The World Mountain and Trail Running Championships kicked off Friday morning with the men’s and women’s uphill, or vertical, mountain race. The 8.5 kilometer (5.3 mile) race did not disappoint, with the best climbers in the world on the line – athletes erupted from the start corral and rapidly covered the initial flat kilometer quickly. From there, the heat and humidity that lingered in the jungle single track cooked the athletes as they covered 1065 meters, 3,494 feet, of climbing in under five miles.
In the men’s race Kenyans Patrick Kipngeno and Philemon Kiriago came out on top finishing in 46:51 and 48:24 respectively. If you need a good cry, go watch an emotional Alejandro Garcia Carrillo claim bronze in 49:03 – it will hit you right in the feels. Hot on Alejandro’s heels, only 30-seconds off the podium, were Joey Hadorn, Zak Hanna, and Joseph Gray finishing in 4th, 5th, and 6th. In the team competition Italy claimed gold, Switzerland the silver, and Spain the bronze. Team USA, comprised of Joseph Gray (6th), Cam Smith (20th), and Dan Curts (24th) ultimately finished fourth – or as the live announcer called it “the chocolate medal.” You can find full results here.
Does Allie McLaughlin get tired? That was the question on many minds as Allie Mac came ripping down the finishing straight to claim the title of World Champion in a time of 55:15. Fair to say, we are all blown away, still buzzing after a week of phenomenal performances by Allie at the Golden Trail World Series Finals just five days ago! She was pursued by a hard charging Andrea Mayr, who comes into this championship weekend in search of a record equaling 7th world title. At 43 years old Andrea did not get that title today but adds a silver medal, in a time of 55:41, to her long list of running accolades. Rounding out the women’s podium in third place position was the Swiss and European Champion Maude Mathys in 56:00 well clear of 4th place. All three of these women will be lining up for Sunday’s short course Uphill/Downhill race – and we could see a very similar podium unfold. In the team competition the US Women’s team climbed to the top of the podium to take home the gold with Allie McLaughlin joined by Lauren Gregory (12th) and Rachel Tomaczyk (26th). The United Kingdom and Switzerland finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Full results can be found here.
Up next the 40-kilometer Short Trail Race and 80-kilometer Long Trail Race take to the mountain Saturday morning in Chiang Mai (Friday evening in the US). Representing the US will be Michelle Merlis, Kristina Mascarenas, Stevie Kremer, Kimber Mattox, Ashley Brasovan, Max King, Jonathan Aziz, Noah Williams, Joseph DeMoor, and Zach Miller on the 40km Team. On the 80km Team the US will be representing by Brittany Charboneau, Kaytlyn Gerbin, Leah Yingling, Addie Bracy, Adam Peterman, Adam Merry, Jeff Colt, and Eric LiPuma. Live timing should be available here.