Kenyan runner Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether ON AG) dominated the Four Mountains Trail, the second stage of the Golden Trail World Series. While he dreaded the muddy conditions that had plagued the course in the days leading up to the race, sunny skies and fast-drying terrain played perfectly into his hands.

Kipngeno took advantage of the ideal conditions, establishing an early lead and maintaining a comfortable pace throughout the race. This decisive performance secures his first-place finish and solidifies his position at the top of the overall Golden Trail World Series rankings. He now boasts two consecutive victories after winning the opening race in Japan.

Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – Nnormal), nicknamed the “Flying Camel,” put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short of Kipngeno’s blistering pace, settling for second place. The battle for third place was a nail-biter, with Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) edging out his competitors to claim the final podium spot. Pattis even harbored hopes of snatching second from Elazzaoui for a while, showcasing the intense competition within the top ranks.

Kipngeno says after the race: “I’m thrilled with this second win in a row. This season, I’m injury-free and this changes everything for me, I feel like I can compete at my best. Last year, I really suffered at the end of the season, that’s why I took a complete break for two months so I could come back stronger. Now, I can’t wait for Sierre-Zinal. I know that Rémi Bonnet will be there and I’m really looking forward to our head-to-head.”

Elazzaoui declare: “I’m a bit disappointed because I really wanted to win this race, but it was really tough, especially up to the 6-km mark because of the altitude. But I fought hard because I wanted that second place. The season isn’t over yet, there are more races to come, and I know there will be more good results!”

The words of Pattis were “I didn’t really know what to expect on this race, especially with the altitude; I felt good all week, but I know that doesn’t mean anything. I was both excited and nervous at the start line because I wanted to do really well after the result in Japan. In the end, the race went really well for me and I’m thrilled with this podium spot.”

Photo Collin Olivero

Njeru, who dominated the early stages of the race in Japan last week before fading, capitalized on the dry course conditions in China. While some runners expressed concerns about potential mud, Njeru seized the opportunity to showcase her raw speed, leading the pack to the finish, and claiming her first Golden Trail victory.

Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics), the reigning champion from Japan, faced a different outcome this time around. Despite putting up a strong fight, Mathys had to settle for second place on the Chinese course.

A newcomer to the Golden Trail scene, Grayson Murphy (USA – Saucony) impressed in her debut. Murphy battled through cramps to secure a well-deserved third place finish, leaving a strong mark for future races.

“I’m so happy! On the start line, I was getting a bit worked up because I wanted this victory so badly and I knew I was capable of it. But I quickly calmed myself down and got into my pace. Today, it wasn’t about battling with the others it was about battling with myself to do the perfect race. I knew I was strong in both the climbs and downhills, and I proved it today.” says Njeru.

Mathys after finishing second, commented “It was a tough race today, but I’m happy. I tried to set off slowly and control my heart rate because I didn’t want to suffer with the altitude. Grayson passed me at the top before the first big downhill, but bizarrely I managed to catch up with her just before I got to the bottom and that gave me a confidence boost for the rest of the race, and so I carried on accelerating even though it was mega tough from the race’s halfway point.”

Murphy happy with her third position said “I was having so much fun, and then suddenly I started getting cramps just near the end of the downhill. I tried getting some nutrition in, but the cramps persisted, I’ve even got them now! I’ve never had this problem before, so I need to find out what happened. But I’m really pleased with this first race on the Golden Trail Series and will come on other stages for sure!”

Photo Collin Olivero

RESULTS

Men

1. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether ON AG): 01:59:10 (+200 pts)
2. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – Nnormal): 02:05:39 (+188 pts)
3. Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks): 02:05:51(+176 pts)
4. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether ON AG): 02:08:08 (+166 pts)
5. Joey Hadorn (CHE – Salomon): 02:08:20 (+156 pts)
6. Alain Santamaría Blanco (ESP – Salomon): 02:10:59 (+150 pts)
7. Huohua Zhang (CHN – Salomon): 02:12:05 (+144 pts)
8. Adil Moussaoui (MAR): 02:16:14 (+140 pts)
9. Alex Garcia Carrillo (ESP – Brooks): 02:16:27 (+136 pts)
10. Banglin Fan (CHN – Salomon): 02:16:38 (+133 pts)

Women

1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo): 02:25:27 (+200 pts)
2. Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics): 02:29:44 (+188 pts)
3. Grayson Murphy (USA – Saucony): 02:34:26 (+176 pts)
4. Naiara Irigoyen Indave (ESP – A4XKM): 02:34:56 (+166 pts)
5. Malen Osa Ansa (ESP – Salomon): 02:36:17 (+156 pts)
6. Yao Miao (CHN – Salomon): 02:39:19 (+150 pts)
7. Sara Alonso (ESP – Asics Trail Team): 02:41:30 (+144 pts)
8. Julia Font Gomez (ESP – Brooks): 02:43:21 (+140 pts)
9. Sylvia Nordskar (NOR – Hoka): 02:48:24 (+136 pts)
10. Rosa Lara Feliu (ESP – Compressport): 02:52:04 (+133 pts)