As a youngster, Campbell ran on the track team of Bellefield High School, in Manchester Parish, Jamaica. Although the overwhelming majority on the team were sprinters, Campbell was coached for distance running; one of his first races was a 5K road race.[2] While still in Bellefield HS, Campbell was scouted by the University of Arkansas, the school he would attend many years later.[2] In 2010, he became the first Jamaican high schooler to win the high school boys 3000m at the Penn Relays.[3]
Campbell first ran with South Plains College of Levelland, Texas, with whom he won NJCAA titles in the 800 meters and in cross country.[2] He subsequently transferred to the same university which had scouted him back in Jamaica, University of Arkansas. At Arkansas, Campbell was coached by Chris Bucknam. At the 2013 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships, Campbell placed fifth in the men's 5000 meters final and placed second in the men's 3000 meters at the 2013 NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Campbell opened the indoor season with an altitude 4:02.59 mile in Flagstaff, Arizona representing New Balance on January 22, 2016.[4]
Campbell set a PR and Jamaican indoor record in the men's 3000 meters representing New Balance at the 2016 Millrose Games on February 20.[5]
Kemoy Campbell placed fifth in 13:30.09 in the 5000 metres on May 20, 2016 at the Hoka One One Mid Distance Classic hosted by Occidental College.[6]
On February 26, 2017, Campbell ran 13:14.45 indoors at the BU Last Chance meet to break the Jamaican 5000m record.[7]
Kemoy added a fourth national championship title to his collection on June 23, 2017, when he won the 5000m.[8]
On August 12, 2017, Kemoy became the first male Jamaican distance runner to compete in a final at the IAAF World Championships in London. He finished 10th with a time of 13:39.74.[9]
During the Millrose Games in 2019, Campbell lost consciousness due to sudden cardiac arrest, and CPR was performed by bystanders.[10] A defibrillator had to be used to revive him. Campbell was setting the pace in the men's 3000m event.[11]
On September 5, 2019, Campbell announced his retirement from competitive running.
He is currently coaching track and has been forced to limit his physical activity on the orders of his cardiologist.[10]
Jamaica
Jamaica
