.jpg) Saruni at the 2019 Millrose Games | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  Kenya |
| Born | June 18, 1995 Eldama Ravine, Kenya |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Event(s) | 800 metres 1500 metres |
| College team | UTEP |
Michael Saruni (born June 18, 1995) is a Kenyan collegiate middle-distance runner. He was the former world record holder for the indoor 600 m with a time of 1:14.79, set in January 2018.[1] Representing the University of Texas in El Paso, he also set the all-time collegiate record for 800 m in April 2018, with a time of 1:43.25.[2]
Michael Saruni graduated from Kabimoi High School in Baringo County - Eldama Ravine, Kenya.
In 2017 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni won in 1:47, but was disqualified after bumping Piazza who cut into lane 1 in front of Saruni.[3]
In 2017 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 800 final, champion Emmanuel Korir tripped Saruni at 600 meters.[4]
Saruni was controversially excluded from the Kenyan 2017 World Championships team by Athletics Kenya due to a misunderstanding of IAAF policies.[5]
In 2018 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni won in 1:45.15.
Michael Saruni, a sophomore UTEP Miners (University of Texas El Paso), set the NCAA 800 meters record at the 2018 Desert Heat Classic in Tucson, Arizona in 1:43.25 improving NCAA 800 m record of Donavan Brazier (1:43.55 in 2016).[6]
In 2018 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni placed 3rd in 1:45.31.
He qualified to represent Kenya at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[7]
In 2022, Saruni was given a provisional suspension for anti-doping rules violations.[8]
