Patrick Kipngeno at the Trofeo Nasego (© Marco Gulberti)
One day after winning the Vertical Nasego, Kenya’s Patrick Kipngeno completed the double by winning the Trofeo Nasego, the longer race in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup fixture in Casto, on Sunday (1). Compatriot Joyce Muthoni Njeru was a dominant winner of the women’s race, finishing almost two minutes clear.
Most of the runners from yesterday’s race doubled up with runners this time taking on a 21.5km course, with several fast, runnable sections and one notable climb.
The men’s race got off to a swift start through the streets of Casto, with the Kenyan quintet of Kipngeno, Josphat Kiprotich, Philemon Ombogo Kiriago, Paul Machoka and Michael Selelo Saoli soon separating themselves from the rest of the field.
Kipngeno was first to reach the peak of Rifugio Nasego, by which point he had a lead of about 90 seconds on Kiriago, with Machoka in third. The battle for the places behind them had heated up on the big climb.
Kipngeno held on for an emphatic win in 1:31:26. Kiriago, last year’s winner, took second in 1:33:59 and Machoka held on for third in 1:34:38, 16 seconds ahead of Kiprotich.
After an exciting women’s Vertical Nasego yesterday, the long race looked wide open. Last year’s winner of both races and yesterday’s women’s champion, Andrea Mayr was on the start. Could she do the double double?
In the women’s race, Philaries Jeruto Kisang was the early leader, keen to avenge her defeat to Andrea Mayr in yesterday’s race. Mayr, Muthoni Njeru and Gloria Chebet followed the Kenyan during the early stages, but defending champion Mayr moved into the lead on the climb up to Rifugio Nasego.
Muthoni Njeru passed Mayr at about 17km and proceeded to open a gap on the Austrian. She crossed the line in 1:51:33 with Mayr taking second in 1:53:02. Finland’s Susanna Saapunki was third in 1:54:00.
Kirsty Reade (WMRA) for World Athletics
