A RACE THROUGH TIME: BRIANÇON’S HISTORIC TRAILS HOST WORLD-CLASS MOUNTAIN RUNNING IN STAGE 10 OF THE WMRA WORLD CUP
Kenyan domination and a breakout French victory mark an unforgettable day on the classic course
The second day of racing in Briançon for the WMRA World Cup brought athletes back to the heart of the Hautes-Alpes for Stage 10, a classic-format race that once again combined brutal climbing with the breathtaking charm of France’s highest city. With 14 kilometers and 994 meters of elevation gain, the course twisted through ancient military paths, forested ridgelines, and centuries-old fortifications. Runners didn’t just race against each other—they raced through history.
Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proved once more why it is a dream destination for mountain sport. The city and race organizers delivered a course that mixed natural beauty, historical depth, and the raw challenge that defines the WMRA World Cup.
MEN’S RACE: RUN2GETHER SWEEPS THE PODIUM
Kenyan athletes from Run2gether stamped their authority from the gun, surging ahead on the first climb and never looking back. Michael Selelo Saoli led the charge and took a commanding victory in 1:04:52, followed closely by Philemon Ombogo Kiriago in 1:05:21, and Ephantus Mwangi Njeri in 1:05:31.
Just off the podium, yesterday’s uphill winner Richard Omaya Atuya finished fourth in 1:06:02, while Theodore Klein of France, the reigning European champion, rounded out the top five with a time of 1:06:39, showing consistency and class on home soil.
Top 5 Men’s Results
🥇 Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) – 1:04:52
🥈 Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN) – 1:05:21
🥉 Ephantus Mwangi Njeri (KEN) – 1:05:31
4. Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) – 1:06:02
5. Theodore Klein (FRA) – 1:06:39
WOMEN’S RACE: NÉLIE CLÉMENT SHOCKS THE FIELD WITH WORLD-CLASS BREAKTHROUGH
If the men’s race was defined by Kenyan dominance, the women’s race belonged to Nélie Clément. Just 24 hours after finishing third in the uphill, the French runner produced a performance of pure brilliance and determination, taking a surprising but emphatic victory in 1:15:58. Her effort was enough to put more than a minute into her closest competitors—Joyce Muthoni Njeru (1:17:11) and Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (1:17:20)—who arrived at the final descent together.
Gloria Chebet (1:17:38) and Scout Adkin (1:19:34) rounded out the top five in a highly competitive women’s field. Clément’s performance not only confirms her place among the elite but suggests that the French team has found a new leader for the years to come.
Top 5 Women’s Results
🥇 Nélie Clément (FRA) – 1:15:58
🥈 Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 1:17:11
🥉 Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (KEN) – 1:17:20
4. Gloria Chebet (KEN) – 1:17:38
5. Scout Adkin (GBR) – 1:19:34
BRIANÇON: WHERE MOUNTAINS MEET MEMORY
Over two unforgettable days, Briançon has proven to be more than just a race venue—it is a living monument where mountains meet memory, and where modern athleticism converges with ancient history. With back-to-back World Cup races—classic uphill and classic up and downhill — this UNESCO listed city has cemented itself as a centerpiece of international mountain running.
