Kenya’s strides in the relay races were in full show at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China, this Saturday, May 10, 2025

Kenya’s 4x400m mixed relay team secured qualification to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, after finishing third in their heat.

In a statement performance, the team comprising Kevin Kipkorir, Mercy Chebet, Mercy Adongo, and David Sanayek left it all on the pitch, ensuring they not only booked a final participation but also secured a spot in the games scheduled for Tokyo from September 13, 2025.

The mixed team entered the race aware of the task ahead, with only the first two of each star-studded team guaranteed qualification to the World Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Relays final.

However, despite settling for third and outside the qualification bracket, a season-best performance of 3:13.41 booked the spot for Kenyans as the best losers from the heats.

Belgium and Australia finished first and second, respectively.

The good show was extended to the men’s 4x400m sprint, where the quartet of Boniface Mweresa, Zablon Ekwam, Kelvin Kipkorir, and Brian Tinega finished second in their heat to seal a spot in Sunday’s final.

The team also punched their ticket to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo with an automatic qualification.

Heartbreak for Omanyala

Meanwhile, it was a case of too close yet too far for the Kenya 4×100 m men’s relay, who fell just shy of a spot in the Tokyo Games after finishing third in the men’s race.

The team, headlined by sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, Boniface Mweresa, Meshack Babu, and Steve Odhiambo, posted a new record in heat 2 with a time of 38.35.

The spirited performance was, however, dimmed by Germany, who settled for second, and eventual winners South Africa, led by the in-form Akani Simbine.

The South African, who beat Omanyala in the recent Diamond League event in Xiamen, anchored the 4×100 m Olympic silver medalists team to a lead of 37.84 s.

Omanyala and co. were booked in lane five against giants Jamaica, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei.

The Guangzhou relays act as the main qualifying competition for relay events at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo later this year.