The Kenyan duo of Patrick Kipngeno and Joyce Njeru claimed victories in the Broken Arrow VK, the first gold label short uphill race as the 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup got underway.
The Kenyan duo of Patrick Kipngeno and Joyce Njeru kickstarted their 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup on a high note with a win in the Broken Arrow VK.
Kipngeno was going up against very strong opponents but he looked very strong and he eventually overcame the opposition. In the women’s race, Njeru also shook off competition from the strong women who were looking to upset her.
The course was also a challenge since it comprised a short, sharp uphill section on a ski slope before a more run-friendly road section. The joy on the course is very short lived since after that, the athletes took on a technical terrain and then the snowy section to the summit.
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As per World Athletics, the men’s race saw Jim Walmsley starting off nicely and leading the pack as he was chased by expert Kipngeno, last year’s World Cup winner Philemon Kiriago, and Christian Allen.
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As the athletes emerged over the ladder, Kipngeno had taken the lead and he managed to cut the tape in 36:21 as Walmsley finished distant second in 37:49. Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau came from behind and managed to seal the podium in 38:03 as Allen took fourth.
On her part, Allie McLaughlin took charge in the women’s race and she was closely followed by Njeru, the 2023 World Cup winner, and defending Broken Arrow VK champion Anna Gibson.
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In their final climb, Njeru emerged took charge and went on to win in 45:39 as defending champion Gibson finished second in 47:35. McLaughlin finished third in 47:50. The other gold label race of the weekend, the Broken Arrow Skyrace, will take place on Sunday, June.