Two-time world champion Patrick Kipng’eno will spearhead Kenya’s contingent at the third edition of the Mountain and Trail World Championships, set for September 24–28 in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.
Kipng’eno, renowned for his dominance in uphill races, will be chasing a third global title after securing gold in Chang Mai (2021) and Innsbruck (2023). His experience and consistency make him a key medal hopeful for Kenya in the high-altitude challenge.
In the women’s competition, Philaries Kesang, silver medallist in Innsbruck, returns to the world stage with renewed determination. After emerging as the breakout star in Austria, Kesang heads to Canfranc with the confidence of an athlete who knows she belongs among the world’s elite.
The Canfranc-Pirineos course—dubbed “the most beautiful and mountainous international station in Europe”—offers breathtaking but unforgiving terrain. Over 1,600 athletes from 73 national teams across five continents will take on steep ascents, razor-edge ridges, and technical descents that demand both skill and stamina.
Among the most anticipated events is the 14 km Classic Mountain Race, where World Cup champion Philemon Kiriago aims to finally clinch the elusive gold after back-to-back silver medals.
“I’ve narrowly missed gold in the last two editions,” Kiriago told The Star from his training base in Ekerubo Gietai, Nyamira County. “In the last race in Austria, I was overtaken right at the finish line by a Ugandan. That loss still hurts to this day.”
Kiriago has had a stellar season on the Mountain Running World Cup circuit, where he dominated the classic up-and-down 14 km events, winning five of the nine races he contested. He also finished second in two vertical races and placed third in two others—highlighting his versatility and consistency.
“This season has been very good for me. I feel stronger, and I want to crown it with a win in Spain,” he added. “In my last race, I even set a course record. I thank God for how things have gone this year.”
The Classic is traditionally one of the most unpredictable races, and Canfranc—with its dizzying elevation changes and tight technical trails—is expected to produce fireworks. While European runners may have the home-ground advantage, Kiriago’s aggressive racing style promises a thrilling contest.
In the women’s Classic, Joyce Njeru, who claimed bronze in Innsbruck, will also be flying the Kenyan flag. Known for her blistering speed on short climbs and tactical strength on descents, Njeru is targeting nothing less than gold this time.
Her experience and raw power make her a strong contender, especially on the fast-changing terrain of Canfranc, where endurance and explosiveness are equally crucial.
