Kenyans Richard Omaya Atuya and Jiyce Muthoni Njeru won the Smarna Gora Race, the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup yesterday in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The duo braved the cool, drizzly and misty conditions to win the 10th race of the series in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana.
In men, Atuya, also the winner at Grossglocker and La Montee du Nid d’Aigle edged out compatriot Josphat Kiprotich and Paul Machoka.
Atuya won the title in 41:30 with Machoka taking second position at 42:05 with Seleo Saoli third in 42:31 before Kenyan Kiprotich coming 4th in 43:02.
Njeru won the women’s race in 49:43 followed by Scout Adkin for second position at 50:13 Kenyan Jeruto Kisang was third at 52:52 and then defending champion Susanna Saapunki was 4th at 53:21 as with Nusa Mali came 5th in 53:27.
After Asmama race, two events have remained to complete the circuit.
Njeru has taken the overall lead with 288 points as Adkin overtakes Kisang to second Patrick Kipngeno leads on 235 points, Philemon Ombogo Kiriago on 227 and Kiprotich now on 216. It’s all to play for in Chiavenna