The Thai city of Chiang Mai will host the first edition of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships on November 4, 5 and 6. And the Kenyans are ready to make their mark on this great premiere.
This Friday, November 4, the first Mountain Running and Trail Running World Championships begin. The world's best off-road athletes will gather in Thailand, especially in the city of Chiang Mai. More than 900 athletes from 46 federations will participate in five elite races for men and women, including one for U20 athletes. And the Kenyans could play a leading role.
Kenya's Joyce Njeru is the favourite in the women's race. She has clearly dominated this event in recent years. She has been stratospheric this season. Njeru has won six Gold Label races on the World Cup circuit. Kenya could even pull off a hat trick as fellow Kenyans Lucy Murigi, a two-time world champion, and recent Sierre-Zinal third-place finisher Philaries Kisang also have a good chance of finishing in the top five.
In the men's race, the Kenyans are also in a favourable position for these World Mountain Running Championships. Patrick Kipngeno, the revelation of the 2022 World Cup in Valsir, could be the man to beat in both races. With six Gold Label victories on the World Cup circuit, including several course records, and new wins in Dolomitenmann and Thyon-Dixence, the Kenyan has had a spectacular season. His teammate Philemon Kiriago, second in the Valsir World Cup, joins him in Chiang Mai and the two will attempt to become the first Kenyan mountain race world champion.
Uganda's Joel Ayeko could be a spoilsport, however. He has been impressive on the World Cup circuit. A junior champion in 2016, Ayeko took silver in 2017 and 2018. After winning the Ugandan test race in early October, he will be looking to go one better in Chiang Mai.
The program
Friday, November 4
Classic climb (mountain, 8.5km, 1014m of ascent)
Saturday 5th November
Long trail (80km, 4910m ascent)
Short trail (40km, 2777m ascent)
Sunday November 6th
Junior classic uphill and downhill (11,2 km, 441 m ascent)
Classic uphill and downhill (mountain, 11.2 km, 441 m ascent)
Author
Amy Wane
