For Bahrain’s Nelly Jepkosgei, the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic isn’t just another track meet; it’s a homecoming wrapped in ambition, altitude, and African pride.
The Kenyan-born middle-distance specialist trains in Kapsabet and will toe the line in the women’s 800 metres on Saturday at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.
It will be her third appearance at this elite Continental Tour Gold meet — and she’s chasing nothing less than a breakthrough.
“I first ran here and won, then came third the second time. This time, I’m back for the top spot,” Jepkosgei says with quiet confidence.
Fresh from opening her season in Rabat in the 1,500m, she’s now shifting focus to her preferred two-lap race.
“Rabat was my first outing this year. After that, I did a bit of sharpening for the 800m, not much because the time between races was short. But I’m ready. Kip Keino is special.”
Despite her 1:57 personal best, Jepkosgei admits she hasn’t yet hit full gear this early in the season. “This will be my first 800m race of 2025. We’re still in the endurance phase of training — around 70 to 75 percent effort. Speed work will come later, maybe in July or August. But tomorrow, I’m aiming for 1:58 or better.”
The stakes are high
Saturday’s race promises fireworks, with Jepkosgei going up against a stacked field that includes South Africa’s former U.S. collegiate star Shafiqua Maloney and Kenya’s formidable middle-distance contingent.
The stakes are high, but so is the motivation.
“Running on Kenyan soil is hard because of the altitude,” she says.
“But it’s also powerful because you’re at home. The crowd gives you strength. When they cheer, you feel it in your heart. You don’t want to be beaten on your home track.”
Representing Bahrain since switching allegiance, Jepkosgei remains grounded in her Kenyan roots.
“I’m proud to run for Bahrain, but racing here means a lot. It pushes you to fight harder — for the fans, for your family, for yourself.”
Her season may be young, but her goals are bold.
“Tomorrow is my key race,” she explains.
“If I do well here, it opens doors — mentally and for my competition schedule. I’m not thinking about Diamond Leagues yet. I’m focused on this race, on running well.”
Already qualified for the World Championships trials, Jepkosgei sees Saturday as a springboard.
“I want to build momentum. I’ve done the base work, now it’s time to show where I am.”
As fans pack Ulinzi Stadium, Jepkosgei knows what’s expected.
“We don’t want our visitors to beat us here. We must show them this is our home. And I’m ready.”
On the red-hot Nairobi track, with the roar of Kenyan fans behind her, Nelly Jepkosgei will be racing not just for time, but for pride, presence, and a path forward.
Robert Kibet is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He previously worked as a correspondent for Milele FM. His feature stories on development, the climate crisis, the environment, conflict, human rights, food security, and education have been published in The Guardian UK, Reuters, IPS, DW, The New Humanitarian, and Equal Times.
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