The Valsir Mountain Running World Cup 2023 witnessed fierce competition at its third classic mountain race held at La Montée du Nid d’Aigle. The course, a strenuous uphill track of 19.5km rising 2000m, provided a mixture of river trails, tree-covered paths, and open mountain tracks.
Defending champions, Patrick Kipngeno and Joyce Njeru of Kenya, braved an intensely competitive line-up to retain their crowns. Despite the presence of formidable opponents, including first-timers and past winners, both races resulted in thrilling finishes, with Kipngeno and Njeru securing victories.
In the women’s race, Joyce Njeru faced stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Philaries Kisang. The riveting run ended in Njeru winning in 2.06.28, a slim 5-second lead over Kisang’s 2.06.33.
Read more: Latest Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Piz Tri Vertical results (July 15)
Susanna Saapunki of Finland took third place with a time of 2.10.42. Kenya’s Lucy Murigi came fourth in 2.13.28, while Blandine L’Hirondel of France rounded out the top five in 2.14.18.
Patrick Kipngeno Winning Return
Patrick Kipngeno managed a consistent lead in the men’s race, finishing first in 1.46.44, with Philemon Kiriago, also of Kenya, finishing in second place with a time of 1.48.47 and Italy’s Xavier Chevrier claimed the third spot in 1.51.11.
Stian Angermund from Norway closely followed in 1.51.52. France’s Theodore Klein secured fifth place with a time of 1.54.54.
Read Also: Medal Standings: 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships
Taking place in the historic town of Saint Gervais, the 36th edition of La Montée du Nid d’Aigle, one of France’s oldest mountain running races, reflected the strong community spirit behind the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.
Valsir Mountain Running World Cup 2023 Ranking
With its rich history, magnificent mountain backdrop, and challenging course, the event stood as a testament to the spirit of mountain running while stirring up the World Cup rankings. – Click to see the full rankings here.
Montee du Nid d’Aigle: Valsir Mountain Running World Cup 2023 Results
Top 25 men’s finishers
| Place | Name | Country | Club | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Kipngeno | Kenya | RUN2GETHER | 1:46:44 |
| 2 | Philemon Ombogo Kiriago | Kenya | RUN2GETHER | 1:48:47 |
| 3 | Xavier Chevrier | Italy | 1:51:11 | |
| 4 | Stian Angermund | Norway | ASICS | 1:51:52 |
| 5 | Théodore Klein | France | US THANN ATHLÉTISME | 1:54:54 |
| 6 | Alex Baldaccini | Italy | GS OROBIE – CRAFT | 1:55:20 |
| 7 | Joe Steward | United Kingdom | SALFORD HARRIERS | 1:55:31 |
| 8 | Timothy Kimutai Kirui | Kenya | RUN2GETHER | 1:55:40 |
| 9 | Andrea Rostan | Italy | TEAM LA SPORTIVA | 1:55:59 |
| 10 | Jacob Adkin | United Kingdom | NEW BALANCE / KESWICK AC | 1:57:51 |
| 11 | Halfdan-Emil Færo | Norway | VAREGG FLERIDRETT | 1:58:20 |
| 12 | Ondrej Fejfar | Czech Republic | TJ SPARTAK VRCHLABI | 1:59:50 |
| 13 | Baptiste Ellmenreich | France | TEAM SCARPA | 2:02:50 |
| 14 | Rémi Lonchampt | France | HOKA BUFF | 2:03:16 |
| 15 | Matthieu Le Fur | France | VELAY ATHLETISME | 2:03:29 |
| 16 | Florent Soleilhac | France | ASJ74 | 2:03:37 |
| 17 | Jean Hudry | France | TEAM TRAIL DES CIMES | 2:03:45 |
| 18 | Alric Petit | France | EA GRENOBLE | 2:04:30 |
| 19 | Vincent Loustau | France | TEAM VIBRAM | 2:04:41 |
| 20 | Eric Blake | United States | BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION | 2:04:50 |
| 21 | Mathieu Debroas | France | CAPRG / BGSA | 2:05:11 |
| 22 | Julien Rancon | France | AL ECHIROLLES | 2:05:15 |
| 23 | Léo Tuaz-Torchon | France | 2:05:43 | |
| 24 | Lucas Clocher | France | AHSA | 2:06:05 |
| 25 | Joyce Muthoni Njeru | Kenya | ALTETICA SALUZZO | 2:06:28 |
Top 25 women’s finishers
| Place | Name | Country | Club | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joyce Muthoni Njeru | Kenya | ALTETICA SALUZZO | 2:06:28 |
| 2 | Philaries Jeruto Kisang | Kenya | RUN2GETHER | 2:06:33 |
| 3 | Susanna Saapunki | Finland | NEW BALANCE | 2:10:42 |
| 4 | Lucy Wambui Murigi | Kenya | ON RUNNING-ATLETICA SALUZZO | 2:13:28 |
| 5 | Blandine L’Hirondel | France | 2:14:18 | |
| 6 | Camilla Magliano | Italy | DINAMO RUNNING TEAM | 2:16:16 |
| 7 | Karoline Holsen Kyte | Norway | FØRDE IL | 2:18:37 |
| 8 | Julie Lelong | France | COURIR PAYS DE GRASSE | 2:20:35 |
| 9 | Sarah Carter | United States | THE TRAIL TEAM | 2:22:01 |
| 10 | Céline Jeannier | France | UOAT ALBERTVILLE | 2:23:14 |
| 11 | Maddalena Somà | Italy | ATLETICA ROATA CHIUSANI | 2:27:48 |
| 12 | Kirsty Dickson | United Kingdom | CARNETHY HILL RUNNING CLUB | 2:28:03 |
| 13 | Meg Mackenzie | France | 2:30:25 | |
| 14 | Jessica Pardin | France | TEAM LA SPORTIVA | 2:30:33 |
| 15 | Laure Paradan | France | TEAM HOKA | 2:30:57 |
| 16 | Hortense Mermillon | France | TEAM ASICS TRAIL | 2:31:37 |
| 17 | Andie Cornish | United States | 2:32:04 | |
| 18 | Nadia Re | Italy | ATLETICA SALUZZO | 2:33:00 |
| 19 | Virginia Hourihane | Ireland | 2:33:07 | |
| 20 | Margot Ravinel | France | 2:35:02 | |
| 21 | Stephanie Reymond | France | 2:38:34 | |
| 22 | Charlotte Cotton | France | 2:39:40 | |
| 23 | Aina Edgren | Sweden | 2:44:48 | |
| 24 | Corinne Cruz Martinez | France | CMI | 2:47:58 |
| 25 | Lise Bellet | France | EAG GRENOBLE |
