Kenya’s Njeru, Kiriago outclassed ahead of Mountain Running World Cup grand finale
By Joel Sang, October 14, 2023Kenya’s representatives in the Mountain Running World Cup were outclassed at the penultimate stage ahead of the Sunday, October 15, 2023, grand finale.
Patrick Kipngeno, Philemon Kiriago, and Joyce Njeru were unable to finish first in their respective disciplines in the uphill race.
Adkins outwits Njeru
Scout Adkins and Joe Stewart of Great Britain opened the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Finalissima with wins. Adkin, who finished 15th overall, won the women’s race as she managed to beat Susanna Saapunki of Finland, who clocked 21:30.
Meanwhile, Njeru came in third at 22:12, while her compatriot Philaries Kisang finished fourth at 22:58. Njeru leads the overall women’s World Cup standings, while Kisang is currently second in the standings.
In the women’s competition, Adkins was superb, as she was an early starter in a race that spanned 40 minutes from the first gun. The rivals could not march the Scot, who was sailed and finished 21:17.
Adkin was a bronze medallist in last year’s European Off-Road Running Championships in La Palma.
Kipngeno finishes second
In the men’s race, Kipngeno had to contend with second place after he finished 11 seconds behind Steward’s winning time.
Kipngeno is also in the running for the overall men’s World Cup title. Meanwhile, USA’s Christian Allen was third at 18:00, and Italian Henri Aymonod finished fourth at 18:18.
On another not-so-impressive performance, Kenya’s Kiriago was fifth in 18:33. Kiriago led the men’s World Cup standings going into the event.
The audience will witness the classic race on Sunday, which will start at Artenara at 1240m and cover 22km.