (KEN) – 1:58.31 PB
2. Oratile Nowe (BOT) – 1:58.47 PB
3. Sarah Moraa (KEN) – 1:58.96 PB
4. Shafiqua Maloney (VIN) – 1:59.13
5. Judy Kemunto (KEN) – 2:00.98 PB
6. Aviwe Hoboloshe (RSA) – 2:02.02
7. Dorcus Ewoi (KEN) – 2:03.16
8. Maureen Chepkirui (KEN) – 2:03.59 PB
9. Nelly Jepkosgei (BRN) – 2:04.28
10. Vanessa Scaunet (BEL) – 2:07.80
11. Naum Bopape (RSA) – 2:08.60
12. Daisy Chepngetich Ruto (KEN) – DNF
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