Two days to go to: “An evening with the legendary Kip Keino”

Clonliffe Harriers are delighted to announce that legendary double Olympic champion Kip Keino will return to the Morton Stadium Santry in two days time, Friday night the 25th of May. Clonliffe Harriers will play host to Kip Keino for ‘An evening with Kip Keino’ presented by Irish Runner Editor Frank Greally.

 Kip Keino is legendary and more. Kipchoge Keino was born in the Nandi Hills of Kenya. His Olympic career began at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where he competed in both the 1500 metres and 5000 metres. In the 5000 metres qualifying rounds he ran a 25 second PB of 13:49.6, a Kenyan record to qualify for the final and in the final finished in 5th place in 13.50.4 only 1.6 seconds slower than the winning time. The following year Kip set two world records – a new 3000m mark of 7:39.6 and 5000 metre of 13:24.2, he also wrote himself into the African history books by becoming the first African to run a sub four minute mile 3:54.2. When the 1968 Olympics came round in Mexico, the then 28 year old Kenyan doubled up with outstanding success winning Olympic gold in 1500m in 3:34.9 and winning Olympic 5000m silver. At his third Olympia in Munich the Olympic schedule did not allow for a 1500/5000 double up so much to the athletic world’s surprise he went for a unique double of 3000m Steeplechase and 1500m. Keino was a clear winner in the Steeplechase winning gold in 8:23.6 and in a tactical 1500m final despite running an incredible 55.1 third lap Keino could not shake off Finland’s Vassala and with 50m to go Keino relinquished gold but claimed his fourth Olympic medal with silver.

 Kip Keino has competed in Santry on three occasions and was the winner of the inaugural Morton Memorial Invitational Mile in 1970.

 On Friday night next Clonliffe will host ‘An evening with Kip Keino’ from 9 p.m. This presents a unique opportunity to come and meet a true athletics and Olympic legend. Booking is essential, the Clonliffe clubhouse had a limit of 120 people. At this stage more than half of the available places are already gone. Bookings are currently being taken on a first come first served basis, in order to secure your place at this once in a lifetime occasion please email your name, club and email address to clonliffeharriersac@gmail.com. Please note that if you do not apply for a place by email, and in the event of the limit having been reached regrettably you cannot be admitted on the night.

 Kip Keino’s trip to Ireland next week is as an ambassador for the Africa Week Athletics Meet, he is guest of honour for the One Race Human Race Meet which takes place in the Morton Stadium on Saturday the 26th of May from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is a Meet in which it is hoped to attract as many members of the African community living in Ireland to take part in our sport as possible. In addition of course all Irish athletes, juveniles, seniors and masters are encouraged to take part. Members of Clonliffe Harriers are particularly welcome to take part as Clonliffe are assisting with the officiating and stewarding of the event on Saturday week. Entry to the One Race Human Race Meet is currently available online, entries close on Friday the 25th of July. There is a full programme of athletics for all age groups, sprints and middle distance – see www.dmrc.ie.

 Finally in order to assist with the smooth running of the event on the 26th of May Clonliffe Harriers require members to volunteer a few hours of their time to officiate and assist. The organisers of the event are anticipating between athletes, their families and spectators some 2,500 people to attend at some time in the Morton Stadium that particular day. We, therefore, appeal to our members and indeed members of other athletics clubs to contact us to assist to offer their services on the day. In this connection anyone available is requested to contact Paddy Tuite either by email to pjtuite@eircom.net or mobile 086 812 0633.