Philemon Kiriago clinched Kenya’s lone individual gold medal as the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships concluded on Sunday in Canfranc Pirineos, Spain.
Kiriago beat
Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich, who led the race for the better part, while another
Kenyan, Paul Machoka, completed the podium in the men’s 14km Mountain
Classic Race.
Kiriago won gold in his third attempt, having finished second in the last two editions. He clocked 1:02:30 while Kiprotich came home second in 1:03:14 and Machoka 1:03:25. Other Kenyans, Ken Koros (1:04:08) and Michael Selelo (1:04:24) were fifth and sixth as Kenya also won the team title. In an interview, Machoka said, “Coming into these championships, I told myself I have to win gold after missing out in the last two editions. I’m happy I have achieved my target.”
Kiriago said he was inspired by world champions Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi. The trio bagged the medals at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
“When they won the medals in Tokyo, it inspired me to also win a gold medal here,” said Kiriago. Bronze medalist Machoka said, “This was a ruthless course. However, I’m happy I won a medal for my country. I’m proud to win my first-ever medal at the World Championships.”
On his part, Salelo said, “I wanted a podium finish, but I didn’t make it. Congratulations to my colleagues. I will try again next time.”
In the women’s category, Kenya bagged the team title after the country's three athletes finished in the top 10. Ruth Gitonga came home second after clocking 1:12:54 in the race that was won by Germany’s Nina Engelhard, who bagged her second title of the championship. She clocked 1:11:00 while the third place went to Liaci Oria in 1:13:13. Joyce Muthoni (1:13:37) was fourth.
Gloria Chebet clocked 1:14:39 to finish eighth. Muthoni said, “I didn't win a medal as I expected, but I’m happy. The course was amazing and I want to thank the girls for the effort to win the team gold medal,” said Muthoni.
On the opening day of the competition, Kenya clinched individual silver (Richard Atuya) and bronze (Patrick Kipng’eno) and the team gold in the men’s vertical uphill race on the first day of the championships last week. Kenya won three team gold medals and one individual gold medal. Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who is also the patron of Tinderet Nandi Mountain Running Race, has been in Spain with the team for the last week.
