Mary Moraa explains difference between running at home & abroad

2023 World 800-metre champion Mary Moraa has disclosed that she always feels pressure to perform when competing in Kenya.

The 2022 Diamond League winner made the revelations during an interview on Spot On where she was questioned about the upcoming 2024 Kip Keino Classic.

According to Moraa, the sacrifice from Kenyan fans is what makes her want to give everything not to let them down.

“When running at home soil, I usually have a lot of pressure because everyone is there watching you. They haven’t boarded a plane but they have traveled to the stadium on foot or using a car just to see you.

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 It is not similar to those who have been told Moraa is running at a particular time and they sit and watch on television. So, when running at home I must do my best to ensure I win that race when they are there. So, I feel pressure to perform,” explained Moraa.

The 23-year-old is one of the star runners that have been confirmed for the eagerly anticipated Kip Keino Classic which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 20 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Some of the other elite athletes, who are expected to grace this year’s edition, include the reigning 100m African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala, Ivorian ace Arthur Cisse, and Batswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo.

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Canadian hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg and four-time world champion Anita Wlodarczyk will also be in condition at the event which is recognized by the World Athletics.

Kip Keino Classic deputy director Kennedy Tanui has assured stakeholders that everything is set for Saturday’s clashes.

“We are on track. Let me say 60 percent as of today the track is set and all the equipment is on-site. The only remaining ones are the normal things such as the OB transmission - the normal, the usual setups that always happen on the last day which means we are on course.

In terms of the track, everything is set. In fact, we are doing the final markings for the stadium. So expect a very speedy track in Nyayo Stadium. Expect records,” ended Tanui. 

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