Kenya
clinched silver and bronze on the opening day of the third World Mountain and Trail
Running Championships at Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.
Richard
Atuya and Philemon Kipng’eno won silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s 6
km uphill race.
Atuya bagged
silver after crossing the finish line in 39:04, while defending champion Patrick
Kipng’eno settled for the third position in the race, which was held in freezing
conditions.
Kipng’eno, the two-time world champion, finished in 39:20. Switzerland’s Bonnet Remi clinched gold in 37:50.
“It was not easy from the start. The race started at a high speed, and we tried to manage the pace, but Remi pushed more. I tried to push, but the pace was too tough. I reduced my pace so that I could finish the race. I’m happy for the silver medal,” said Atuya.
He added,
“Despite the cold weather, we managed to race and win medals for our country.
I encourage other Kenyans to join Mountain and trail running."
The experienced mountain runner, Kipng’eno, said, “It’s my third time at the World Championships and I’m happy with the podium finish. From the beginning, I tried to stay with Remi and Atuya, but I couldn’t catch up. It was a very strong field and I want to thank the organisers for a well-organised event.”
He tipped Kenyans to bag more medals in the upcoming races. In the women’s category, 2023 silver medalist Philares Kisang finished 14 while Mirriam Chepkemoi was 54. The race was won by Engelhard Nina of Germany in 45:33, with Finland’s Saapunki Susana (46:07) and Gibson Anna (46:07) taking silver and bronze. Action continues on Friday, where Kenya will be represented by Sammy Kiplangat, Timothy Kibet, and Ken Koros in the men’s short trail event.
Koros earned selection after finishing second at the Barng’etuny Mountain Running race. Caroline Kimutai and Joyline Chepng’eno will be Kenya’s entrants in the women’s short trail category. The biennial global event, jointly organised by the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), and the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), is held with support from World Athletics.
