Mary Moraa leads a team of six Kenyans participating in the Kingston Slam in Jamaica, competing for Ksh1.6 billion (USD 12.6 million). The competition features two races per athlete, with points determining the winner, marking a departure from traditional formats. This event aims to provide better pay and engage fans innovatively.
Mary Moraa, an exceptional 800-meter runner from Kenya, is among six Kenyans slated to participate in a groundbreaking competition in Jamaica, with a substantial prize pot of Ksh1.6 billion (USD 12.6 million) at stake. The Kingston Slam will take place from April 4 to April 6, 2025, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, marking a significant event in athletics history.
This unparalleled competition comprises 96 competitors, divided into 48 contracted ‘Racers’ and 48 ‘Challengers’ across various athletic disciplines. Unlike conventional races such as the Olympics, which typically focus on individual events, the Jamaica Grand Slam requires athletes to accumulate points based on their performances in two races. For instance, Ms. Moraa’s ranking will derive from her results in both the 800m and 1500m events.
The athlete who achieves the highest combined score in these races will be crowned the Grand Slam champion and will receive a grand prize of KSh12 million (USD 100,000). In addition to Mary Moraa, fellow Kenyan Nelly Jepchirchir, a promising talent in the 800m, will also compete in the 1500m race.
From Kenya’s men’s team, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, an ambitious contender preparing for the men’s 800 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, represents the nation. Moreover, in the middle-distance categories spanning 3000m and 5000m, Ronald Kwemoi aims to seize the KSh 12 million cash reward, having previously performed commendably in global competitions.
In the women’s categories, Agnes Ngetich and Hellen Ekalale will compete in the 3000m and 5000m events, vying to achieve prestigious titles. This innovative Grand Slam format promises to invigorate traditional track meets, enhancing fan engagement through a novel competitive dynamic while offering significant financial incentives for athletes.
Mary Moraa is poised to lead a strong Kenyan contingent into the novel Kingston Slam, where the innovative format of combined race scoring introduces a fresh layer of competitiveness. As the landscape of athletics evolves, this opportunity not only offers significant monetary rewards but also redefines athlete engagement and fan interaction, showcasing a shift in athletic competition spearheaded by visionary figures like Michael Johnson.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
