Omanyala and Moraa to lead Kenya's team to World Relays

Mercy Koech competes in the 4x100m women's finals during the World Athletics Relays Trials at Nyayo Stadium on April 12, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, alongside Commonwealth champions Mary Moraa and Mercy Oketch, will headline Kenya's squad for the World Athletics Relays set to take place in Guangzhou, China, on May 10-11, 2025.

Omanyala will anchor the men's 4x100m relay team, which also includes Meshack Babu, Moses Wasike, Mark Otieno, Steve Onyango, and Isaac Omurwa.

In the women's 4x400m relay, eight athletes have been named led by Mary Moraa, Mercy Oketch, Mercy Chebet, Esther Mbagari and Lanoline Owino. Others are Vance Kerubo, Gladys Mumbe and Hellen Syombua.

However, the team's participation in the women's 4x400m event remains dependent on their World Athletics ranking. Should the team's position drop below the qualification threshold by the close of the qualification window tonight, the selected athletes will be withdrawn.

The 4x400m mixed relay team will be drawn from Kelvin Kipkorir, Allan Kipyego, Kelvin Kiprotich, Boniface Mweresa, Brian Tinega, Wiseman Were, and David Sanayek.

Kennedy Tanui has been appointed as the team leader, while the coaching staff comprises Simon Riga, Cathrine Kagwiria, Stanley Towett, Thomas Musembi, and Edwin Kiptoo.

Meanwhile, double world indoor champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen has been confirmed for two high-profile clashes in the Wanda Diamond League, taking on Olympic champion Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on July 5 before lining up against world champion Josh Kerr at the London Athletics Meet on July 19.