Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan runners continued with their dominance in the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup circuit.
Reigning Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run champion Michael Saoli and two-time world champion Joyce Njeru claimed victories at the Beijing Changping Classic on Sunday in China.
Saoli proved strongest in the men’s classic race, mastering the demanding up-and-down course that combined steep climbs with technical descents.
After settling into the lead group through the early stages, he made his move on the climbs as the race developed, before maintaining his advantage on the descents to secure victory in 1:25:49.
Italy’s Isacco Costa was second (1:28:00) ahead of Kenya’s World Mountain and Trail Running bronze medalist Paul Machoka (1:28:58).
In the women’s race, Njeru delivered a composed and authoritative performance to take the win.
The multiple global champion was always well-positioned and gradually imposed herself on the race, building a decisive gap as the course unfolded.
Known for her strength across both uphill and mixed-terrain disciplines, Njeru once again demonstrated her ability to handle the varied demands of the classic format, finishing clear of her nearest challengers in 1:45:02.
USA’s Courtney Barnes Coppinger was second in 1:46:49, ahead of Switzerland’s Maude Mathys (1:47:16).
“I’m happy with my performance here in Beijing. I won one race and finished second in the other. I’m looking forward to the upcoming races in the series,” she said.
Sunday’s races followed Saturday’s uphill-only contest, which offered a contrasting test of pure climbing ability on the steep gradients of the Great Wall.
Costa produced a standout performance to win the men’s race in 22:31, attacking the climb with intent and maintaining his advantage to the finish.
Machoka was second (22:59) and Italy’s Alex Baldaccini third (23:24). Saoli placed fifth (23:31).
In the women’s event, Mathys showed her experience and consistency on the circuit to take victory in 26:13, adding another World Cup win to her tally.
Njeru was second in 26:51, finishing comfortably ahead of Coppinger (28:18).
The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 action now moves on to Transvulcania in Spain in two weeks, where athletes will contest both an uphill race and a long-distance race on the volcanic trails of La Palma.
Men’s category reigning World Cup and World Mountain and Trail Running champion Philemon Kiriago is expected to start his title defence in Spain on May 9.
“I will run in Innsbruck-Stubai, Austria, this weekend before I head to Spain. I’m confident I will defend my title,” said Kiriago.
Athletics Kenya Mountain Running chairman Peter Angwenyi said, “The Mountain Running World Cup has just started, and the Golden Trail Series kicks off in May. I urge the athletes to remain focused.”
