Njeru and Saoli shine in Beijing Changping

Kenyan duo Michael Selelo Saoli and Joyce Muthoni Njeru claimed victories at the Beijing Changping Classic on Sunday (26), the latest stop of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup, bringing a two-day programme of racing on the Great Wall to a close.

Across the weekend, the Changping first tested athletes in a short, intense uphill effort of 3.5km with 509m of ascent on Saturday before tackling the longer classic race over 18km – including 1200m of climbing – that demands both climbing strength and technical proficiency on descents on Sunday.

The historic Great Wall setting provided a dramatic backdrop, but it was the varied terrain and relentless gradients that ultimately shaped the outcomes of both races.

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 Paul Machoka (1:28:58).

In the women’s race, compatriot 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).

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 now moves on to Transvulcania in Spain in two weeks’ time, where athletes will contest both an uphill race and a long distance race on the volcanic trails of La Palma.