22ND SEPTEMBER 2024, Start 9:40 AM (PDT, 6:40 PM CET), 26KM, 1,400M V+ MAMMOTH LAKES, USA Mammoth Lakes hosts the Golden Trail World Series' final stage: Mammoth 26K.
This is the last race of the season before the grand final! The Californian dream continues at Mammoth Lakes, a stunning mountain village located over 2,400 metres above sea level. It's the athletes' last chance to score points and secure a spot in the top 30 before the final, which means an invitation to Switzerland. It's worth pointing out that the course has been modified to make the downhill section more technical. So, who will be victorious? Who will cope best with the altitude? Which runners will make it into the top 30, and who will be squeezed out? Who will lead the overall rankings going into the grand final? Find out on 22nd September!
Times to beat:
Men's record: new course
Women's record: new course
Find all the race specifications HERE
Discover the favourites for Mammoth 26K, 8th stage of the GTWS 2024:
Women's field
Joyce Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) demonstrated her impressive speed by winning last week's Headlands 27K, making her the top favourite on the relatively fast Mammoth course. But can she hold off Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) who was hot on her heels in the final sprint of the previous race? Judith Wyder (CHE – Hoka), who finished 4th at Mill Valley, will be eager to improve her position and join the battle on a course she won last year. Miao Yao (CHN – Salomon) finished strong in the last race, but will she be back to full power to contend for the win? Lauren Gregory(USA – Nike Trail) surprised everyone with a 2nd-place finish at Headlands 27K; can she repeat the feat this weekend? Other women in the line-up include Anna Gibson (USA – Brooks), Oria Liaci (CHE), Rachel Tomajczyk (USA – Merrell), Allie Ostrander (USA – Nnormal) and Rachel Drake (USA – Nike Trail).
Men's field
Can anyone stop Elhousine Elazaoui (MAR – Nnormal) who is leading the overall ranking after last week's victory? Maybe Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG), who will be seeking revenge after losing to Elazzaoui in a sprint finish at Headlands 27K. Rémi Bonnet (CHE - Salomon/Red Bull), last year's winner, will be focused on defending his title. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether/ON AG) will try to secure his third Series victory and go into the final as overall leader. Christian Allen (USA – Nike Trail) showed incredible speed in the last race and is definitely one to watch at Mammoth. Other challengers include Roberto Delorenzi (CHE – Brooks), Miquel Corbera (ESP – Brooks), Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks), Fred Tranchand (FRA – Scott), and Meikael Beaudoin–Rousseau (USA – Brooks).
