Ugandan Sprinters Leni and Adoli eye World Championships berths at Kip Keino Classic

Uganda’s top athletes are racing against the clock to secure qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for September 13–21.

With the qualification window closing on August 24, the pressure is mounting—particularly for Uganda’s standout sprinters.

This Saturday, May 31, national 400m stars Shida Leni and Haron Adoli will compete at the prestigious Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour in Nairobi, Kenya.

Now in its sixth edition, the event has become one of East Africa’s premier athletics meets, attracting world-class talent from across the globe.

For Leni and Adoli, the meet offers a golden opportunity to hit the stringent qualifying standards required for the World Championships. Uganda, traditionally dominant in long-distance events, is looking to make a statement by sending sprinters to Tokyo—a sign of the sport’s growing breadth in the country.

“This is the biggest opportunity for us to post our best times,” said Adoli. “Competing with the best means running your best. I’ve trained hard with the goal of qualifying for Tokyo.”

Adoli, known for his explosive pace and powerful strides, has shown promising form in recent months. Coaches believe he is peaking at just the right time. His teammate, Shida Leni—Uganda’s 400m national record holder—is a seasoned competitor with a strong track record on the international stage.

With top athletes from Africa, Europe, and the Americas expected in Nairobi, the Kip Keino Classic promises fierce competition and fast times. For Leni and Adoli, a standout performance could not only seal their spot in Tokyo but also provide invaluable experience ahead of the global showdown.