Mountain Running Worlds: Kenyans for history
The Thai city of Chiang Mai will host the first edition of the mountain and trail running world championships on November 4, 5 and 6. And the Kenyans are ready to shine for this great premiere.
Lucy Murigi among the favorites in Chiang Mai
This Friday, November 4, the first mountain and trail running World Championshipsbegin . The best off-road athletes in the world will meet in Thailand, especially in the city of Chiang Mai. More than 900 athletes from 46 federations will participate in five elite races for men and women, including one for U20 athletes. And Kenyans could play the leading roles.
The Kenyan Joyce Njeru is indeed the big favorite in the women’s race. She has clearly dominated this event in recent years. She has been stratospheric this season. Njeru has won six Gold Label victories on the World Cup circuit. Kenya could even score a hat-trick as compatriots Lucy Murigi, a two-time world champion, and Sierre-Zinal’s recent third-placed Philaries Kisang also have a good chance of making the top five.
Among the men, the Kenyans are also in a favorable tie for these World Mountain Races. Valsir 2022 World Cup revelation Patrick Kipngeno might just be the man to beat in both races. With six Gold Label victories on the World Cup circuit, including several course records, and further victories at Dolomitenmann and Thyon-Dixence, the Kenyan has had a spectacular season. His teammate Philemon Kiriago, second in the Valsir World Cup, joins him in Chiang Mai and both will try to become the first Kenyan mountain running world champion.
Ugandan Joel Ayeko could however play the spoilsports. He was impressive on the World Cup circuit. A junior champion in 2016, Ayeko took silver in 2017 and 2018. After winning the Ugandan test race in early October, he will look to do better in Chiang Mai.
Worlds programFriday, November 4
Classic climb (mountain, 8.5km, 1014m drop)
Saturday, November 5
Long trail (80km, 4910m drop)
Short trail (40 km, 2777m drop)
Sunday, November 6
Junior classic ascent and descent (11.2 km, 441 m elevation gain)
Classic ascent and descent (mountain, 11.2 km, 441 m
The Thai city of Chiang Mai will host the first edition of the mountain and trail running world championships on November 4, 5 and 6. And the Kenyans are ready to shine for this great premiere.
Lucy Murigi among the favorites in Chiang Mai
Loissy Kessyeastafricanreport.com
