Michael Saoli (C) poses for a photo with Paul Machoka (R) and Isaaco Costa on Sunday/HANDOUTKenyan 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."
