Mountain Running World Cup: Muthoni, Murigi to clash in Spain

Joyce Muthoni and Lucy Murigi will clash in an all-Kenyan affair as the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup gears up for another double header weekend in Canfranc-Estación, Spain.

Muthoni, who leads the women’s World Cup standings, could add some important points to her tally, possibly putting the competition out of reach.

She will face strong competition from her compatriot Murigi, who has consistently placed in the top 10 in her outings this year.

Italy’s Camilla Magliano is also always a strong performer in big races and she finished fourth in the vertical race and second in the classic race last year.

Several of the top-ranked athletes in the World Cup standings will be racing across the weekend, providing an opportunity for a shake-up as the series nears its conclusion.

Spain’s Daniel Osanz is the men’s defending champion for the vertical race. His compatriot Raul Criado, who was third in the long race here last year and sixth in the vertical race, could well improve on that if his strong showing at Broken Arrow is any indication.

Britain’s Joe Steward, currently fourth in the men’s World Cup standings, is having a strong season with podium finishes at Vertical Nasego and Piz Tri Vertical.

Canada’s Remi Leroux has also had success at Montemuro this World Cup and could also do well here.

The vertical uphill race takes place on Friday evening.

The 16km classic mountain race on Sunday (10) is held on more rugged terrain and takes in 1600m of ascent along the way.

The highlight for the runners is summiting La Moleta (2572m) which has stunning views across the mountain range.

The route is essentially one brutal climb of 1400m over the course of just 5.8km, then a long descent back down to the finish.