10TH AUGUST 2024, Start 11:00 AM (CET), 31KM, 2,200M V+ SIERRE, SWITZERLAND The 5th edition of the Golden Trail World Series lived up to all its promises: Kilian Jornet beat his own Sierre-Zinal record by less than a second while Joyline Chepngeno took victory on her first-ever trail running race!
Kilian Jornet, the final sprint broke the record
At the finish line Kilian Jornet (ESP – Nnormal) confessed that this 10th victory at Sierre-Zinal was definitely the toughest he's faced. But at the white-knuckled finish, after a thrilling battle with Philemon Kiriago, the Catalan runner managed to beat his own record by under a second. "It was a really tough race, and this 10th victory was really hard to get. But for me it's more than a 10th victory, for me it's being able to do even better 15 years down the line on the same race. It was very hot, but I was prepared for it, yet despite everything, I did end up cramping, but I saw that Philemon was catching up and I thought there's no way I'm letting go of this victory."
Last year's winner, Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG) ran a very smart race. Holding back in the first part of the race, he came up from behind to force Kilian to sprint to the finish. "I'm so proud of myself! Honestly, I didn't think I could finish on the podium today as I'm coming back from an ankle injury that's been dragging on since the first two stages in Asia. But thanks to careful treatment I have managed to be in good enough shape for this race and to take 2ndplace. If I can keep this fit, I think I can contend for the podium in the Golden Trail Series from now on."
His team-mate Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG) completed the podium. "I'm pleased because my plan was to finish on the podium this year. I'm also pleased for Kilian who broke the record, it shows the calibre of the race. My plan was to attack from kilometre 20 to kilometre 28 because I'm no good in the downhill. Philemon helped me to keep the pace and when we attacked, we were both able to fight for the podium!"
Joyline Chepngeno, the great inauguration
Don't forget this name! Joyline Chepngeno (KEN – Milimani Runners) had never run a race in her life! Over a year ago, the Kenyan weighed 30kg more than she does now when she decided to start running seriously. Her gamble paid off because she just won one of the toughest races in the world for her first ever race. "It was my first race and I'm very happy to have won it. It means for the next race I'll be even stronger! I'm now preparing for Poland, and I hope to finish well in the Golden Trail Series overall ranking. It took me a year and a half to lose 30 kilos, but I knew I had to do it and I' so proud of this victory."
Scout Adkin (GBR – Hoka) also discovered Sierre-Zinal this year, she is a great mountain racer. She was very strong in the climb and also knew how to keep off her rivals to take second place. "It was a very long race for me. I tried to push hard in the climb but then I suffered on the flat sections which were very fast. I twisted my ankle around the 22-kilometre mark, I even thought I was going to get caught on the downhill, but I’m thrilled to have been able to keep this 2nd spot."
Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) discovered the Golden Trail Series last year at Sierre-Zinal where she finished 7th. This time the Romanian gem finished on the podium. Thrilled at the finish line, she then had to be checked out by the medical team and subsequently couldn't give us her feedback after the race.
After Zinal, let's head to Poland
The Golden Trail Series now heads to Poland for the first time in its history. Join us on 17th August for the 6th stage of the season: the Tatra Sky Marathon.
Results
Men
1 – Kilian Jornet (ESP – Nnormal): 2:25:34 (+200 pts)
2 – Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG): 2:25:36 (+188 pts)
3 – Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG): 2:26:59 (+176 pts)
4 – Josphat Kiprotich (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG): 2:31:35 (+166 pts)
5 – Roberto Delorenzi (CHE – Brooks): 2:32:26 (+156 pts)
6 – Paul Machoka (KEN): 2:32:35 (+150 pts)
7 – Sylvain Cachard (FRA – Hoka): 2:32:45 (+144 pts)
8 – Jonathan Castillo Saenz (COL – Aire Libre y Aventura): 2:32:45 (+140 pts)
9 – Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon/Red Bull): 2:33:57 (+136 pts)
10 – Ezekiel Rutto (KEN – Milimani Runners): 02:35:21 (+133 pts)
Women
1 – Joyline Chepngeno (KEN – Milimani Runners): 2:54:06 (+200 pts)
2 – Scout Adkin (GBR – Hoka): 3:02:21 (+188 pts)
3 – Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon): 3:04:29 (+176 pts)
4 – Philaries Kisang (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG): 3:05:52 (+166 pts)
5 – Cristina Simion (ROU – Stiinta Bacau): 3:07:51 (+156 pts)
6 – Anna Gibson (USA – Brooks): 3:08:39 (+150 pts)
7 – Sophia Laukli (USA – Salomon): 3:09:36 (+144 pts)
8 – Oria Liaci (CHE – CABV Martigny): 3:10:46 (+140 pts)
9 – Julie Lelong (FRA – Asics): 3:12:11 (+136 pts)
10 – Caitlin Fielder (NZL – Salomon): 3:12:54 (+133 pts)
