Kip Kieno Classic in the mix as Mark Otieno unveils calendar of events

ATHLETICS Kip Kieno Classic in the mix as Mark Otieno unveils calendar of events

Abigael Wafula 14:00 - 12.02.2024

Mark Otieno has highlighted the Kip Keino Classic as one of the events he seeks to compete in this season.

Sprinter Mark Otieno has revealed the events he will be competing in this season with the Kip Keino Classic being among his favourite events.

The fifth edition of the event which is a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Label event is scheduled for April 20 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

Otieno will be hoping to make his debut at the event and he is looking forward to having fans cheer him on his way to impress at the global event.

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“Kip Keino has always been in my heart…the first edition of the event came and I was really looking forward to running but missed it due to unavoidable circumstances.

“The second one came and that was the period that I had been suspended and it was so heartbreaking. I missed the third and fourth editions and I believe this is the fifth one.

“I’m looking forward to running at the Nyayo National Stadium and showcasing my talent as well. I want to run fast times there and it has always been a dream for me to compete on home soil and see the stadium full,” Otieno said.

However, he disclosed that he will not double in the 100m and 200m despite being good at both distances. He explained that running many short races in such a short time leads to injuries, something he wants to avoid at all costs.

The former national champion started his indoor tour at the Elite Indoor Track Miramas Meeting where he clocked 6.78 in his heat and failed to proceed to the final. However, he is not giving up since that was also the first time he competed in an indoor race.

“I have another race in Belgrade on February 13 so that at least I can better my time. I’m looking forward to running fast times in my indoor races and transferring that to the outdoors so I can qualify for the Olympics.

“I have some races in South Africa where I’ll be seeking to qualify for the Olympic Games. We didn’t want to do the indoor tour but from the look of things, indoor races help many athletes when they compete in outdoor races,” he added.

Otieno will also be looking to make the cut to the national team for the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas on May 4 and 5.

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