Kenya's 800-metre gem Mary Moraa is among six Kenyans who are set to particiapte in an inaugural and unique competition in Jamaica, with millions at stake.
Moraa, who has a rich history in the 800m races, is arguably the biggest name from Kenya who will take part in the inaugural Kingston Slam, scheduled for April 4 to April 6, 2025, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
The competition will see six Kenyans, alongside tens of other athletes across different disciplines, compete for a slice of the Ksh1.6 billion (USD 12.6 million) prize kitty - the largest ever distributed in an athletic event in history.
Unlike other renowned races across the world, the Jamaica Grand Slam will feature 96 competitors—48 contracted ‘Racers’ and 48 ‘Challengers’—who will vie for points in their respective disciplines.
The main difference between the Grand Slam and other typical races featured in events like the Olympics is the fact that in the upcoming event, athletes will be ranked based on combined points across two races. For example, Moraa will be ranked based on how she performs in the 800m and 1500m races.
The athlete with the highest combined points after the two events will win the title of Grand Slam champion and will subsequently walk away with the grand prize of KSh12 million (USD 100,000).
Besides Moraa, Kenya will also be joined by Nelly Jepchirchir - a rising star in the 800m, who will also compete in the 1500m as per the Grand Slam rules.
In the men's category, Kenya will be represented by Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who will be hoping to reciprocate his heroics in the men's 800 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
In the middle-distance races, specifically in the 3000m and 5000m events, Kenya also has some representation, with Ronald Kwemoi, known for his impressive performances in global 1500m and 5000m races set to take a stab at the KSh 12 million cash prize.
Agnes Ngetich and Hellen Ekalale, meanwhile, will battle it out in the women’s categories, aiming to claim top honours in the 3000m and 5000m.
The new Grand Slam format is set to challenge traditional track meets, providing athletes with not only financial rewards but also a fresh competitive structure to make competitive races more interesting and engaging to fans.
Notably, the Grand Slam Track League is a brainchild of legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson, who birthed the competition as a way to provide better pay to athletes.
