Njeru and Saoli Dominate at Beijing Changping in Thrilling WMRA World Cup WeekendIn a compelling display of endurance and tactical running, Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Michael Selelo Saoli emerged victorious at the Beijing Changping Classic, the second and third stops of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup held on April 25–26 beneath the historic Great Wall.
The two-day mountain running programme featured contrasting challenges: a steep uphill-only test on Saturday followed by a demanding classic up-and-down course on Sunday that combined 18 kilometres with more than 1,200 metres of climbing and technical descents.
Saoli Commands the Men’s Classic
In the men’s classic up & down race, Michael Selelo Saoli asserted control through the challenging terrain, finishing in 1:25:49 to take the top podium spot. Known for his climbing strength and descending precision, Saoli broke away from the lead group on the climbs and maintained his advantage to the finish.
Italy’s Isacco Costa claimed second place in 1:28:00, while Kenya’s Paul Machoka secured the final podium position in 1:28:58.
Saoli’s performance capped a weekend that also saw him take fifth place in Saturday’s uphill-only race (23:31), a pure test of vertical strength over 3.5 km of relentless ascent.
Njeru Shows Composure to Top Women’s Field
On the women’s side, Joyce Muthoni Njeru delivered a composed and commanding performance in the classic race, crossing the line in 1:45:02 to lead a selective field. Known for her consistency across mixed terrain, Njeru gradually built a decisive gap as the race unfolded.
Courtney Barnes Coppinger of the United States finished second in 1:46:49, with Switzerland’s Maude Mathys taking third in 1:47:16.
In Saturday’s uphill contest, Mathys had taken the women’s win in 26:13, ahead of Njeru’s 26:51 and Coppinger’s 28:18, showcasing strong climbing proficiency ahead of the classic race.
A Spectacular Mountain Running Showcase
The Changping World Cup weekend highlighted the athletes’ versatility: from sheer climbing power on steep gradients to strategic pacing and technical savvy on mixed trails. The dramatic backdrop of the Great Wall and surrounding Yanshan mountains provided not just a scenic venue but a fitting stage for elite mountain running competition.
With these results, Njeru and Saoli strengthen their campaigns in the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup as the series now heads to Transvulcania, La Palma, Spain in two weeks, where athletes will again face both uphill and long-distance challenges.
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