La Palma, Canary Islands – In a commanding display of endurance and speed on the rugged volcanic slopes of Transvulcania, Kenya’s Richard Omaya Atuya and Joyce Muthoni Njeru emerged victorious in the uphill Vertical Kilometer race, the fourth stage of the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup held on May 7.
The Vertical Kilometer (VK) — a brutal 7.28 km ascent with more than 1 160 m of climb from the seafront of Puerto de Tazacorte up to Torre del Time — tested the strength and tactical acumen of the world’s best uphill specialists.
Atuya’s Record-Breaking Run
Richard Omaya Atuya delivered a standout performance, winning the men’s race in 45:01, a new course record. He separated himself early, clocking the fastest midway time and maintaining a strong pace to the finish. Atuya finished more than two minutes ahead of his nearest competitors, signaling not just victory but dominance on one of mountain running’s toughest urban-to-mountain routes.
Post-race, Atuya said, “I felt strong from the start. The course rewards those who can push hard uphill without hesitation.” His strategy — sustained power from start to finish — underlined why he’s now a major contender on the world mountain running stage.
Njeru’s Tactical Mastery
In the women’s event, Joyce Muthoni Njeru executed a masterful comeback. She ran a measured first half and surged past early leaders in the second segment to claim victory in 55:02, also a new course best.
Njeru later commented, “I knew patience would pay off today. The climb is unforgiving, and making moves too early can cost dearly.” Her readiness to accelerate mid-race enabled her to open a gap on her rivals and secure a convincing win.
The women’s podium rounded out with the United Kingdom’s Kirsty Skye Dickson in second and Kenya’s Ruth Gitonga in third.
Podium Finishers and Key Results
Men’s Top 3:
Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) – 45:01 (new course record)
Philemon Kiriago (KEN) – 47:33
Ephantus Mwangi Njeri (KEN) – 47:39
Women’s Top 3:
Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 55:02 (new course record)
Kirsty Skye Dickson (GBR) – 55:37
Ruth Gitonga (KEN) – 58:00
What This Means for the World Cup
The Transvulcania uphill race remains one of the most challenging stopovers in the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup calendar, attracting elite athletes from across the world to scramble up steep volcanic terrain under punishing gradient conditions. Atuya’s and Njeru’s performances have set a high benchmark early in the competition and will influence points and morale heading into the later stages of the season.
Their victories are a testament to deep Kenyan strength in the vertical and mountain running disciplines, reinforcing both athletes as championship favorites in the 2026 series.
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