Kenya’s Philemon Kiriago secured the nation’s sole individual gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc Pirineos, Spain, on Sunday. Kiriago clocked 1:02:30 in the men’s 14km mountain classic race, edging out Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich, who finished in 1:03:14. Fellow Kenyan Paul Machoka claimed the bronze with a time of 1:03:25.
Kenya’s dominance continued with Ken Koros finishing fifth in 1:04:08 and Michael Selelo sixth in 1:04:24. These performances secured the men’s team title for Kenya. Reflecting on his victory, Kiriago shared, “I knew I had to launch my attack on the final descent, so I held back, and when I went for it, I gave everything to stop my rival from keeping up. Winning in Canfranc is a dream come true in a place I already knew from before.” He also expressed hope to meet President William Ruto upon the team’s return to Kenya, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of mountain running as an international championship.
In the women’s race, Germany’s Nina Engelhard dominated from start to finish. Initially challenged by three Ugandan runners and Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni, Engelhard seized control on the first climb and gradually extended her lead. By the second loop, she was more than two minutes ahead. Not even a fall on the steep downhill could stop the German, who powered across the finish line at the historic International Railway Station. She claimed her second gold medal of the championships, having also won the Uphill Race on Thursday. Engelhard finished in 1:11:00.
The battle for silver and bronze was fiercely contested. Kenya’s Ruth Gitonga took silver in 1:12:54, while Switzerland’s Oria Liaci earned bronze in 1:13:15. Uganda’s Rispa Cherop narrowly missed out, and Muthoni slipped back after a strong start.
Kenya’s overall performance in Canfranc was impressive. On the opening day, Richard Atuya and Patrick Kipng’eno claimed individual silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s vertical uphill race, with the team striking gold. In total, Kenya finished the championships with three team gold medals and one individual gold.
IMAGE:IRUNFAR
