A section of Kenyan athletes outside their hotel on Tuesday morning/HANDOUTTwo-time world champion Patrick Kipng’eno says he is fully fit and ready to lead Team Kenya’s medal charge at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, which start on Thursday in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.
The first group of 14 Kenyan athletes landed in Spain on Monday night, with the second batch expected to travel as soon as their visas are processed.
Among those already on the ground are Philares Kisang, Janet Chepng’etich, Ruth Gitonga, Gloria Chebet, Mirriam Chepkirui, and Joyce Muthoni. The men’s side includes Kipng’eno, Richard Atuya, Timothy Kibet, Michael Saoli, Philemon Kiriago, Paul Machoka and Sammy Chelangat.
Kipng’eno, who will captain the Kenyan squad, said: “I have had good preparations. I’ve been training in Austria, but I went back home to Kenya for two weeks of intensive training. I’m looking forward to the championship.”
Having skipped this year’s Mountain Running World Cup due to injury, Kipng’eno is now fully recovered and eager to defend his title.
“I had to minimise races due to an injury. I’ve recovered and I’m ready to defend my title. We want to carry Kenya’s flag high once again,” he said from Spain.
Reigning Mountain Running World Cup champion Kiriago echoed his captain’s optimism, highlighting both the team’s safe arrival and their determination to perform.
“I thank God we arrived safely. We’ve had some training on the course—it’s a challenging one, but we are ready to tackle it. We want to emulate the good performance of Team Kenya at the World Championships in Tokyo,” said Kiriago.
Kenya begin medal hunt on Thursday with the vertical uphill race, where Atuya and Ken Koross will join Kipng’eno. The women’s division has 2023 silver medalist Kisang, Chepkirui and Africa 10,000m champion Janet Chepng’etich.
Kenya aim to improve on their impressive showing at the 2023 edition held in Innsbruck-Stubaital, Austria, where the team bagged nine medals—five gold, two silver, and three bronze—to finish second. France topped the table with six gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
This year’s championship has drawn over 1,600 athletes from 73 nations across five continents, all bracing for the unforgiving beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees—a course known for its steep climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable mountain weather.
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