Kenyan duo seal Classic Distance titles with Zumaia-Flysch victories

Victories for Joyce Njeru (KEN) and Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN) at Zumaia-Flysch on Sunday sealed their respective World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Classic Distance World Cup titles.

Njeru followed up on her win at Trofeo Ciolo last weekend to claim victory in the women’s race, while Ndungu improved on his second place in Italy as he clinched a win in the men’s event.

With the 22km race in Spain being the final classic mountain race of the year, the Kenyan pair’s World Cup titles for the category were confirmed.

Njeru finished in 1:41:32, 0:43 ahead of Lucy Murigi (KEN) and 7:46 clear of Alice Gaggi (ITA), as she claimed her fourth World Cup win of the season after triumphing at Trofeo Ciolo, Krkonossky Half Marathon and Grossglockner Berglauf.

“I feel happy and strong,” Njeru said after the race, who was undeterred by the wet weather in Spain. “No it was not tough, it was fun because I like it when it is raining!”

Compatriot Murigi picked up her third World Cup podium of the season after her win at Montée du Nid d’Aigle and top three finishes at Grossglockner Berglauf and Trofeo Ciolo.

In the men’s race, Ndungu finished in 1:36:48, 0:25 clear of second place Sandor Szabo (HUN) and 1:11 ahead of third place Amets Aramberri (ESP).

It was Ndungu’s second win of the season after his success at Krkonossky Half Marathon, with the WMRA World Ranked #2 picking up fourth place finishes at Grossglockner Berglauf and Trofeo Nasego, as well as second at Trofeo Ciolo.

World #7 Szabo made the podium in World Cup race for the second time this season after his second place finish at Canfranc Skyrace.

The Long Distance World Cup titles were also confirmed at Sunday, as Charlotte Morgan (GBR) and Raul Criado (ESP) took victories in the Zumaia-Flysch marathon event.

The two races in Spain made up rounds 14 and 15 of the WMRA World Cup, with two races – rounds 12 and 13 – taking place in the USA over the weekend.