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

Jack Scott lets the emotions sink in after winning the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024
Heartbreak for British ultrarunning star after he’s forced out of Cocodona 250
Ultra runner Sophie Power racing for Great Britain Photo credit PH Balance Phil Hill
Record breaker Sophie Power joins strongest British team ever for running’s 24-hour World Championships
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
My heart rate was 135bpm on the start line – Alex Yee on what happened next at the London Marathon
Eliud Kipchoge London Marathon 2025
London Marathon 2025: GOAT Eliud Kipchoge says iconic race retains a special place in his heart
Romesh Ranganathan London Marathon 2025 Finish
London Marathon 2025: Romesh Ranganathan went in “the abyss” to finish iconic race
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...