Andrea Mayr and Patrick Kipngeno successfully defended their Vertical Nasego titles in an exhilarating showcase of mountain running prowess at the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup in Casto, Italy.
The event, featuring some intense battles for second and third place, unfolded during a double-header weekend, with runners tackling the challenging 4.3km Vertical Nasego course boasting a gruelling 1000m ascent.
The race commenced in Casto, with participants navigating roads and well-maintained trails before transitioning to increasingly steep and technical mountain paths leading to the finish line. Despite warm conditions, the presence of a few clouds offered near-ideal running weather.
Austria’s Andrea Mayr, a dominant force this year with victories at the World Championships, Piz Tri Vertical, and Challenge Stellina, as well as a course record in 2019, once again asserted her supremacy.
Known for her legendary performances in this race, Mayr clinched her fourth Vertical Nasego title and reaffirmed her course record, clocking an impressive 38 minutes and 39 seconds. She remains the sole female athlete to complete the course in under 40 minutes.
In parallel fashion, Kenya’s Patrick Kipngeno continued his trend of taking control right from the race’s outset. This season, he consistently assumed the lead in men’s races, leaving his competitors to vie for second and third positions.
Although challengers occasionally threatened to close the gap, Kipngeno proved unassailable, securing victory with a time of 34 minutes and 25 seconds. While his lead was eventually narrowed to 37 seconds, it was enough to secure his triumph.
Allen claimed second place in 35 minutes and 1 second, closely followed by Steward, who finished just seven seconds later, clocking 35 minutes and 8 seconds.
The competition showcased the remarkable skills of these mountain runners and added another chapter to the Vertical Nasego’s rich history of exhilarating races.
