In an exhilarating showcase of endurance and athleticism, the 2025 Sierre-Zinal delivered remarkable performances under unusually hot and sunny conditions. This year, the men’s podium was entirely dominated by Kenyan runners, while the women’s competition saw another Kenyan victory. Philemon Kiriago clinched his second win at this iconic event, improving on his runner-up finish from 2024, while the defending champion, Joyline Chepngeno, successfully repeated her victory from the previous year.
Race Overview
The race commenced on August 9 at 11 a.m. local time, already facing a severe high-temperature warning for elevations below 600 meters, including in the starting village of Sierre. While the soaring temperatures may have influenced race pace, they added dynamic challenges to the course.
Expectations were high as both the men’s and women’s fields included elite runners with impressive backgrounds. The men’s lineup featured 23 athletes who had previously clocked times under 2:40, including several past winners and a significant number of last year’s top finishers. The women’s competition was no less fierce, with Chepngeno returning alongside ten athletes who had all achieved times under 3:10, including seven of the previous year’s top 10 women.
Course Details
The 31-kilometer (19 miles) course offers a unique challenge, covering a daunting total elevation gain of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) and a descent of only 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Nestled in the breathtaking Valais Alps, runners experience incredible views of five towering 4,000-meter peaks, further amplified by the massive crowds that line the trails.
Men’s Race Recap
The sweltering conditions greeted the men’s field as they set off from Sierre. The forecast predicted mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit) temps, intensifying the heat as competitors navigated the steep first climb to the Ponchette checkpoint. At this early stage—7.5 kilometers into the race—Switzerland’s Adrien Briffod shot ahead, marking a notable lead by reaching the checkpoint in 49:00, followed closely by Kenya’s Josphat Kiprotich and other contenders.
By the halfway point at Tignousa, Briffod continued to lead, although the chasing pack, particularly Kiriago and Kipngeno, were rapidly closing the gap. Kiriago eventually cemented his dominance during the critical descent, extending his lead significantly to secure victory in 2:28:45. Kipngeno and Michael Selelo Saoli completed the Kenyan sweep, finishing second and third, respectively, followed by Briffod in fourth.
Men’s Results
- Philemon Kiriago (Kenya) – 2:28:45
- Patrick Kipngeno (Kenya) – 2:29:08
- Michael Selelo Saoli (Kenya) – 2:29:14
- Adrien Briffod (Switzerland) – 2:32:06
- Paul Machoka (Kenya) – 2:33:00
Women’s Race Recap
The women’s race kicked off with Caroline Kimutai rapidly taking the lead in the climbing sections. However, Chepngeno, eager to defend her title, steadily closed the gap. By the mid-race mark at Tignousa, Chepngeno had not only passed Kimutai but also established a growing lead of her own. With exceptional descending skills, she maintained her pace to cross the finish line first in an impressive time of 2:54:49, just ahead of Kimutai by 42 seconds.
Women’s Results
- Joyline Chepngeno (Kenya) – 2:54:49
- Caroline Kimutai (Kenya) – 2:55:31
- Katie Schide (U.S.) – 2:58:30
- Maude Mathys (Switzerland) – 2:58:56
- Oria Liaci (Switzerland) – 3:00:20
Conclusion
The 2025 Sierre-Zinal proved to be a thrilling blend of endurance, strategy, and climatic challenges. With a remarkable showing by the Kenyan athletes, this event has once again underscored its status as a premier destination for mountain running. As the Golden Trail World Series edges toward its thrilling finale, this race has left spectators and competitors alike eager for what’s next. For those following the world of mountain athletics, the Sierre-Zinal continues to be a landmark event that underscores the rapidly growing interest in trail running and endurance sports.
