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WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

Author: Kirsty Reade

KIRIAGO CRUSHES RECORD TO WIN MEN’S WORLD CUP AND CHEBET CLINCHES WOMEN’S RACE AT SMARNA GORA

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

KIRIAGO CRUSHES RECORD TO WIN MEN’S WORLD CUP AND CHEBET CLINCHES WOMEN’S RACE AT SMARNA GORA

It’s hard to imagine a more fitting race to conclude the World Cup than Smarna Gora. The final stage, a classic up and downhill race, of this year’s competition took place on a course with a deep history of mountain running where we’ve seen many epic duels in the World Cup over the years. And with everything to play for in the World Cup competition, we knew we were going to see some intense racing!

From its finish by a church dating back to the early 1700s to the views of the Kamnik and Julian Alps and a local community who really embrace this race and its runners, it’s a unique race experience from the top elite to the back of the mass field. Starting in Rocen and then ascending 705m and descending 350m over the course of 10k, this is a course with some fast terrain but also with some deceptively technical parts.

With his third place in yesterday’s Velika Planina Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) pulled ahead of Paul Machoka (Run2gether) to take the lead in the men’s World Cup by just 10 points, setting up an enticing men’s competition today. With a DNF yesterday Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo) could no longer catch Scout Adkin, who wasn’t able to run here due to injury but will win the women’s World Cup. But there was still a huge amount of potential for shaking up the rest of the women’s competition.

THE WOMEN’S RACE

While the 2025 women’s World Cup winner was already decided, there was no let-up in the racing. Important points were up for grabs and we had a fascinating field, ranging from Andrea Mayr, record holder here, who has recorded six of the eight fastest women’s times, to exciting younger athletes like Nelie Clement (Gap Hautes Alpes Athletisme) and Courtney Coppinger (Brooks), racing here for the first time.

After yesterday’s DNF it was uncertain how Rutto would do here at Smarna Gora, but normal service was resumed as she and Glora Chebet (Run2gether) led it out for the women. Along with them were Coppinger and, a few seconds back, Mayr, continually pushing each other. Elle Twentyman, another breakout star of this year’s World Cup, and Clement were 30 seconds back and not letting them get away.

After 6km Chebet was still leading, but Rutto was still holding on to her and the gap remained at around 20 seconds. By this point Coppinger and Rutto were running neck-and-neck and they had opened more of a gap on Mayr. But you can never discount Mayr, whose consistency over the last 20 years has been nothing short of astounding.

Eventually Chebet could not be caught and she stretched out her lead in the final kilometres, taking the win in 49.55. Rutto held off Coppinger, taking second in 51.02, with Coppinger 7 seconds behind. Mayr never stopped pushing and took fourth.

Women’s top 5

  1. Gloria Chebet (Kenya) – 49.55
  2. Valentine Rutto (Kenya) – 51.02
  3. Courtney Coppinger (USA) – 51.09
  4. Andrea Mayr (Austria) – 51.49
  5. Elle Twentyman (Great Britain) – 52.00

THE MEN’S RACE

 It was no surprise to see a trio of Run2gether athletes taking it out from the start. Josphat Kiprotich initially took command, with Kiriago and Richard Omaya Atuya, yesterday’s men’s winner, right on his heels. They opened a gap of 30 seconds to Machoka, who was desperate to secure those all-important points he needed to take the men’s World Cup. 10 seconds further back Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether) and Mwangi Ephantus Njeri (Run2gether) were also in the mix, with Lorenzo Cagnati (La Sportiva) also keeping pace.

Kiprotich kept the lead but never succeeded in shaking Kiriago, who looked ominously comfortable despite the relentless pace. Atuya also looked focussed and was holding off Machoka, though never really extending the gap and now Saoli was starting to challenge. And the splits were indicating that the course record may well go!

Kiriago finally made his move, overtaking teammate Kiprotich, and attempting to put some daylight between them. He could not be caught and he took the win, knocking a big chunk off the course record, lowering it to 40.47 (from 41.30, set by Atuya just last year). Kiprotich held on to take second in 40.55 and Atuya took third in 41.07. All three were under the course record, showing what a fierce competition it was.

Men’s top 5

  1. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Kenya) – 40.47
  2. Josphat Kiprotich (Kenya) – 40.55
  3. Richard Omaya Atuya (Kenya) – 41.07
  4. Paul Machoka (Kenya) – 41.59
  5. Michael Selelo Saoli (Kenya) – 42.12

WORLD CUP FINAL STANDINGS

In the women’s World Cup Scout Adkin executed a pretty perfect season, taking part in nine events, winning three, coming second in five and fifth in one. Adkin takes the women’s World Cup for the second year in a row. Valentine Jepkoech Rutto takes second place overall and Gloria Chebet’s win today means that she overtakes Joyce Muthoni Njeru to take third overall.

The men’s World Cup was all change on finals weekend. Coming into the weekend Paul Machoka led, with Kiriago trailing by 25 points. But that flipped following Velika Planina and Kiriago took the lead by just ten points. Kiriago’s win today secured the men’s World Cup title, with Machoka having to settle for the runner-up position. Saoli finished in third place in the men’s competition, holding off Atuya by just three points.

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SAAPUNKI STORMS TO COMMANDING WIN AND ATUYA TAKES MEN’S CROWN AT VELIKA PLANINA

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

SAAPUNKI STORMS TO COMMANDING WIN AND ATUYA TAKES MEN’S CROWN AT VELIKA PLANINA

The final of the 2025 World Cup began in spectacular style today with a dramatic competition at Velika Planina. A host of top international athletes congregated in this stunning area of Slovenia to take on this historic course.

Not only has Velika Planina been used as the venue for the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships and the 2017 European Off-Road Championships, but it will also be the course used in the European Off-Road Running Championships in June 2026. And with the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc just a month away, the World Cup finals were perfectly timed to provide a highly competitive opportunity for the athletes to test their fitness and racing strategies.

Velika Planina was the World Cup’s final classic uphill race and the course climbed 1280m over 8.5km, starting at Stahovica and finishing at Gradišče. With a mix of steep forest trails, open meadows offering some easier running, and a final kick up to the finish line, this route had a bit of everything for the runners. The unique finish line was amongst the shepherds’ villages that the area is famous for, with oval huts with spruce shingles. The misty conditions at the summit just added to the special atmosphere at the summit.

THE WOMEN’S RACE

With the unfortunate withdrawal of women’s World Cup leader, Scout Adkin, the women’s race was wide open. With a field including established World Cup superstars like Andrea Mayr (Hoolirun), Gloria Chebet (Run2Gether) and Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo), as well as breakout performers from this year like Nelie Clement (Gap Hautes Alpes Athletisme) and Elle Twentyman (England Athletics), plus a number of young American athletes we were seeing for the first time, it was a fascinating women’s start line.

But there was one athlete determined to take it out right from the start and that was Susanna Saapunki (On Running). We have seen some incredible performances from Saapunki since she made the switch from cross-country skiing to mountain running, so we knew her early breakaway was ominous for the other runners.

By the first timing point Saapunki had opened up an impressive lead of a minute over the chasing pack of Mayr, Kirsty Dickson (Carnethy Hill Running Club) and Italian Benedetta Broggi (Sport Project VCO). Twentyman was right on their heels, with Martina Falchetti (Sport Club Merano) and Clement 20 seconds further back.

Saapunki managed to maintain and even extend her lead through the next section, despite a knee injury hampering her on the downhills. By this point Dickson and Mayr had opened up a lead of over a minute and a half on Falchetti and Clement, with Lucia Arnoldo (Atletica Domomiti Belluno) and local favourite Lucija Krkoc (ŠD Nanos) now joining the chase.

Eventually Saapunki could not be caught and took an emphatic victory in 1.01.43. With just 1km to go there were three women – Broggi, Dickson and Mayr – all together and desperately trying to put some distance between each other. Broggi eventually won a very close duel with Dickson and took second place in 1.04.32, with Dickson just one second behind in third. Mayr took fourth place and Chebet came through for a very creditable fifth.

Top 5 women

  1. Susanna Saapunki (Finland) – 1.01.43
  2. Benedetta Broggi (Italy) – 1.04.32
  3. Kirsty Dickson (Great Britain) – 1.04.33
  4. Andrea Mayr (Austria) – 1.05.03
  5. Gloria Chebet (Kenya) – 1.05.13

THE MEN’S RACE

As with the women’s race, the men’s field was incredibly strong. Seven of the top ten men in the World Cup standings were on the start line, including Paul Machoka (Atletica Saluzzo), Philemon Ombogo Kiriago, Michael Selelo Saoli and Richard Omaya Atuya (all Run2Gether), who we’ve seen dominate so many races this year. Add in top Italians Andrea Rostan (La Sportiva/Atletica Saluzzo) and Andrea Elia (Topo Athletics), (Henri Aymonod unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury), another top Kenyan in Josphat Kiprotich (Run2Gether) and revered local runners like Luka Kovačič and Klemen Španring and we really had a race on our hands.

Where the women’s race had a definitive leader from the off, it was more tentative in the men’s race. Initially a small group formed and it took a while for anybody to break away from it. When they did it was Kiprotich who made the move. But Atuya stuck to him and it didn’t seem that Kiprotich was able to put much distance between them. Just behind lay Kiriago and then Machoka and Elia were neck-and-neck through the first timing point. Rostan was also a few seconds behind, with Abraham Ekwan (Pega Kenya).

Atuya made his move after the steep forest section and he reached the next timing point in the lead. He had now put 20 seconds between him and Kiprotich, but it was still a narrow margin. Kiriago and Elia were now together and had broken away from the rest of the pack, a minute and a half behind Atuya and 45 seconds ahead of Machoka and Španring, who was by now exercising his local advantage. It was all still extremely close and would come down to the flatter final section before the uphill finish.

Atuya had run a very smart race and he had plenty in the tank to extend his lead on the faster section. He took the win in 50.21, with Kiprotich holding on to second in 51.14. Kiriago won the battle against Elia to claim third in 52.18.

Top 5 men

  1. Richard Omaya Atuya (Kenya) – 50.21
  2. Josphat Kiprotich (Kenya) – 51.14
  3. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Kenya) – 52.18
  4. Andrea Elia (Italy) – 52.39
  5. Paul Machoka (Kenya) – 53.35

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WORLD CUP REACHES THRILLING CLIMAX IN SLOVENIAN DOUBLE-HEADER

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

WORLD CUP REACHES THRILLING CLIMAX IN SLOVENIAN DOUBLE-HEADER

After 13 gruelling stages across three continents and four months of high-octane competition, the World Cup reaches its dramatic finale this weekend. And where better to crown this year’s champions than the iconic slopes of Smarna Gora – a venue rich in mountain running history and prestige?

Slovenia takes centre stage for this ultimate showdown, hosting a blockbuster of a mountain running weekend that promises edge-of-the-seat racing. The action kicks off at Velika Planina in Kamnik on Saturday, August 23rd, with one last lung-busting classic uphill race. Then, all eyes turn to Smarna Gora on Sunday for the grand finale – a classic up-and-downhill race to decide the World Cup’s ultimate victors.

Velika Planina follows a course used in the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships and the 2017 European Off-Road Championships. This very route is set to host the European Off-Road Running Championships in June 2026, so it will not only be a testing route for the World Cup competitors, but it will also provide a dress rehearsal for some of the athletes targeting the championship next year. It’s an 8.5km course with 1280m of ascent, starting at Stahovica and finishing at Gradišče.

The following day the World Cup heads 20km away to Ljubljana, the scene of many World Cup competitions over the years, and a race with a deep mountain running history. Smarna Gora began in 1979 and it is an absolute ‘must-do’ in the race calendar. In 2020 it was voted the greatest mountain race of all time by the public, in a poll by WMRA. Smarna Gora might not take place in the high mountains, like some of the other World Cup races, but it packs a punch into its 10km with 705m of ascent and 350m of descent.

Both races showcase the best of Slovenian running and culture. Velika Planina is a race of alpine scenery, forests and meadows and it offers panoramic views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It is also home to one of Europe’s few remaining high-mountain shepherd’s villages, with oval huts with spruce shingles. They bring their cattle down to graze on the plateau in what is a centuries-old tradition.

Smarna Gora Race takes place on a famous hill in the area which boasts a Baroque church dating back to 1711. The church bells, a hallmark of Slovenian tradition known as “pritrkovanje,” will ring out on Sunday, welcoming the runners. And as they take on this stunning, and, in places, technical route, they will enjoy views of the Kamnik and Julian Alps. There is a particularly strong community spirit around this event, with a long history of local people maintaining its traditions, while also embracing innovations in the sport.

Top fields are assembled in both the men’s and women’s races. Five out of the top 10 women in the World Cup rankings will be on the start line of both races, and nine out of the top 10 men will be in action over the weekend.

THE WOMEN’S RACE

Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) leads the women’s field at the moment, incredibly finishing either first or second at all but one race she has run in this year’s World Cup. Unfortunately she is not able to race this weekend due to an injury she picked up at the British uphill trial race for next month’s World Championships. Her closest rival, Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo), will run both races, and she has proven herself to be as adept at different types of race as Adkin, if not quite as consistent.

Gloria Chebet (Run2Gether), another consistent performer, is currently in fifth place in the World Cup standings, but good results here could see her jump up in the absence of Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Philaries Jeruto Kisang. It will be really exciting to see how Nelie Clement (Gap Hautes Alpes Athletisme) fares, after that breakthrough performance at Vauban, where she won the classic up and downhill race and finished third at the classic uphill race. Aged just 22 she has definitely been one of the rising stars of this year’s World Cup.

Andrea Mayr (Hoolirun) has continued to prove that she is still performing at the top level this season and she will no doubt be one of the athletes to set the pace. Elle Twentyman (England Athletics) is currently lying in eighth place in the World Cup standings, just behind Mayr, and will also race both events. Kirsty Dickson (Carnethy Hill Running Club) comes to the race straight off winning the British uphill trial for the World Championships, so could be one to watch, particularly in the classic uphill race.

Susanna Saapunki (On Running) will run Smarna Gora Race, off the back of her recent top 10 finish at Sierre Zinal. She has a strong record at Smarna Gora, having done the double here, winning the Race and the Record in 2023 and finishing fourth in the Race last year. Alice Gaggi (Brooks), another formidable competitor, will also toe the line at Smarna Gora.

Legendary locals, Lucija Krkoc (ŠD Nanos) and Nuša Mali (AD Kronos), also have strong track records here and will be expected to feature highly. There will also be a strong, young contingent from the USA including Courtney Coppinger (Brooks) and Kyla Christopher-Moody, who will be interesting to watch.

THE MEN’S RACE

 Paul Machoka (Atletica Saluzzo) leads the men’s World Cup and has taken part in all of the races apart from Broken Arrow, achieving incredibly consistent results. But he could be caught by Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2Gether), who, like Machoka, will run both races. Michael Selelo Saoli and Richard Omaya Atuya (both Run2Gether), who we’ve seen in some epic duels with each other and with Machoka this year, are currently third and fourth in the World Cup and still have a podium place to battle for. These three athletes made up the Smarna Gora Race podium last year.

But the main threat to them may come in the form of Patrick Kipngeno (Run2Gether), who we haven’t seen as much in the World Cup this year, but he had an extremely strong run to take second in Sierre Zinal two weeks ago. Equally, Run2Gether team mate Josphat Kiprotich could also be a danger. Lengen Lolkurraru (PegaKenya) is also back, after coming second here in 2022 and it will be interesting to see what he can produce on his return.

The European challengers for the men include Andrea Rostan (La Sportiva/Atletica Saluzzo), Andrea Elia (Topo Athletics) and Henri Aymonod (The North Face), all of whom are running both races. Alberto Vender (New Balance) will take part in just the Smarna Gora Race, having achieved sixth place last year. Jacob Adkin (New Balance) is continuing his return to top competition, as we saw at Vauban, and could do well be one to watch this weekend.

Local former winner Timotej Bečan (tekači) will know how to race this better than most, and his teammates Luka Kovačič and Klemen Španring have had good success at the Smarna Gora Record. As with the women’s race, a strong team of American runners are making the journey to race in Slovenia, including Andy Wacker and Jeret Gillingham.

FOLLOWING THE WORLD CUP ACTION

We will bring you all the action from the weekend’s racing, as we crown our 2025 World Cup champions. Follow live on YouTube and via our social media channels.

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HARD FOUGHT WINS FOR KIMUTAI AND KIRIAGO LIGHT UP THRILLING SIERRE-ZINAL

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

HARD FOUGHT WINS FOR KIMUTAI AND KIRIAGO LIGHT UP THRILLING SIERRE-ZINAL

***Reviewed 09.09.***
Revised women’s podium after Disqualification of Joyline Chepngeno

The race is proud to celebrate Caroline Kimutai as the new champion of the 52nd edition, along with course
record holder Maude Mathys, who now steps onto the podium in third place.


It is important to note that Caroline Kimutai tested negative.

******

Sierre-Zinal never fails to draw top elite fields, but one of the things that truly sets this legendary race apart is its uncanny ability to attract crossover stars from other disciplines like triathlon, road and ultra running and even cycling. Last year, Joyline Chepngeno also proved the event’s magic as a springboard for unknown talents, bursting onto the mountain running scene from obscurity. Predictability has no place here; Sierre-Zinal thrives on surprises, rewriting expectations with every edition.

Sierre-Zinal’s relentless evolution is evident in its finish times. Before Jonathan Wyatt shattered the 2:30 barrier in 2003 and Angela Mudge broke 3 hours in 2001, these marks seemed untouchable. Now we routinely expect the course record to be under threat by multiple runners every year.  This year’s field alone packed 23 men under 2:40 and 11 women below 3:10.

There was no Kilian this year, but that certainly wasn’t going to make the men’s race any less competitive, with former winners like Andreu Blanes (Salomon) and Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) and a deep field of top athletes. Joyline Chepngeno (Milimani Runners Salomon) was back to defend her title in the women’s race, but Maude Mathys (ASICS) would want to add to her record four wins, and a whole host of the best female runners in the world would be trying to stop them. All the runners also had extreme heat to deal with today. 

THE WOMEN’S RACE

Just as we saw Joyline Chepngeno announce herself onto the world scene last year, Sierre Zinal debutante Caroline Kimutai (Milimani Runners Salomon) struck out for the lead straight away. Kimutai is a team mate of Chepngeno, but it was clear from the start that it would be fiercely competitive between them. Kimutai initially opened up a lead of around 90 seconds on the long climb, and was ahead of Chepngeno’s time last year, with Chepngeno herself, German marathon runner Laura Hottenrott (ASICS), Mathys, Madalina Florea (Scott) and Miao Yao (Salomon) leading the chase. Behind them lay Cristina Simion (Stiinta Bacau), Susanna Saapunki (On Running) and Katie Schide (On Running), who is generally found doing (and winning) races approximately five times longer than Sierre Zinal.

By Chandolin, 12k into the race, Kimutai was still holding onto the lead, and she was still ahead of last year’s winning time, but Chepngeno had started to close the gap and now it was only 40 seconds. Hottenrott sat a minute behind, with Mathys and Florea just behind her. But there was still a very long way to go, and as we see year after year at Sierre-Zinal, anything can happen.

As the gap between Kimutai and Chepngeno and the chasing runners started to grow, at no point did they stop racing. Slowly Chepngeno closed the gap and overtook Kimutai, but Kimutai didn’t take her foot off the gas. And now there was a really interesting race shaping up for third too, with Hottenrott, Mathys and Florea close together. By Hotel Weisshorn, nearing the top of the climb section of the course, Schide and Saapunki were still in contention and Oria Liaci (Brooks) and Anna Gibson (Brooks) had also started to move up into the top 10.

Once they were onto the descent it really started to shake up the placings. Chepngeno maintained a narrow lead over Kimutai, but Mathys was starting to make her move, overtaking Hottenrott, and Schide was now up to fifth, with Liaci a minute behind. It didn’t look like anybody was going to catch Chepngeno and Kimutai, but the race for third was really on.

Chepngeno successfully held on for the win, in 2.54.29 (just 23 seconds slower than her winning time last year) with Kimutai taking second in 2.55.31, an incredible debut. Schide illustrated that ultra runners can have great speed as well as endurance by coming through to take third in 2.58.56, overtaking Mathys and Hottenrott on the final downhill. Liaci came through to take a brilliant fifth.

Afterwards, Schide said she found it incredible to find herself in the “Queen of races ” alongside the “Queen of the race” Maude Mathys. She also said that she “could never have dreamed, when I did this race in 2021, that I’d be on the podium of this race”. 

It seems we might be seeing more of Hottenrott in mountain running too. She said afterwards that while she’s still pursuing marathon running on the roads, she’s loving combining it with mountain running during the summer and plans to return to Sierre-Zinal to try to run faster.

Top 5 women

  1. Joyline Chepngeno (Kenya) 2.54.49
  2. Caroline Kimutai (Kenya) 2.55.31
  3. Katie Schide (USA) 2.58.30
  4. Maude Mathys (SUI) 2.58.56
  5. Oria Liaci (SUI) 3.00.20

THE MEN’S RACE

Just as the women’s race was led out by a runner making their debut here, it was Adrien Briffod (Team ATLET) of Switzerland who decided to take the men’s race on. Known more as a triathlete, it must have been a surprise for some to see him challenging early on. But the group let him go and he opened up a lead of over a minute by the first timing point at Ponchette, 8km in. At this point it was Josphat Kiprotich (Run2gether), Timothy Kibett (Milimani Runners Salomon), Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) and Dominik Rolli (Salomon) leading the chase.

On the long climb Briffod showed no sign of letting up and he continued to maintain his lead. Those chasing him must have slowly realised that he hadn’t gone out too fast, and he wasn’t going to make it easy for them by blowing up. By Chandolin, at 12k, Kibett was leading the chase, with the same runners, but now Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether), Elhousine Elazzaoui (Nnormal), Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether), Paul Machoka (Atletica Saluzzo) and Blanes were joining in.

By Hotel Weisshorn they must have been wondering what they had to do to catch him, so Kipngeno took some decisive action and began to close him down. Saoli and Machoka were also starting to ramp it up. It was still extremely close and it was all going to come down to the long descent to Zinal.

Briffod could not hang on with his solo run any longer and he was caught by Kiriago, Kipngeno and Saoli early on the long downhill. Could he hang on and still make the podium? It was looking unlikely as the top three started to open a gap on him. And it was very close for the podium places. Eventually Kiriago held on to take his second victory here, in 2.28.45. Kipngeno held off Selelo, taking second in 2.29.08 with Selelo third in 2.29.14. Brifford did hang on for fourth, in a stunning debut. Martin Nilsson of Sweden came through for sixth place, having run a very smart race.

Top 5

  1. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN) 2.28.45
  2. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) 2.29.08
  3. Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) 2.29.14
  4. Adrien Briffod (SUI) 2.32.06
  5. Paul Machoka (KEN) 2.33.00

Full results can be found here.

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Sierre Zinal 2024

WORLD’S TOP MEN AND WOMEN READY TO BATTLE IN SIERRE ZINAL SHOWDOWN

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

WORLD’S TOP MEN AND WOMEN READY TO BATTLE IN SIERRE ZINAL SHOWDOWN

Sierre Zinal 2024

The countdown is on for an ironclad highlight of the World Cup – it’s time for Sierre-Zinal! It’s an iconic race for many reasons and it never fails to produce the highest level of racing, often resulting in a few surprises. Over the years it’s provided the backdrop for some of the most exciting showdowns of the World Cup and this year is shaping up to be another classic.

Sierre Zinal is our next long mountain race at 31km, with 2,200m of elevation and 1,100m descent. The scale of the scenery alone makes it very special; it’s known as ‘la course des cinq 4000’ because the runners get to enjoy views of five peaks over 4000m along the way (Weisshorn (4506m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4073m), Matterhorn (4478m) and Dent Blanche (4357m)).

The race route tests every aspect of the athlete’s skillset, with steep climbing, technical singletrack, fast and wide paths, alpine meadows and a final frantic 7km downhill to the finish, where the race is often decided. To win Sierre-Zinal you have to be good at everything and execute your race plan perfectly.

The first Sierre-Zinal took place in 1974 and over the years it has attracted some big names of the sport. Famously, Kilian Jornet achieved his tenth win in 2024, in a nail-biting sprint finish against Philemon Ombogo Kiriago. Anna Pichrtova and Maude Mathys both won four in a row, Ricardo Mejia topped the podium five times and Pablo Vigil took four consecutive titles from 1979 to 1982. But for every serial winner, there is also an athlete who tears up the rulebook to take a shock victory. Last year it was Joyline Chepngeno of Kenya, who achieved a breakout performance in what was, incredibly, her debut international trail race.

THE 2025 FAVOURITES      

This year’s line-up includes no fewer than 23 men who have run this course in under 2hrs 40 and 11 women who have run sub 3hrs 10. There’s no Kilian this year but there are 15 men from last year‘s top 20 and 7 of last year’s top 10 women.

Four former winners will toe the start line. Kenyan Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) won in 2023 (and was second in 2024) and Spain’s Andreu Blanes (HOKA) won in 2022. Kenyan Joyline Chepngeno (Salomon) defends her title, after banking a year of experience including a win at Marathon du Mont Blanc, and Swiss Maude Mathys (ASICS) returns. Former Sierre-Zinal podium placers returning this year include Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether), second in 2022 and 2023 and third in 2024, Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Nnormal), second in 2023, Philaries Kisang (Run2gether), third in 2023, and Madalina Florea (Scott), a memorable third last year.

But Sierre-Zinal rarely follows the script. Athletes striving to make the podium are queuing up in one of the deepest fields we’ve ever seen. Elhousine Elazzaoui (Nnormal) is seemingly unbeatable in other races, but Sierre-Zinal has always eluded him. Could this be his year? Christian Allen (Nike) made his debut last year, but his star is very much in the ascendent.  Other men to watch include Sylvain Cachard (HOKA), Roberto Delorenzi (Brooks), Leonard Chemutai and Francesco Puppi (HOKA).

In the women’s race Anna Gibson (Brooks) is in strong form following a double podium at Broken Arrow. Yao Miao (Salomon) was fourth here in 2023 and comes off a recent win at the Val d’Aran 50k. Another athlete more familiar for ultrarunning  is Katie Schide (On Running) and it will be exciting to see her compete here. Philaries Jeruto Kisang (Run2gether) finished fourth and Oria Liaci (Brooks) finished in the top 10 here last year, Alice Gaggi (Brooks) was fifth here in 2023 and Lauren Gregory (Nike) could definitely be one to watch.

THE WORLD CUP

In terms of the World Cup competition we won’t see the women’s leader, Scout Adkin, in action, but we will see the men’s leader, Paul Machoka (Atletica Saluzzo). Kiriago will be looking to gain some important points to close the gap, as will Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether) and Andrea Rostan (La Sportiva/Atletica Saluzzo). Kevin Kibet (Atletica Saluzzo), Alberto Vender (New Balance) and Henri Aymonod (The North Face) will also be fighting for their places in the top 10. For the women Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo) could close the gap to Adkin, as could Muthoni Njeru. Kisang could also earn enough points here to overtake Gloria Chebet (who isn’t running) and break into the top three of the World Cup competition.

This could be the race that decides the World Cup, with just two more stages to go at the end of this month.

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DOMINANT RUTTO REDEFINES GIIR DI MONT RECORD AND MAGNINI MASTERS MEN’S FIELD

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

DOMINANT RUTTO REDEFINES GIIR DI MONT RECORD AND MAGNINI MASTERS MEN’S FIELD

After a rain affected uphill race in Premana on Saturday, conditions couldn’t have been more different for today’s 32k race, the 12th stage of this year’s World Cup competition. There were clear skies and warm temperatures for the runners as they stood on the start line in Piazza della Chiesa.

The 32k race is a big loop which links the 12 mountain pastures of the region. As such it really showcases the beautiful valleys and peaks around the area. The crux of the course is the three big climbs, the first of which ascends to Alpe Chiarino (1558m) after 5km of running, then on to the huts of Alpe Barconcelli.

The second climb, which comes after a flatter valley section and a 4km stretch of the old military road, is the biggest and takes the runners up to the Bocchetta di Larecc (2063 m), recording 800 m of elevation gain in just over 3 km. Traditionally there is a large crowd gathered here to cheer the runners on in the last 600m of this climb.  

The final climb is the last and longest. The first part is the hardest, starting from the huts of Domant and then passing through Pianch, up to Alpe Premaniga (1403 m) and more crowds of supporters, before becoming less steep to Alpe Solino (km 25).  Then there’s just the matter of the long descent back to Premana.

THE MEN’S RACE

With a very strong cohort of Kenyan runners, as well as some top Italians and other Europeans and a Columbian runner capable of making the podium, this was going to be a fascinating contest.

Davide Magnini (New Balance) struck out for an early lead and he emerged at Alpe Chiarino first, but with Paul Machoka (Pegarun) right behind him. There was then a gap of a minute back to Norwegian Stian Angermund, followed by another gap back to Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether), Mattia Tanara (Scott) and Alex Oberacher (La Sportiva). Federico Nicolini, Lorenzo Rota, Columbian Diego Vera (Scarpa) and Kevin Kibet (Pegarun).

It was something of a shock to see Saoli drop out soon after this, and the men’s race really was wide open. Magnini had maintained his lead at the next timing point at Vegessa, but Machoka was right on his heels and looking very comfortable. By this point the top 10 had splintered a little, with a group of four – Angermund, Tanara, Oberbacher and Rota Martir – working together, with Kibet just a few seconds behind.

At the next timing point at Larec, Magnini was still holding off Machoka by 40 seconds. Tanara and Angermund were still together and two minutes behind Machoka, with Rota a minute behind them and Oberacher and Vera two minutes further back. By Delagnaggio Magnini was still holding firm, but Angermund had overtaken Machoka to move into second place, and Tanara had moved into third, pushing Machoka into fourth. Rota Martir lay two minutes behind.

Eventually this top five didn’t change and Magnini took the win in 3.14.04, with Angermund in second in 3.15.36. Tanara completed the podium in 3.18.34.

Men’s top 5

  1. Davide Magnini (ITA) 3.14.04
  2. Stian Angermund (NOR) 3.15.35
  3. Mattia Tanara (ITA) 3.18.34
  4. Paul Machoka (KEN) 3.19.15
  5. Lorenzo Rota Martir (ITA) 3.20.18

THE WOMEN’S RACE          

With a very strong women’s field, there was one runner who was determined to establish a lead straight from the start and from then on it became a case of whether she could hold on. And the race for the rest of the podium was going to be incredibly competitive.

It was Valentine Rutto (Pegarun) who took the race on from the front and by the time she reached Alpe Chiarino she’d already established a lead of two minutes. Italian Roberta Jacquin (Pegarun) led the chase, with Mathilde Sagnes of France 30 seconds behind, followed by Italians Martina Cumerlato, Cecilia Basso (Brooks) and Elisa Presa (Salomon). Swiss runner Simone Troxler and Alice Testina (Salomon) were close behind.

By Vegessa Rutto had stretched her lead out to three minutes and Jacquin, still trying to chase her down, had opened a gap of a minute now to Cumerlato, Presa, Sagnes and Testini. How would this next more runnable section through the valley effect the women’s race?

Incredibly, once they reached the next timing point at Larec, Rutto had used her flat speed and strong climbing to increase the gap to seven minutes. Behind her, three women were working together to try to reduce that gap and it was Cumerlato, Basso and Jacquin. It was starting to look unlikely that Rutto could be caught, but the race for second the third was on.

Rutto’s relentless pace didn’t let up and by Deleguaggio she had stretched the gap out to 10 minutes. Barring injury it looked like it was in the bag. At this point Cumerlato sat in second place, but Jacquin was just eight seconds behind and as they started the downhill section Jacquin looked ominously determined. Basso was two minutes behind.

Rutto took the impressive win in 3.58.28, which was a new women’s course record. Jacquin’s descending speed proved decisive and she overtook Cumberlato to take second in 4.07.56, with Cumerlato taking a brilliant third place in 4.08.47.

Women’s top 5

  1. Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (KEN) 3.58.28
  2. Roberta Jacquin (ITA) 4.07.45
  3. Martina Cumerlato (ITA) 4.08.47
  4. Cecilia Basso (ITA) 4.13.49
  5. Mathilde Sagnes (FRA) 4.18.42

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ADKIN AND ATUYA CONQUER RAIN AND RIVALS AT GIIR DI MONT UPHILL

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

ADKIN AND ATUYA CONQUER RAIN AND RIVALS AT GIIR DI MONT UPHILL

Anticipation was high for stage 11 of the World Cup at today’s Giir di Mont Uphill. With competition really hotting up in the World Cup competition, podium places here could prove pivotal to this year’s contest, and many of the top athletes made the trip to Premana for this historic race.

The Giir di Mont race’s origins date back to the 1960s, and over the years it has attracted the best mountain runners in the world. The uphill race was added in 2022 but from the off it has showcased the highest level of competition.

Premana provides a perfect playground for the Giir di Mont races, with 2000m peaks all around, alpine pastures, ancient woodland and a local community that lives and breathes mountain running. Hundreds of local volunteers make it an unforgettable race experience for anybody who takes part.

The uphill race starts benignly, with a fast and runnable first kilometre, but over the course of the next 6.5km it climbs 800m, with 400m of that in the final kilometre. The final, steep section sees runners really digging deep to reach the finish line at Alpe Solino.

THE WOMEN’S RACE          

The women set off first, and while the drizzly rain cooled the temperatures for them, it did make the conditions underfoot slightly more challenging.

The line-up for the women included World Cup leader Scout Adkin (HOKA EU), 7-time World Champion Andrea Mayr, Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Pegarun) and Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Nnormal), currently second and third in the World Cup standings. In addition, the presence of Gloria Chebet (Run2gether), Susanna Saapunki (On Running) and Philaries Jeruto Kisang (Run2gether) made the start line feel almost like a World Championship.

It was very close, with the lead changing hands many times, but eventually Adkin got away and took the win in 47.52. It was Francesca Ghelfi (ASD Podistica Valle Varaita) who chased her to the end and took second in 47.58, with the unstoppable Mayr competing the podium in 48.31.

Women’s top 5

  1. Scout Adkin (GBR) 47.52
  2. Francesca Ghelfi (ITA) 47.58
  3. Andrea Mayr (AUT) 48.31
  4. Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (KEN) 48.46
  5. Gloria Chebet (KEN) 49.24

THE MEN’S RACE

The men’s race was equally stacked and it, too, got off to a very fast start through the cobbled streets. With the top three in the men’s World Cup competition – Paul Machoka (Pegarun), Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) and  Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether) – in addition to Richard Omaya Atuya (Run2gether) and Josphat Kiprotich (Run2gether), it was one of the strongest Kenyan line-ups we’ve had this year.

This race was also the Italian Uphill only Mountain Running Championship, so there was an incredibly strong cohort of Italian athletes in both the men’s and women’s race too. Andrea Rostan (Atletica Saluzzo) , who took a podium spot in Chongli, and Andrea Elia (La Recastello Radici Group), who finished as top Italian last weekend at Vauban.

It was an all-Kenyan podium, with Atuya eventually breaking free to in in 39.49. Kiriago was close behind in 40.07, with another narrow gap to Machoka in third in 40.17. The top five were all Kenyan and within one minute of each other.

Men’s top 5

  1. Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) 39.49
  2. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN) 40.07
  3. Paul Machoka (KEN) 40.17
  4. Josphat Kiprotich (KEN) 40.32
  5. Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) 40.45

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Giir di Mont

PREMANA PREPARES FOR A THRILLING WORLD CUP SHOWDOWN AT GIIR DI MONT

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, World Cup.

PREMANA PREPARES FOR A THRILLING WORLD CUP SHOWDOWN AT GIIR DI MONT

Giir di Mont

After the excitement of last weekend’s World Cup races in Briançon, France, there’s no let-up for the competition as we head straight into stages 11 and 12 at Giir di Mont. Held in Premana, Italy, in the heart of the Lombard Alps, we will see runners take on an uphill race on Saturday 26th and a long mountain race on Sunday 27th.

Giir di Mont is a race with an incredible history. Having started in the 1960s as a bet, then resurrected temporarily in the 1980s, then permanently in 1999, this year it celebrates its 31st edition.  A love of mountain running runs deep in this place, and the community is the beating heart of this event. Premana itself dates back to Roman times and you can see its ancient history reflected in the landscapes of centuries-old woodland and breathtaking peaks all around. The centre still boasts cobbled streets, and the more recent history of iron and steel working is evident in the local culture.

Premana is a renowned hub for hiking, mountain biking and climbing, as well as running, and has an incredible network of trails. The trail that links the 12 alpine pastures of the area provides the route for the long race, making it a true journey through the history of the region.

THE COURSE

The racing gets underway on Saturday 26th with Giir di Mont Uphill, an 8km, 1,050m+ test starting at the valley floor in Giabbio and finishing at Alpe Solino. It will serve as the Italian Uphill only Mountain Running Championship.

First reaching Premana, the runners then climb through beautiful woods and pastures, before hitting more variable terrain with some steep slopes. After passing a small group of huts the runners will reach the summit of Alpe Premanaga (1400m) and the final 2k is up and down to Alpe Solino (1618m).

On Sunday 27th it’s time for the 32k race. Starting from the centre of the village in Piazza della Chiesa, the route initially descends along an ancient mule track, before the first of the three climbs begins. Once reaching the first summit of Alpe Chiarino (1558m) a technical trail leads to Alpe Barconcelli Hut, before descending for 2k.

The second, hardest, climb is approached via an old military road and the runners will ascend 800m over just 3km to reach Bocchetta di Larecc (2063m). Then they will tackle a technical descent, another ascent and a descent back to the military road. The last and longest climb now begins, up to Alpe Solino, before some short and more runnable ups and downs lead to Alpe Deleguaggio (1690m). From here it’s one last technical descent back to Premana.

THE FAVOURITES

An incredible line-up of international athletes will be heading to Premana this weekend, including the top three women and top three men in the World Cup competition. With the depth of fields in both races we will be sure to see some incredible racing.

Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) leads the women’s rankings and she will take part in the uphill race. Currently second, Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Pegarun) will contest both races, and Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Nnormal), third,  will just do the uphill race.

Add to that the tantalising prospect of seeing Andrea Mayr, Gloria Chebet (Run2gether), Susanna Saapunki (New Balance) and Philaries Jeruto Kisang (Run2gether) in action in the uphill, plus Camilla Magliano (Altra)  and Elisa Desco (Scarpa) in the long race, and the women’s races should deliver some excitement.

For the men the World Cup leader Paul Machoka (Pegarun) takes on both races, as does the third placed Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether), whereas second placed Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) just contests the uphill race.

In Saturday’s uphill race they will face stiff competition from Josphat Kiprotich (Run2gether), Jacob Adkin (New Balance) whose season started with a bang last weekend with a third place in the uphill race, Kevin Kibet (Pegarun) and man of the moment Lukas Ehrle (ASICS). In Sunday’s long race Ephantus Mwangi Njeri (Run2gether), Davide Magnini (New Balance) and Stian Angermund could well challenge.

Giir di Mont has it all – epic backdrops, rich history and culture and a stunning line-up of athletes. You can follow all the action via our social media channels and find out more about the race on their website.

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WORLD CUP CELEBRATES FIRST EVENT IN ASIA IN 25 YEAR HISTORY IN CHONGLI

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide.

WORLD CUP CELEBRATES FIRST EVENT IN ASIA IN 25 YEAR HISTORY AT CHONGLI

For the first time in its 25-year history the World Cup heads to China this weekend. Chongli, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province plays host to a top field of international and Chinese mountain runners, all battling it out in stage 7 and 8 of this year’s competition.

A former venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chongli has been dubbed ‘the snow capital of China’, but it’s also fast becoming a hub for trail and mountain running, particularly as the sports explode in popularity in China. With a stunning backdrop of mountains up to 2,100m and pristine meadows, winding birch and pine forests, and cool summer climate, it’s a perfect venue for our next World Cup race and a fitting place to mark this significant milestone.

Staging a World Cup race in China has taken a huge amount of work and support from World Athletics and the Chinese authorities. The World Cup races will be part of a week-long trail festival in Chongli.

With top runners from China, Kenya, Italy, Great Britain, Thailand, Germany, Norway, New Zealand and Mongolia all coming together, we should see some really exciting racing.

THE RACES

On Saturday 5th July there’s the classic uphill race, which is 7.2k with 706m of ascent. Starting from Wanlong Ski Resort, already at over 1600m, it soon begins to climb around 300m over the first 2.8k. Then there’s a brief reprieve before another short, steep climb, a fast flatter section and then a final gradual climb up to the finish at Jinhuage Top.

On Sunday 6th there’s a classic up and downhill race of 21.9k with 1417m of ascent. This race starts and finishes in Yunding Ski Resort, the main hub for the race. It’s an uphill start, with a climb of 170m over the first kilometre. The runners then lose all of that elevation again immediately, before taking on a much bigger climb of 450m over the next few kilometres. From there it’s downhill to the 7km checkpoint, then another climb back up to 2100m to take them to halfway. The runners then remain up close to 2000m for the rest of the race, until a fast and furious descent over the last 2km to the finish, which should lead to some great racing.

THE FAVOURITES

We’re incredibly excited that a truly international field will be assembled in Chongli for the inaugural Chinese race. From strong runners from Asia we have never seen in action in the World Cup to familiar faces from different continents.

Great Britain’s Scout Adkin (HOKA EU), our current women’s World Cup leader and defending champion, will be on the start line, as will Kenyan runner Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Atletica Saluzzo), who is currently lying in fifth place. Other strong Kenyans include Michael Selelo Saoli and Gloria Chebet (both On/Run2gether).

Hotly tipped Chinese runners include Yousheng Guan, Peiquan You, Juwei Zi, and Min Qi for the men, and Wenrong Zheng, Anna Li and Xiaolan Chen for the women. We will see a large cohort of runners from Mongolia, several from Thailand and one from Korea.

There is a very strong contingent of European runners making the trip to China. German Lukas Ehrle (ASICS) comes hot on the heels of his great run at Broken Arrow. The stellar line-up of Italian runners includes Andrea Rostan (La Sportiva), Luca Merli (Atletia Valchiese), Andrea Elia (La Recastello Radici Group), Henri Aymonod (The North Face), Irene Aschieris, Alberto Vender (New Balance), Tiziano Moia (Gemonatletica SRL), Martin Dematteis, Maria Constanza Beliardo and Arianna Del Pino.

 Other strong women who could feature include Florencia Milanesi (ASICS), Kirsty Dickson (Scottish Athletics), Elle Twentyman (England Athletics) and Simone Troxler (Altra). We will also see New Zealand runners Jessie Speedy (HOKA) and Michael Sutton (Merrell), who could definitely be ones to watch.

MAKING HISTORY

We will bring you all the news from this historic race for the WMRA. Some of the runners will be experiencing their third continent in the World Cup competition this year, as well as the hospitality of a country where mountain running is booming.

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Njeru and Florea Broken Arrow Skyrace

RECORDS SMASHED ACROSS THE BOARD AT BROKEN ARROW SKYRACE

Written by Kirsty Reade on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide.

RECORDS SMASHED ACROSS THE BOARD AT BROKEN ARROW SKYRACE

Njeru and Florea Broken Arrow Skyrace

Broken Arrow weekend always delivers dramatic racing, but 2025 delivered more drama than usual. After an Ascent Race affected by high winds on Friday, an unexpected snowstorm blew through the valley on Saturday, resulting in the 46k race being stopped midway through for many of the runners. So it was with some relief that conditions stabilised enough for the 23k Skyrace to go ahead as planned on Sunday.

The weather was perfect for the race, with blue skies and cool temperatures but the residual snow on the ground was a reminder that things looked very different in Palisades Tahoe yesterday. Many of the athletes had raced the Ascent on Friday, so it was going to be interesting to see whether those who focussed on one race would have a little more in the tank when it got difficult.

Starting in the town and heading out on a broad path, the early part of the race is the most runnable. For the first 6k the runners ascend slowly on a good trail, before the course hits some singletrack and begins to kick up through the woods. The first big climb takes the runners to Snow King, the first aid station, then the second summit of KT22. After that there’s some respite with some downhill and a more gentle uphill, but then the hard work really begins with a brutal climb, involving exposed rock, a ladder and some snow steps before the runners finally reach the highest point of the course at Siberia aid station. But the runners cannot take their foot off the gas for the long descent that follows. It’s mostly very fast but technical in sections, with a high level of concentration needed. Aside from one short but sharp climb out of Shirley Canyon, it’s pretty much all downhill in the second half of the race, leading to some very fast miles and exciting racing.

23K SKYRACE – WOMEN

 The women set off 20 minutes ahead of the men and, as expected, it was a fast start. It took a couple of kilometres for the lead group to emerge and it was defending champion Joyce Njeru (Nnormal), Madalina Florea (Scott), Lauren Gregory (Nike), Anna Gibson (Brooks), Jade Belzberg (Altra), Lara Hamilton (The Trail Team) and Alice Gaggi (Brooks). In these early stages Allie McLaughlin (HOKA) and Sydney Petersen also remained in contact, a little way behind.

As they hit the singletrack this group began to break up more and Njeru led, with Florea right on her heels, Gregory and Gibson formed the lead group. When they hit Snow King at about 8k Njeru and Florea had opened a 30 second gap on Gibson and Gregory, with Marie Nivet and Gaggi just behind them.

Anna Gibson Broken Arrow Skyrace

This pattern continued on the long climb, and it increasingly looked as though either Njeru or Florea would be on the top step of the podium. Florea’s climbing was relentless, barely breaking into a power hike, but it looked like it would all be decided on the downhill. By Siberia aid station Gibson was a minute behind. Could she catch them?

They really attacked the downhill and it was also looking as though the course record (Sophia Laukli 2.06.18) was definitely under threat. Njeru opened a gap of a few seconds on Florea, but then Gibson started to close the gap and appeared behind them. Gregory remained around two minutes behind. It was all going to come down to the runners’ downhill ability.

Njeru continued to stretch the gap little by little and while Florea was only around 30 seconds behind, it began to look unlikely that Njeru could be caught. She blazed into Palisades Tahoe to win and defend her title, destroying the course record in the process with a time of 2.01.16. Florea took second in 2.02.03 and Gibson third in 2.03.46. All three runners beat the previous course record, just demonstrating the competitive level of the race this year. Gregory was fourth and Gaggi fifth, in times which would usually win.

Joyce Njeru Broken Arrow Skyrace

23K SKYRACE – MEN

The men also started incredibly quickly and it was no surprise to see Friday’s Ascent winner, Christian Allen (Nike), leading the runners out in a characteristically aggressive fashion. Philemon Kiriago (Run2gether) led the chase and young German Lukas Ehrle (ASICS) surprised a few people by being in this group too. Would this be a breakthrough performance for him? Also present in the chasing group were Elhousine Elazzaoui (Nnormal), Cam Smith (Dynafit), who finished in third in the Ascent, defending champion Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether), Taylor Stack (Brooks) and Andy Wacker (The Trail Team). Also in contention was young American talent Mason Coppi.

It wasn’t long before the furious early pace led to a breakaway group led by Allen and Kiriago, with Elazzaoui, Ehrle and Kipngeno just behind. This was the order when they reached Snow King, with Coppi and Stack 50 seconds behind this leading group. But by the time they reached KT22 Kipngeno had stamped his authority on the climbing and now led with team mate Kiriago and Elazzaoui. Allen was now 16 seconds behind them, with Ehrle just behind him.

Lukas Ehrle Broken Arrow Skyrace

This leading three remained intact at Siberia, with a gap of 30 seconds now to Allen and Ehrle. But, with the long downhill coming, this was Elazzaoui’s wheelhouse. But he bided his time and we saw the lead change hands between Kiriago and Kipngeno, with Elazzaoui sitting ominously on their shoulders. At this point Allen’s leg speed (he is a 2.10 marathon runner) really kicked in and he began to catch up. With a couple of kilometres to go it could have been any of this top five who came through to win.

It was no surprise when Elazzaoui finally made his move and he wouldn’t be caught, winning in a new course record of 1.43.53, although Kiriago chased him in an exciting sprint finish and took second in 1.43.57. Kipngeno rounded out the men’s podium (with all three beating the previous course record) in 1.44.11. Allen was fourth in 1.44.46 and Ehrle fifth in 1.45.19, in what was an unbelievably close men’s top five.

Full results can be found here.

Next the World Cup heads to China for the first time for Chongli Mountain and Trail Running Festival on July 5th and 6th.

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