Stage 9 of the WMRA World Cup delivers intensity, rain, and national selection drama in France’s highest city.

Stage 9 of the 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup unfolded dramatically today in the historic alpine city of Briançon under thick clouds that soon gave way to rain, adding drama to an already punishing uphill challenge.

Known as the highest city in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Briançon provided a stunning yet brutal backdrop for the Vauban Mountain and Trail Uphill Race — a 5.9 km course climbing 1,121 vertical meters from the base of the Prorel cable car to just above the Chapelle de Notre-Dame des Neiges.

The steep gradients and shifting weather demanded everything from the athletes, especially with the added tension of national team selection for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc on the line for French competitors.

In the men’s race, the early stages saw a dominant pack of three Run2gether teammates — Philemon Kiriago, Josphat Kiprotich, and Richard Omaya Atuya — leading together past the halfway point.

Not far behind, Jacob Adkin (GBR) and Andrea Elia (ITA) led a determined chase group, waiting for any sign of weakness.

That moment came in the final two kilometers. Kiriago lost ground, while Adkin surged forward with his signature late-race strength to climb into third position. Atuya, however, proved unstoppable, breaking away to claim victory in 40:40, followed by Kiprotich in 41:44 and Adkin in 41:53.

Top 5 Men’s Results
🥇 Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) – 40:40
🥈 Josphat Kiprotich (KEN) – 41:44
🥉 Jacob Adkin (GBR) – 41:53
4. Paul Machoka (KEN) – 42:23
5. Emmanuel Meyssat (FRA) – 42:26

For the women, the stakes were again especially high. Today’s race served as a selection trial for the French national team ahead of the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc. After an early break by several Kenyan runners, local favorite Christel Dewalle took control on the steepest sections, showing both experience and ambition.

Dewalle claimed a commanding victory in 48:40, booking her place in Canfranc and securing maximum World Cup points. Scout Adkin (GBR) followed closely in second at 49:27, with Nélie Clément (FRA) taking third in 50:06. Two Kenyan runners, Gloria Chebet and Philaries Jeruto Kisang, completed the top five.

Top 5 Women’s Results

🥇 Christel Dewalle (FRA) – 48:40
🥈 Scout Adkin (GBR) – 49:27
🥉 Nélie Clément (FRA) – 50:06
4. Gloria Chebet (KEN) – 51:19
5. Philaries Jeruto Kisang (KEN) – 51:30

Full results: https://vaurtr.livetrail.run/classement.php?course=kv&cat=scratch