Philemon Kiriago in action during a past race/FILEKenya’s Philemon Kiriago and Joyce Njeru will seek to strengthen their grip on the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Mountain Running World Cup standings when the series resumes in Italy this weekend.
Kiriago leads the men’s standings with 451 points, while Njeru tops the women’s category on 367 points ahead of the Vertical Nasego and Trofeo Nasego races on Saturday and Sunday.
The Italian double-header is the third-last stop of the World Cup, which features 16 races spread across 10 events in 10 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and Canada. Kiriago, the World Mountain and Trail Running gold medallist, has established a commanding position, with compatriot Richard Atuya second on the overall standings and Paul Machoka third with 296 points.
Former world champion Patrick Kipng’eno is fourth on 253 points, followed by Michael Saoli on 247 and Ephanthus Njeri on 202. Kiriago will be seeking to extend his advantage in Italy but faces a strong Kenyan challenge from Kipng’eno, Atuya, Saoli and Machoka, with the athletes set to compete in both the uphill and long-distance races.
The Italian courses, characterised by steep climbs, fast descents and strong local support, are expected to provide another stern test as the battle for the overall title intensifies. Njeru will also be aiming to consolidate her position at the top of the women’s standings.
The former world champion leads Italy’s Benedetta Broggi, who has 284 points, while Neille Clement is third on 215. Other Kenyans in the women’s field are Gloria Chebet and Ruth Gitonga.
Double World Mountain and Trail Running champion Nina Engelhard of Germany will headline the opposition. Engelhard is fourth overall with 214 points and will be among the leading contenders seeking to close the gap on the Kenyan.
After the Italian races, the World Cup moves to Poland for the penultimate meeting, the Maraton Trzech Jezior, on September 19. The new long-distance event will host the World Cup’s long-distance final on a flowing, forested course set among the lakes and rolling landscapes of western Poland.
The season will conclude in Canada at the Défi des Couleurs on October 10 and 11, with the final weekend featuring both an uphill race and the classic up-and-downhill final.
