Mercy Oketch sets new 400m national record at Kip Keino Classic

Mercy Oketch set a new national record in 400m at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental tour on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Oketch, who was part of Team Kenya that bagged the bronze medal at the World Relays in the mixed race early this month in Guangzhou, China, clocked 50.14 seconds.

Oketch broke the previous record of 50.67, set by Mary Moraa, in 2023.

The win also saw her qualify for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships set for September this year for maiden time.

Ugandan Leni Shida, finished 2nd in 50.93, while Mercy Chebet of Kenya completed the podium positions in a PB time of 51.52.