Africa Drum entertainers during Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour at Moi International Sports Center, Saturday Sept 18, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The second edition of Kip Keino Classic Meet arguably lived up to its billing.

From the scintillating theme colours to neon lights, food, drinks, music and the camaraderie, Kenya’s hallowed sports cathedral hosted World Athletics’ gold label event.

Even President Uhuru Kenyatta couldn’t afford to miss the event at Kasarani Stadium that had attracted a number of global stars.

Though fans were advised to use the available technology to keep abreast with the championship wherever they were, a few defiant ones found themselves at Kasarani where they cheered feverishly their favourite athletes.

“I think spectators could have been allowed to fill the stadium, this could have spiced up to the occasion the more,” noted athletic die-hard lover Angwenyi Gichana. 

READ MORE

 Was it false start to Omanyala's season at Kip Keino Classic meet?

 Kenyan stars impress at Kip Keino Classic

 Omanyala floored in 100m as meeting records fall at Kip Keino Classic

 Dancing queen Mary Moraa retains her 800m title at Kip Keino Classic, Tebogo and Lindsey tie

Taliyah Brooks of USA competes in the Long Jump women final during The Kip Keino Classic-World Athletics Continental Tour 2021 at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on September18, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gichana had travelled all the way from Kisumu to have a glimpse of the spectacle. 

During field events, a section of them were mesmerised by the miniature cars used to carry javelin sticks and the hammers. 

Some of the fans present were torn between following the championship live on track and field or on the two giant screens placed on either side of the stadium.

One fan even raced to the track to take a selfie with Olympics 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley after the American sprinter won the 200m race. 

Drummers positioned at the first bend spiced up the occasion with African musical sounds. 

Sponsors, too, were not left behind as they fought for space to ensure their brands were conspicuous, relayed and beamed across the globe. 

For music lovers, the disc jockey did not disappoint. 

5,000M Men race during Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour at Moi International Sports Center, Saturday Sept 18, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

From the choicest techno to rock and topical songs that augur well with the occasion made the occasion worthwhile.

A battery of journalists jostled for space to interview the winners, with some awed by the presence of world beaters like former Olympics 100m champion Justin Gatlin.

Those accredited for the event had the privilege to sample sumptuous meals offered by the high profile catering companies contracted at the venue. 

Some of the mouthwatering delicacies included nyama choma, beef stew, chicken fry, blended coffee among others.