Joyce Muthoni Njeru wins Canfranc-Canfranc 2023

CANFRANC, Spain (Sept. 10) — The Valsir Mountain Running World Cup 2023 continued its journey in with the Canfranc-Canfranc event in Spain, nestled in the Pyrenees near the French border. The weekend featured two distinct races, each with its own set of challenges and surprises.

Two Races, Two Different Terrains

On September 8, athletes tackled a vertical race spanning 4 kilometers with an elevation gain of 858 meters. Two days later, on September 10, the classic mountain race unfolded over 16 kilometers, featuring a 972-meter elevation gain.

Read more: Canfranc-Canfranc vertical uphill race; Njeru and Steward win titles

A Break from Tradition in Men’s Vertical Race

In a departure from the norm, the top five finishers in the men’s vertical race did not include any male Kenyan runners.

Joe Steward of Great Britain clinched the win with a time of 35:34 minutes, nearly a minute ahead of his closest competitor.

The race for second and third was a nail-biter, with Remi Leroux edging out Vincent Loustau by a mere 13 seconds.

Kenyan Dominance in Women’s Vertical Race

Kenya’s Joyce Njeru dominated the women’s Canfranc-Canfranc vertical race, finishing more than three minutes ahead of her closest competitor. Lucy Murigi, also from Kenya, secured third place.

Rankings from the Vertical Race

Women’s Top Finishers:

  • Joyce Njeru (Kenya) – 42:23
  • Olivia Magnone (France) – 45:27
  • Lucy Murigi (Kenya) – 45:55

Men’s Top Finishers:

  • Joe Steward (Great Britain) – 35:34
  • Remi Leroux (Canada) – 36:32
  • Vincent Loustau (France) – 36:45

Second Win for Njeru in Classic Mountain Race

Joyce Njeru continued her winning streak in the 16-kilometer classic mountain race, finishing almost 12 minutes ahead of Lucy Murigi. Camilla Magliano of Italy claimed the third spot, ensuring European representation on the podium.

Men’s Classic Mountain Race: A Moroccan Triumph

Morocco’s Adil Moussaoui seized victory in the men’s 16-kilometer race, finishing in 1:47:52. The race was a thriller, with Eduardo Hernandez of Spain trailing by just 12 seconds.

Rankings from the Classic Mountain Race

Women’s Top Finishers:

  1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 1.58.57
  2. Lucy Murigi (KEN) – 2.10.32
  3. Camilla Magliano (ITA) – 2.12.41
  4. Bel Calero (ESP) – 2.19.03
  5. Ainara Alcuaz (ESP) – 2.22.22

Men’s Top Finishers:

  1. Adil Moussaoui (MOR) – 1.47.52
  2. Eduardo Hernandez (ESP) – 1.48.04
  3. Alvaro Osanz (ESP) – 1.49.24
  4. Remi Leroux (CAN) – 1.50.18
  5. Marcos Villamuera (ESP) – 1.50.19

Up Next: Canary Islands

The Valsir Mountain Running World Cup 2023 will conclude its season with the final event scheduled for October 13-15 in Spain’s Canary Islands.

With the rankings from Canfranc-Canfranc setting the stage, the finale promises to be an event not to be missed.

For full results, please follow the link: CANFRANC CANFRANC 2023

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