Kenyan duo Kiriago, Njeru win Mountain Running World Cup

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Monday, October 16, 2023
9:18 am

Collins Amanga

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Kenyan athletes Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Philemon Kiriago stole the spotlight on the third and final day of the Valsir Mountain World Cup Finalissima at Sky Gran Canaria on Sunday, October 15, providing a thrilling conclusion to an exceptional season of mountain running.

The journey began back in mid-June in Broken Arrow, Lake Tahoe, USA, and concluded on this challenging coastal course.

Njeru, Kiriago consistent

Throughout the season, athletes from across the globe achieved victories, but it was Njeru and Kiriago who consistently showcased their dominance, and they proved their mettle once again in the final race of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.

Philemon Kiriago in a past mountain race. PHOTO/Wikimedia

Originally touted as a high-speed race with plenty of downhill stretches, the course was adjusted to a shorter 22km distance due to local conditions and the risk of forest fires. Despite these changes, the race still delivered a fast and classic mountain running experience.

With the race taking place over two laps, both Kiriago and Njeru employed their winning strategies from the get-go, seizing control within the first 5km.

Kiriago maintained a rapid pace with compatriot Patrick Kipngeno, the world mountain running champion and a multiple-time World Cup race winner in 2023, closely on his heels for the initial 5km.

For Njeru, it was a matter of running ahead of her competition. She quickly established a 40-second lead over Philaries Kisang, another Kenyan runner who had graced the podium on five occasions in 2023, and held on to that lead all the way to the finish.

Kiriago victory

Kiriago’s victory not only marked an important race win but also secured enough points for him to become the overall World Cup champion.

He expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m excited today, as I hoped to win the World Cup, and it all went well.”

Philemon Kiriago leads a mountain race. PHOTO/Wikimedia

Likewise, Njeru’s victory affirmed her status as the world No.1 in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup rankings. She commented, “I just feel good; the race was good. It was a nice feeling to finish and defend the World Cup trophy.”

In the men’s category, Britain’s Joe Steward, who had won the vertical race on the first day, climbed from fourth to third place in the overall standings. Season-long rival Remi Leroux of Canada dropped from third to fourth due to his sixth-place finish in the vertical 4km race.

While Njeru’s crown remained secure, the competition for podium positions was intense. Britain’s Scout Adkin secured a third-place finish in the 22km race, advancing from fifth to second place overall.

Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Overall Top 10

Women: