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Kenya’s sprinting sensation Ferdinand Omanyala has urged Kenyan fans to make their way to Kasarani Stadium and be part of one of the most explosive races witnessed in the country.

His remarks come after Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs from Italy was confirmed participation at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday.  

Omanyala says the presence also of Olympic 100m silver medallist, American Fred Kerley makes arguably the greatest lineup in 100m on Kenyan soil.

“I want to show them who the big dog is at home,” Omanyala dared

The opportunity

“I am yet to beat Jacobs or Kerley, so racing at my turf looks like the opportunity I have been waiting for, I welcome the champions to Kenya for the greatest 100m race ever,” said Omanyala who is predicting the race will be won with 9.7’s or 9.6’s

Africa’s fastest man urged Jacobs and Kerley to get time to sample the country’s beautiful Big Five at Nairobi National Park.

“We are a hospitality country and apart from running, they can also enjoy what we have to offer in terms of wildlife,” he added. Meet director Barnaba Korir said the show stopper race will be contested over nine lanes.

Others are Mike Rodgers (USA), Gift Leotlea (South Africa), Isaiah Young (USA), Filippo Tortu (Italy) and Sinephiso Dambile (South Africa).

Jacobs also won Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay. He is also the reigning European and  World Indoor Champion. 

“This is one of the strongest line-ups to be assembled in a 100m race.

It shows how this meet has grown over the past three seasons. It is also worth noting that the 100m race will be run on nine lanes,” Korir said.

He referred to Jacobs who made history as the first 100m Olympic champion since 1996 to win gold without a recent top 200m mark.