Sierre-Zinal is one of trail running’s most legendary races, set against the stunning Swiss Alps. On August 9, under an unusually hot sun, Kenya’s Philemon Kiriago and Joyline Chepngeno each claimed a remarkable second career win at this tough and celebrated event.
An Alpine oven
With a severe high-temperature warning in effect for the valleys, the late-morning start in Sierre offered no respite. Temperatures climbed into the mid-30s C as runners tackled the brutal opening climb, more than 1,300 metres of gain in the first eight km, before the course heads through the high Alps and plunges toward the finish in Zinal. In all, the race covers 31 km, with 2,200 metres of climbing and 1,100 metres of descent, and five 4,000-metre peaks frame the action.
Men’s race: Kiriago’s downhill masterclass
Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod charged ahead in the opening climb, ahead chase pack stacked with Kenyan talent. But as the kilometers wore on, Kiriago closed the gap. By the highest point of the course, he had the lead and he made it stick. His aggressive descent sealed the win in 2:28:32, with compatriots Patrick Kipngeno and Michael Selelo Saoli completing a Kenyan sweep. Post race, Kiriago told media that his goal is to win the race five times. “I’m very happy to win Sierre-Zinal again,” he said. My teammates dream of dominating Sierre-Zinal as much as possible. My goal is to get close to five wins here before turning my focus to other races like Zegama-Aizkorri.”
Quebec’s Rémi Leroux was Canada’s top finisher, closing in 2:44:00 for 21st place.
Top 10 men
1. Philemon Kiriago (KEN) 2:28:452. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) 2:29:083. Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) 2:29:144. Adrien Briffod (SUI) 2:32:075. Paul Machoka (KEN) 2:33:026. Martin Nilsson (SWE) 2:33:537. Dominik Rolli (SUI) 2:34:108. Andreu Blanes (ESP) 2:35:209. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR) 2:36:0010. Francesco Puppi (ITA) 2:37:50
Women’s race: a battle on the descent
Kenya’s Caroline Kimutai went straight to the front on the first climb, opening a gap on defending champion and compatriot Joyline Chepngeno. But Chepngeno, known for her steady pacing, reeled her in before halfway and hit the descent with a slim lead. Kimutai stayed close, but Chepngeno’s downhill skills gave her the edge, winning in 2:54:49. Katie Schide, fresh off a Hardrock 100 victory less than a month ago, stormed through the final kilometres to grab third.
Top 10 Women
1. Joyline Chepngeno (KEN) 2:54:502. Caroline Kimutai (KEN) 2:55:343. Katie Schide (U.S.) 2:58:324. Maude Mathys (SUI) 2:58:575. Oria Liaci (SUI) 3:00:226. Laura Hottenrott (GER) 3:00:327. Miao Yao (CHN) 3:01:368. Susanna Saapunki (FIN) 3:02:319. Anna Gibson (USA) 3:05:1410.Joyce Njeru (KEN) 3:06:05
Sierre-Zinal is a key stop on two major international circuits. The Mountain Running World Cup (MRWC) crowns the season’s most consistent performers across a range of mountain courses, while the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) brings together the sport’s most competitive short-distance trail runners. Sierre-Zinal was the final race of the GTWS regular season, before October’s Ledro Sky Grand Finale. The MRWC finale will be held in Slovenia on August 23 and 24.
For full results of Sierre-Zinal 2025, head here.
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