Olympic Games 800m champion Emmanuel Korir will be trying to set a new national record when he competes in the 400m at the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday.
Korir, the world 800m champion, will be seeking to lower Samson Kitur's national record of 44.18 set on August 3, 1992, during the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He holds a personal best time of 44.21 set in Nairobi in 2018.
Korir, who trains in the USA, landed in the country a few days ago ahead of his mission against the big boys on Saturday.
"It has been my dream to set standards and I will be chasing the national 400m record at the Kip Keino Classic,” Korir said on Sunday.
In addition, Korir is also keeping an eye on the Rabat Diamond League on May 28, where he wants to start his Diamond League Trophy defence.
The Kip Keino Classic will be Korir's first competitive race since his title-winning display at last year's World Athletics Championships in Eugene, USA.
“To win the Diamond League and the World Championships was a lot of work and, to be honest, tough. I fought for it (success),” he added.
“I can’t say that Kip Keino will be a build-up to Rabat since competition in Nairobi will be tough. However, I am going to give my best even as I chase for the national record," said Korir.
Korir won the Olympic Games 800m title in Tokyo, Japan in 2021, clocking 1:45.06. He then clocked 1:43.71 to win the world title in Oregon, though still off his 1:42.05 from London in 2018.
He is also an African 4x400m relay champion from 2018 in Asaba, Nigeria, where he also won a silver in 400m.
