Kenyan athletes secured a podium sweep at the latest stage of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup, in Switzerland on Saturday, 8 August.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThis came after Philemon Ombogo Kiriago secured his third Sierre-Zinal title, leading fellow Kenyans to the first three positions in a winning time of 2:26.24.The defending champion prevailed late after a close battle with compatriot Patrick Kipngeno, breaking clear on the final seven-kilometre descent to win by a 32-second margin.©LBDC/labolsadercorredor.comKipngeno was second in 2:26.56, with another Kenyan – Michael Selelo Saoli – completing an all-Kenyan podium in third, clocking 2:29.36.Kipngeno and Kiriago were among the early leaders of the renowned 31km race, alongside a host of runners including: Britain’s Jacob Adkin, who is the European uphill champion, Kenya’s Richard Omaya Atuya, Julius Ott, Brayan Rodriguez Flores, Anthony Felber, Christian Allen, and Elhousine Elazzaoui.Adkin took control during the climb, leading through the Ponchette and Chandolin checkpoints, with Kipngeno just seconds behind, and Kiriago and Atuya also close.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883813##Kipngeno and Kiriago then increased the pressure before the end of the climb, and by the Hotel Weisshorn checkpoint at 20km, they were running together at the front, with Atuya in third and Adkin close behind.Saoli, meanwhile, began to make progress through the field.Kenyan youngster wins gold in Championship Record time at WU20sKiriago and Kipngeno remained locked together as the course turned downhill, the lead changing hands several times.Eventually Kiriago managed to open a gap, and carried it through to the finish, earning his third Sierre-Zinal victory after his previous wins in 2023 and 2025.Behind the Kenyan trio was Adkin, who held on for fourth in 2:30.49, with Kevin Kibett fifth in 2:30.58.Odira to collide with Werro, Bol at Lausanne Diamond LeagueMeanwhile in the women’s race, Romania’s Madalina Florea edged Kenya’s defending champion Caroline Jepkoech Kimutai to claim her first Sierre-Zinal title.Florea, who finished third at the event in 2024, clocked 2:55.44 after making her decisive move on the descent, with Jepkoech coming through strongly over the closing kilometres to take second in 2:56.30.Britain’s Morven Goodrum impressed on her debut to finish third in 2:57.12.Commonwealth Games silver medalist Ndangiri suspended for dopingAdditional reporting by World Athletics.
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