Joyce Muthoni at the Canfranc-Canfranc (© Marco Gulberti)
Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru successfully defended her title with a dominant run in the vertical uphill race at Canfranc-Canfranc, while Britain’s Joe Steward took the men’s title in the latest race in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup on Friday (8).
Starting at the Seta River at 1455m, athletes took on a rugged and, in places, quite technical 4km course, climbing all the way up to the summit of Tuca Blanca at 2313m. While a few flatter sections along the way gave brief respite, there were some incredibly steep sections, in particular the final section up to the summit top finish.
Running in perfect conditions, Muthoni quickly established a lead in the women’s race and continued to stretch it out in a display of dominance. Behind her, compatriot Lucy Murigi initially led the chase but France’s Olivia Magnone was moving through the places and challenging.
Muthoni eventually won in 42:23, crossing the line more than three minutes ahead of Magnone, who won the battle for second, with Murigi just 30 seconds behind her in third.
In a wide-open men’s race, Steward opened up an early lead and maintained it throughout. Behind him, Canada’s Remi Leroux and France’s Vincent Loustau constantly switched places as they chased Steward.
In the end, Steward couldn’t be caught and won convincingly in 35:34. Leroux came through for second place, just less than a minute behind (36:32) with Loustau taking third.
Kirsty Reade (WMRA) for World Athletics
Leading results
Women
1 Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) 42:23
2 Olivia Magnone (FRA) 45:27
3 Lucy Murigi (KEN) 45:55
4 Camilla Magliano (ITA) 47:57
5 Charlotte Cotton (BEL) 48:10
Men
1 Joe Steward (GBR) 35:34
2 Remi Leroux (CAN) 36:32
3 Vincent Loustau (FRA) 36:45
4 Arnau Soldevila (AND) 37:56
5 Adil Moussaoui (MAR) 38:06
