‎ Kiriago wins gold as Kenya shines at World Mountain and Trail Championships

Kiriago, who had finished second in the last two editions, finally struck gold in the men’s 14km mountain classic race, the final event of the competition.

He clocked 1:02:30 to beat Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich (1:03:14), while compatriot Paul Machoka secured bronze in 1:03:25.

Kenya’s dominance was further underlined by Ken Koros, who placed fifth in 1:04:08, and Michael Selelo, who was sixth in 1:04:24. The results also earned Kenya the men’s team title.

“My intention when I came here was to improve on my performance from the last two editions. I wanted a gold medal and I’m happy I achieved it,” Machoka expressed his delight after the race.

Kiriago, reflecting on his victory, revealed his tactical approach: “I knew I had to launch my attack on the final descent, so I held back, and when I went for it, I gave everything to stop my rival from keeping up. Winning in Canfranc is a dream come true in a place I already knew from before.”

He added that he hopes to meet President William Ruto when the team returns to Kenya on Tuesday, saying mountain running deserves greater recognition as an international championship.

Bronze medalist Machoka also praised the conditions: “This was a tough course, but the weather was fair today. I’m happy I won a medal for my country.”

In the women’s race, Germany’s Nina Engelhard dominated from start to finish. Initially challenged by three Ugandan runners and Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni, Engelhard seized control on the first climb and gradually extended her lead. By the second loop, she was more than two minutes ahead.

Not even a fall on the steep downhill could stop the German, who powered across the finish line at the historic International Railway Station. She claimed her second gold medal of the championships, having also won the Uphill Race on Thursday. Engelhard finished in 1:11:00.

The battle for silver and bronze was fiercely contested. Kenya’s Ruth Gitonga took silver in 1:12:54, while Switzerland’s Oria Liaci earned bronze in 1:13:15. Uganda’s Rispa Cherop narrowly missed out, and Muthoni slipped back after a strong start.

Kenya’s overall performance in Canfranc was impressive. On the opening day, Richard Atuya and Patrick Kipng’eno claimed individual silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s vertical uphill race, with the team striking gold. In total, Kenya finished the championships with three team gold medals and one individual gold.