Kenyan duo Saoli, Njeru dominate Beijing Great Wall Classic
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 27.04.26. | 13:37
The World Mountain Running Association World Cup now shifts to Transvulcania in Spain in two weeks
Kenyan duo Michael Selelo Saoli and Joyce Muthoni Njeru headlined a strong national performance at the Beijing Changping Classic on Sunday, claiming dominant victories as the World Mountain Running Association World Cup stop on the Great Wall came to a close.
Across the two-day event, athletes were first tested in a steep 3.5 km uphill race with 509 m of ascent on Saturday before taking on Sunday’s gruelling 18 km classic race that featured 1200 m of climbing alongside technical descents.
Saoli rose to the challenge in the men’s classic race, producing a powerful display on the demanding up-and-down course.
After staying within the lead group early on, he surged ahead on the climbs and maintained control on the descents to secure victory in 1:25:49.
Kenya’s Paul Machoka added to the country’s strong showing by finishing third in 1:28:58, while Italy’s Isacco Costa took second place in 1:28:00.
In the women’s race, Njeru delivered a composed and authoritative run to seal victory in 1:45:02.
The multiple global champion remained well-positioned throughout before opening a decisive gap as the race unfolded, once again showcasing her strength across both climbing and mixed terrain. USA’s Courtney Barnes Coppinger finished second in 1:46:49, with Switzerland’s Maude Mathys third in 1:47:16.
Saturday’s uphill-only race provided a contrasting test focused purely on climbing strength.
Machoka impressed again with a second-place finish in 22:59, while Saoli crossed the line fifth in 23:31. Costa claimed victory in 22:31, ahead of Italy’s Alex Baldaccini, who placed third in 23:24.
In the women’s uphill race, Mathys took top honours in 26:13, with Njeru finishing second in 26:51, comfortably ahead of Coppinger, who placed third in 28:18.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Great Wall, the races were shaped by relentless gradients and varied terrain that tested both endurance and technical ability.
The World Mountain Running Association World Cup now shifts to Transvulcania in Spain in two weeks, where athletes will once again tackle both an uphill race and a long-distance contest on the volcanic trails of La Palma.
