Kenyan athlete Mary Moraa emerged the winner of the 400m race held at the Stadion De Veen, Belgium, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

 The 2023 800m world champion clocked an impressive season best of 50.49 seconds in the night of athletics event, outpacing a star-studded field to victory.

“Season’s best (50.49 secs) victory at the Night of Athletics Heusden-Zolder 2025. Thank you, Belgium,” Moraa took to his Facebook page following his success.

Belgian Imke Vervaet secured second place with a time of 51.16, followed by Germany’s Skadi Schier in third at 51.82.

Jamaica’s Candice McLeod finished fourth with a time of 52.15, while Emma Montoya rounded out the top five at 52.57.

Focus on AK trials

 The Kenyan now shifts focus back home for the AK National Trials slated for Tuesday, July 22.

The much-anticipated event will see Kenyan elite stars seeking slots among a pool of 76 athletes to represent Kenya at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Moraa’s 400m discipline is among the categories in the contest.

 Also expected for the event is Olympic Champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who will be seeking to cement his dominance in the 800 m races.

The fast-rising star will be expected to continue his fine showing after impressive runs in the recent Diamond League races.

Kenyan stars on show

Wanyonyi mounted a commanding performance to light up the London Diamond League on Saturday, July 19, 2025, by storming to a commanding victory in the men’s 800m final with a meeting record of 1:42.00.

 The victory added to his Monaco Diamond League win earlier this month, solidifying his momentum ahead of Tokyo races, where he hopes to clinch the global 800m title for the first time in his career.

Other than him, other top Kenyan athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Ferdinand Omanyala are also expected to feature in the high-stakes trials that will determine Kenya’s squad for Tokyo.

Ahead of the event, Moraa shared her expectation of what is touted to be a day of thrilling performances as Kenya’s runners battle it out against each other.

I hope the Ulinzi Sports Complex roof is well reinforced because it might come down on Tuesday, mouthwatering,” she said.