Joyce Muthoni defends Canfranc-Canfranc mountain race after dominant display

Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru showcased her exceptional running prowess as she successfully defended her title in the vertical uphill race at Canfranc-Canfranc.

On Friday, during the latest race in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, she dominated the challenging course.

Joyce Muthoni’s race

The race began at the Seta River, situated at an elevation of 1455 meters. Athletes faced a grueling 4-kilometer course that took them all the way up to the summit of Tuca Blanca, towering at 2313 meters.

While there were a few flatter sections along the way, providing brief respites, there were also incredibly steep segments, especially in the final stretch leading to the summit.

Competing in ideal conditions, Muthoni quickly surged ahead in the women’s race and continued to widen the gap, showcasing her dominance.

In pursuit of her, Lucy Murigi from Kenya initially led the chase, but France’s Olivia Magnone made significant progress and posed a challenge.

Joyce Muthoni’s time

Muthoni secured victory with a time of 42:23, crossing the finish line more than three minutes ahead of Olivia Magnone, who clinched the second spot. Lucy Murigi finished just 30 seconds behind Magnone, securing the third position.

In the men’s race, which remained highly competitive, Britain’s Joe Steward took an early lead and maintained it throughout. Behind him, Canada’s Remi Leroux and France’s Vincent Loustau frequently exchanged positions as they pursued Steward.

In the end, Joe Steward secured a convincing victory with a time of 35:34. Remi Leroux claimed the second spot, finishing just under a minute behind at 36:32, with Vincent Loustau securing the third position.

These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making the Canfranc-Canfranc vertical uphill race an exhilarating and challenging event in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.

Leading results

Women
1 Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) 42:23
2 Olivia Magnone (FRA) 45:27
3 Lucy Murigi (KEN) 45:55
4 Camilla Magliano (ITA) 47:57
5 Charlotte Cotton (BEL) 48:10

Men
1 Joe Steward (GBR) 35:34
2 Remi Leroux (CAN) 36:32
3 Vincent Loustau (FRA) 36:45
4 Arnau Soldevila (AND) 37:56
5 Adil Moussaoui (MAR) 38:06