Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / GTWS race seven – Headlands 27K men’s results: Elazzaoui wins ‘craziest race of my life’

GTWS race seven – Headlands 27K men’s results: Elazzaoui wins ‘craziest race of my life’

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR) just got the better of Philemon Kiriago (KEN) in a thrilling sprint finish to a dramatic Headlands 27K race near San Francisco.

That pair had broken away with Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) and Rémi Bonnet (SUI) early in Sunday’s race and they served up an absolute classic from that point onwards – going shoulder to shoulder on both in the climbs and downhills.

The quartet were still stuck together in the very last kilometre, the decisive moment coming in the sprint to the finish line where Elazzaoui edged out Kiriago by just two seconds!

Advertisement

‘It was so fast’

“It was a crazy race, the craziest race of my life,” said Elhousine at the finish line. “I’ve never ever seen a race like this in trail running. It was so fast.

“I tried to attack, but they didn’t let me get away, so I had to attack even harder in the final downhill. I’m thrilled to finish victorious in this race.”

The win means Elhousine moves ahead of Kipngeno in the overall series standings.

Elhousine Elazzaoui wins Headlands 27k in California 2024 photo credit Golden Trail World Series
Elhousine Elazzaoui wins the Headlands 27k [Photo credit: Golden Trail World Series]

After Sierre-Zinal, Kiriago had to lose out to a sprint victory for the second time in a row (there it was the GOAT Kilian Jornet who prevailed) but the Kenyan was still smiling at the finish.

He said: “The race was very fast. I had a good pace and led the group from the start until the last downhill when Elhousine overtook me. He was the strongest and I’m very happy to finish on the podium of this crazy race.”

Kipngeno rounds out the podium

Kipngeno opted out of the sprint yet still finished very close to his teammate to take third place ahead of Bonnet.

He admitted: “This race was really competitive. To be honest, during the race I didn’t expect to finish third.

“I think I lacked a bit of technique on the downhills; the other three were better than me on the downhills and that’s probably where it counted.”

The Californian dream continues next weekend with the Mammoth 26K at Mammoth Lakes.

Headlands 27K results 2024

Sunday September 15

MEN

  • 1. Elhousine Elazzoui (MAR) – 1:55:27
  • 2. Philemon Kiriago (KEN) – 1:55:29
  • 3 Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) – 1:56:01
  • 4. Rémi Bonnet (SUI) – 1:57:48
  • 5. Christian Allen (USA) – 2:01:39
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

Joyline Chepngeno OCC 2025 UTMB
UTMB OCC and Sierre-Zinal results revised after winner Joyline Chepngeno BANNED
Holly Wootten - No Limits Photography Dragons Back 2025
Dragon’s Back results 2025: Incredible new record from Holly Wootten
Courtney Dauwalter crown UTMB 2025
‘I feel lucky to be in the sport right now’ – GOAT Dauwalter raises bar again with reaction to UTMB struggles
Tom Evans salute UTMB win 2025
Tom Evans on the perspective shift and key training session which took him to UTMB glory
Sifan Hassan crosses then line to win the Elite Women’s race at The TCS London Marathon 2023 Photo credit: TCS London Marathon
Sydney Marathon results 2025: Hassan and Kiros star as race joins World Marathon Majors
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...