The Golden Trail World Series burst back into action in California as Kenya’s Joyce Njeru put her speed to good use on the Headlands 27K to claim her second victory of the season.
Following the abandonment of the Tatra SkyMarathon in Poland 11km into the women’s race due to thunderstorms, this was the first race since Sierre-Zinal five weeks ago.
And here’s how it panned out, plus what the podium athletes said afterwards…
Top two dominate the race
A stone’s throw from San Francisco, the event featured many of Marin County’s most famous trails – Steep Ravine, Matt Davis and the Dipsea in what is a lightning-fast trail race.
And it was shaped in the first few kilometres as both Madalina Florea (ROM) and Njeru broke clear of the field.
At the top of the first climb there was just a second between them but already nearly a minute back to the rest who were led by home favourite Anna Gibson (USA) on trails she knew well.
Njeru then saw Florea open up a gap but with 7km remaining she bridged it and made what proved a decisive move, putting daylight between them and powering on to victory by nearly a minute.
Lauren Gregory (USA) chased home Florea to take third, with the front three well clear of the rest who were headed by Swiss star Judith Wyder.
What they said
Talking through the race afterwards, Njeru said: “I wanted to see how fast I could really go and above all how long I could keep it up. So, I stayed with the front group at the start, but from the three-kilometre mark Madalina accelerated.
“I chose to take it easy because I knew the race was long, but at the 20K mark I managed to catch her and overtake. I’m really pleased with this second victory.”
Despite leading for two third of the race, Florea wasn’t too upset at being beaten: “I felt pretty confident on this race as the profile suited me better than Sierre-Zinal. But when Joyce caught up with me, I just couldn’t keep up.
“I held on to reach the finish line and am just happy I managed it without injuring myself. I’m very satisfied with today’s result.”
And after rounding out the podium, Gregory explained: “I knew this race suited my running skillset. I set off with the lead group and was feeling good, even if I did throw up my first fuel stop. I still had good sensations today and I’m happy I managed to hold onto this podium spot.”
The men’s race will take place on the same trails 24 hours later on Sunday.
Headlands 27K results 2024
Saturday September 14
WOMEN
- 1. Joyce Njeru (KEN) – 2:17:34
- 2. Madalina Florea (ROM) – 2:18:22
- 3. Lauren Gregory (USA) – 2:19:15
- 4. Judith Wyder (SUI) – 2:22:21
- 5. Oria Liaci (SUI) – 2:24:26
