Atuya & Saoli Win Vauban Mountain Trail Race – Kenya Dominates
Kenyan Dominance and French Flair Light Up Vauban Mountain and trail world Cup
The 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup delivered a weekend of thrilling competition at the Vauban Mountain and Trail event, with Kenyan athletes showcasing their prowess in the men’s races and French runners claiming top honors in the women’s categories. The stunning, yet demanding, backdrop of Briançon, France’s highest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided the perfect stage for both the Saturday uphill 5.9km race and Sunday’s classic 14km ‘Grand Parcours’.
Atuya and Dewalle Conquer the Heights
The men’s uphill race saw a formidable Kenyan contingent of Philemon Kiriago, Josphat Kiprotich, and Richard Omaya Atuya establish an early lead. Battling it out behind them were Britain’s Jacob Adkin and Italy’s Andrea Elia.As the race entered its final two kilometers, Kiriago began to falter, allowing Adkin to surge into third. However, it was Atuya who proved unstoppable, breaking away to secure a decisive victory in 40:40. Kiprotich followed in second place (41:44), with Adkin rounding out the podium (41:53).
In the women’s uphill event, which also served as a crucial selection trial for French athletes targeting the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, local favorite Christel Dewalle delivered a standout performance. After an initial breakaway by Kenyan duo Gloria Chebet and Philaries Jeruto Kisang, Dewalle masterfully navigated the steepest sections to claim a commanding win in 48:40. This victory not only secured her a coveted spot in Canfranc but also earned her maximum World Cup points. Britain’s Scout Adkin secured second place (49:27), while Nélie Clément of France finished third (50:06).
Leading results - Uphill Race:
Women:
- Christel Dewalle (FRA) 48:40
- Scout Adkin (GBR) 49:27
- Nélie Clément (FRA) 50:06
- Gloria Chebet (KEN) 51:19
- Philaries Jeruto Kisang (KEN) 51:30
Men:
- Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) 40:40
- Josphat Kiprotich (KEN) 41:44
- Jacob Adkin (GBR) 41:53
- Paul machoka (KEN) 42:23
- Emmanuel Mysssat (FRA) 42: