Kenya’s Patrick Kipngeno ended his stellar season on a high, claiming the 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup men’s title after a commanding victory at the Val Bregaglia Trail on Sunday, October 13.
Patrick Kipngeno’s triumph in the 23km race, which included 850 meters of ascent, secured his overall win in the series, crowning him as the undisputed champion.
On the women’s side, fellow Kenyan Joyce Muthoni Njeru showcased her remarkable endurance by winning the women’s race.
However, despite her victory, she was narrowly edged out for the overall title by Britain’s Scout Adkin, who secured third place in the final race but accumulated enough points to clinch the World Cup title by a single point. It was a nail-biting conclusion to an exciting season.
Kipngeno’s Masterclass in the Men’s Race
Going into the Val Bregaglia Trail, Patrick Kipngeno only needed to finish in the top five to confirm his position as the 2024 World Cup champion.
However, the Kenyan star wasn’t content with just meeting the requirements; he aimed for victory. The race began in Promontogno, Switzerland, before crossing into Italy at Castasegna, with a strong field of competitors looking to challenge Kipngeno’s dominance.
Josphat Kiprotich initially led the race up to the 3km mark, with Paul Machoka and Richard Omaya Atuya close behind. The front group remained tightly packed, with Patrick Kipngeno and Philemon Ombogo Kiriago also among the leaders.
As the race progressed, Machoka took the lead at the 10km point, but Kipngeno stayed right on his shoulder, patiently waiting to make his move.
The race took a dramatic turn as Patrick Kipngeno surged ahead near the waterfalls, overtaking Machoka and Theodore Klein to claim the lead.
From that point, there was no looking back. Patrick Kipngeno powered his way to the finish line, crossing it in 1:34:03 and securing his World Cup crown with a decisive victory. Machoka finished second in 1:34:22, and Klein took third with a time of 1:34:53.
Overall Standings: Kipngeno Takes the Crown
Patrick Kipngeno’s win at the Val Bregaglia Trail was the final chapter in a season that saw him dominate the Mountain Running World Cup.
With 330 points, Patrick Kipngeno comfortably secured the men’s overall title, finishing well ahead of his competitors. Josphat Kiprotich took second place in the overall standings with 251 points, while Philemon Ombogo Kiriago rounded out the top three with 248 points.
Kipngeno’s performance throughout the season has been nothing short of spectacular. His victory in Val Bregaglia capped off a season filled with impressive wins and podium finishes, solidifying his status as one of the best mountain runners in the world.
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Drama in the Women’s Race: Adkin Edges Out Muthoni Njeru
In the women’s race, Joyce Muthoni Njeru was looking to secure her own World Cup title after a strong season.
However, she faced fierce competition from Britain’s Scout Adkin, who entered the final race just 10 points ahead in the overall standings. The women’s contest was set to be a showdown between these two talented athletes, with every point crucial in deciding the winner.
Jeruto Kisang led the field early in the race, with Adkin and Muthoni Njeru closely behind. At the 10km mark, Muthoni Njeru took the lead, followed by Kisang and Adkin.
As the race continued, Muthoni Njeru managed to hold her lead, crossing the finish line in 1:47:45 to win the race. Kisang finished second in 1:48:51, with Adkin coming in third, just seven seconds behind Kisang.
Despite Muthoni Njeru’s victory, Adkin’s third-place finish, along with her bonus points for participating in the finals, gave her the edge in the overall standings.
Adkin finished the season with 339 points, narrowly beating Muthoni Njeru, who ended with 338 points. Jeruto Kisang took third place overall with 313 points.
A Remarkable Season for Kenyan Athletes
The 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup was a remarkable season for Kenyan athletes, with both Patrick Kipngeno and Joyce Muthoni Njeru delivering standout performances throughout the year.
While Kipngeno was able to secure his overall title with a dominant display, Muthoni Njeru was just one point away from completing a Kenyan sweep of the World Cup titles.
For Muthoni Njeru, the disappointment of missing out on the overall title was tempered by her victory in Val Bregaglia, a testament to her skill and determination. She has been a consistent force in the women’s division, and her duel with Adkin provided a thrilling conclusion to the season.
