Abel Kipsang has rolled back the years to win the men’s 1500m at the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour Gold at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The 2022 World Indoor 1500m bronze medalist showed a clean pair of heels to cross the finish line first, clocking 3:35.09.

In second place was Matthew Kipchumba, who timed a personal best (PB) of 3:35.87 as the 2021 World Under 20 champion Vincent Kibet came third in 3:37.59.

Kipsang said the result fills him with joy, following what has been a turbulent period in his career.

“Not a bad race since it’s my season opener. I’m happy to be back on track after a long layoff due to injury. However, I have a lot to do because I have not qualified for the World Championship,” the African Games bronze medalist said.

On his part, despite clocking a PB, Kipchumba was not happy with this performance on the evening.

“I came to try and attain the qualification time for the World Championships, but unfortunately I’ve missed. I’m happy with the second place, but not the time. I have a few races remaining before the deadline, and I hope to achieve the time there,” the youngster said.

Kipsang was competing in his second race of the year, whereas Kipchumba has been a busy man – finishing fourth at the IFAM Outdoor Championships in Brussels, which was his ninth competition of the year.

Meanwhile, Brazilian prodigy Luiz Mauricio da Silva threw 86.34 metres to win the men’s javelin competition at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday.

The 25-year-old won the title with his second throw, registering a new Personal Best at the African leg of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.

The Brazilian won ahead of 2016 Rio Olympic champion, Thomas Rohler of Germany, who threw a distance of 80.79m, his season’s best for silver.

Afterwards, da Silva said he was happy to compete in Kenya, adding that he hopes to carry his red-hot form to the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships.

“It’s been a great experience coming back to Kenya. This is my second time here, and I feel this was a good competition for me with solid throws. Now, I need to prepare for this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. I’m pleased with my performance today, and my goal for my next competition in Portugal is to maintain this form, especially throwing consistently like I did today,” the new Kip Keino Classic champion gushed.

“My aim is to achieve more personal bests or even an Area Record – like today, this throw is easily an Area Record for South America. I feel that I’m in the right shape for my next events, all I can do now is to be grateful to Kenya for the event you’ve put on, and the whole atmosphere – everyone in the crowd was cheering and this is very positive during a competition,” the two-time South American champion added.

Completing the podium places was Leandro Amos of Portugal, who threw 80.68m.