Sierre Zinal: American runner Sophia Laukli denies Kenyan podium sweep

Kenyan runners swept five of the six podium spots at the 50th edition of Sierre Zinal on Saturday, with American runner Sophia Laukli speeding to the third–fastest-ever finish on the women’s side in 2:53:17, (only course record holder, Swiss runner Maude Mathys has ever gone faster, in 2019 and 2022). On the men’s side, Philemon Kiriago of Kenya celebrated his 21st birthday by winning in 2:27:27, improving on his fifth-place finish in 2022 and speeding to the second fastest-ever men’s time.

Sophia is the first American female to win since Stevie Kremer in 2014, and records the third fastest time ever on the course (only behind Maude Mathys' winning times in 2019 and 2022)! Incredible!!!#gtws #goldentrailworldseries #sierrezinal https://t.co/zZ6ceoT8fi

— Liam (@aidstationfireb) August 12, 2023

Sierre Zinal is one of the most famous mountain races in the world and this year’s 50th-anniversary edition attracted a deep field, while course record holders Kilian Jornet and Mathys were notably absent. The race traverses 31 kilometres with 2,200 metres of ascent.

Athletes start in Sierre at an elevation of 570 metres, and over the first 24 kilometres climb up to the highest point at 2,425m. The final 7 km is downhill, culminating in a frantic sprint through Zinal to the finish line at 1,680 metres.

Women’s race

23-year-old Laukli finished more than four minutes ahead of Joyce Njeru of Kenya, who ran to 2:57:19, with Njeru’s compatriot Philaries Kisang rounding out the podium in 3:01.06.6.

With strong contenders like Kisang, Nienke Brinkman of the Netherlands and Swiss runner Judith Wyder in contention, the women’s race was initially up for grabs, and Kisang set out leading strongly, followed by Monica Florea of Romania, and Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni. By the midpoint, Laukli had claimed the top position, with Muthoni following her and Kisang pushing hard in third.

Fan favourites Brinkman and American Allie McLaughlin took sixth and eight positions, respectively. Pre-race, Laukli shared with press that she had no idea how the race would turn out. “I’ve really never done a race like this,” she said. “It is a complete mystery, and that’s fun.”

Top women

Sophia Laukli (USA) – 2.53.17
Joyce Muthoni (KEN) – 2.57.19
Philaries Kisang (KEN) – 3.01.06
Miao Yao (CHI) – 3.04.05
Alice Gaggi (ITA) – 3.05.38

Men’s race

Kenyan compatriots Patrick Kipngeno and Kiriago took the lead from the start of the race, followed by a chase pack that included American Eli Hemming, France’s Thibaut Baronian, and Swiss runner Remi Bonnet. Kenya’s Kevin Kibet began to move up through the pack, and an hour into the race had firmly claimed third place. 

Cabeza de carrera masculina @SierreZinal km 4 pic.twitter.com/AqxQsZ9DFQ

— Biel Ràfols (@biel_rafols) August 12, 2023

With 8 kilometres to go, Kiriago made a decisive move into the lead, finishing strong in 2:27:27 (only Spain’s Jornet has ever run faster, setting the course record of 2:25:35 in 2019). Kipnengo hung on to second place and closed in 2:28:50, and Kibet had a sprint to the finish to hold off France’s Sylvain Cachard, finishing in 2:34:16 and 2:34:22 respectively.

Top Men

Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (KEN) – 2:27:27
Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) – 2:28.:0
Kevin Kibet (KEN) – 2:34:16
Sylvain Cachard (FRA) – 2:34:22
Roberto Delorenzi (SUI) – 2.35.17

Squamish’s Kalie McCrystal was the top Canadian, placing 71st.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kalie McCrystal (@kalie_mcc)

For full results from the 2023 edition of Sierre Zinal, head here.