Joyline Chepngeno successfully defended her title at Sierre-Zinal while fellow Kenyan Philemon Ombogo Kiriago regained his crown in the men’s race at the WMRA World Cup fixture on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Sierre-Zinal debutante Caroline Kimutai struck out for an early lead in the women’s race, and opened up a lead of about 90 seconds over teammate Chepngeno on the long climb. The Kenyan was ahead of the winning pace from last year as Chepngeno, German marathon specialist Laura Hottenrott, Maude Mathys, Madalina Florea and Miao Yao led the chase.
By Chandolin, 12km into the race, Chepngeno had closed the gap to Kimutai to about 40 seconds. Hottenrott sat a minute behind, with Mathys and Florea just behind her.
While the margin between Chepngeno and Kimutai closed gradually, the gap to the chase pack continued to grow. Chepngeno eventually overtook Kimutai, but the early leader didn’t take her foot off the gas. The battle for third – between Hottenrott, Mathys and Florea – was also heating up.
On the descent, Chepngeno maintained a narrow lead over Kimutai, while Mathys overtook Hottenrott. USA’s Katie Schide, meanwhile, was now up to fifth.
Chepngeno held on for the win in 2:54:29, just 23 seconds shy of her winning time from last year, with Kimutai completing an incredible debut by taking second in 2:55:31. Schide came through to take third in 2:58:56, overtaking Mathys and Hottenrott on the final downhill.
As was the case in the women’s race, a Sierre-Zinal debutant led for most of the way in the men’s race. Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod opened up a lead of more than a minute by 8km with Josphat Kiprotich, Timothy Kibett, Philemon Ombogo Kiriago and Dominik Rolli chasing.
Briffod showed no sign of letting up on the long climb. By Chandolin, at 12km, Kibett led the chase with Patrick Kipngeno, Elhousine Elazzaoui, Michael Selelo Saoli and Paul Machoka now part of the pack.
Kipngeno took decisive action near the top of the climb section and began to close in on Brifford. Saoli and Machoka were also starting to ramp it up.
Brifford was eventually caught by Kiriago, Kipngeno and Saoli early on the long downhill. An emotional Kiriago ultimately held on to take his second victory here in 2:28:45. Kipngeno held off Selelo to take second in 2:29:08 with Selelo third in 2:29:14. Brifford held on for fourth ahead of Machoka.
Kirsty Reade (WMRA) for World Athletics
Leading results
Women
1 Joyline Chepngeno (KEN) 2:54:49
2 Caroline Kimutai (KEN) 2:55:31
3 Katie Schide (USA) 2:58:30
4 Maude Mathys (SUI) 2:58:56
5 Oria Liaci (SUI) 3:00:20
Men
1 Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN) 2:28:45
2 Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) 2:29:08
3 Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) 2:29:14
4 Adrien Briffod (SUI) 2:32:06
5 Paul Machoka (KEN) 2:33:00
SOURCE: WORLD ATHLETICS
