Athletics
Philemon and Caroline lead the African Challenge at Sierre-Zinal
Several of Africa’s finest mountain and trail runners take on many of the world’s best at Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland on Saturday, with South Africa’s ‘Comrades Queen’ Gerda Steyn’s participation adding substantial interest to the contest.
Singularly, the Swiss towns of Sierre and Zinal attract little interest in the sporting world. But the combination of the two into Sierre-Zinal (SZ) instantly commands attention and admiration and many rate it as the world’s most competitive trail race.
31 kilometres with 2,400 metres of elevation gain, the legendary course linking the Swiss towns of Sierre and Zinal crosses the spectacular alpine landscapes of the Valais region beneath five peaks rising above 4000m – Weisshorn (4,506m), Zinalrothorn (4,221m), Matterhorn (4,478m), Dent Blanche (4,357m) and Obergabelhorn (4,063m).
The course features a demanding, near-continuous climb from Sierre, at 560 metres above sea level, to Nava at 2,424 metres passing iconic locations such as Ponchette, Chandolin and the historic Hotel Weisshorn. From there, runners face a fast and technical descent into Zinal (1,675m), the setting for some of trail running’s most memorable finishes.
The majority of almost 7000 participants from 70 countries will take time to pause to take in the breathtaking landscapes, but the elite men and women’s fields will scarcely notice their surrounds as they summon every ounce of energy, speed and strength in a quest for line honours, a podium place or top ten position.
SZ is part of both the Mountain Running World Cup and the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) and the relatively non-technical terrain underfoot makes is accessible to athletes from track, cross country, road, mountain running and trail backgrounds, making it one of the most competitive in the world.
Even a top one hundred position at SZ will be hard-fought by leading runners, with every one of last year’s top ten back for more.
SZ is also one of the oldest distance races on the planet – Saturday’s will be the 53rd edition – and its heritage adds value and attraction to the race.
Dominated by European-based athletes for much of its history, the formidable course records are held by two legends of the sport – Spanish athlete Kilian Jornet’s winning time in 2024 of 2 hrs 25 min 34 sec and Swiss athlete Maude Mathys’ 2:49:20 in 2019.
But the emergence of Kenya as a force in trail running in recent years has fundamentally changed the nature of the race and it could be a matter of time before the records tumble. Last year’s winner, Philemon Kiriago, was just two seconds back of Jornet when the Spaniard set the new record two years ago and led no fewer than three other Kenyans into the top five last year, including an unprecedented podium clean-sweep.
Patrick Kipngeno (2nd last year), Michael Saaoli (3rd) and Paul Machoka (5th) will all be back on Saturday in an attempt to equal or improve their positions. Only Swiss triathlete, Adrien Briffod (4th) could split them twelve months ago.
A fifth African athlete grabbed a top ten position last year, and Moroccan, Elhousine Elazzaoui, is looking to move up several places from his 9th in 2025.
Elazzaoui was the overall winner in last year’s prestigous Golden Trail World Series and leads this year’s series by a substantial margin. The ‘Flying Camel’ chalked up his third win (after Zegama and Ledro Sky Trentino) in last week’s Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail in Austria.
While SZ’s more runnable route might not play to his strengths, Elazzaoui’s rich vein of current form could see him challenge for line honours.
Other leading Kenyans capable of top ten positions include Samwel Kiprotich , winner of this year’s GTWS Quebec Mega Trail, Richard Atuya, winner of the 2026 Transvulcania Vertical Kilometre, Ephantus Njeri and Timothy Kibett.
Steyn’s entry into topflight trail running has been long awaited and her performance on Saturday will be watched with interest. Road has been Steyn’s go-to format in athletics for more than a decade and she is one of the world’s best ultra-distance athletes on that surface – arguably the very best.
But SZ is short and furious with some of the world’s best exponents over sub-marathon distance in contention. Romanian Mădălina Florea is the form trail athlete and will be looking to improve on her 7th, 3rd and 12th in recent years. Leading this year’s GTWS, she took her third title in that series in winning the Pitz Glacier last weekend but she might also find the fast, runnable course counts against her.
Kenyans Philaries Kisang (who has placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th at SZ in past years), defending champion Caroline Kimutai and newcomer Ruth Gitonga, second at the Pitz Glacier, are all likely to be competitive while four-time winner, Mathys, can never be discounted.
Can Steyn transfer her best distance running skills to this competitive off-road race on Saturday and bag a top ten position?
The presence in the field of leading German athlete, Laura Hottenrott, may offer some encouragement to the South African. Hottenrott, who has excelled in both disciplines, placed a competitive 5th in last year’s SV in 3:00:30.
The two athletes’ running CV’s have much in common, Steyn’s ultra-distance feats apart. Hottenrott’s marathon PB of 2:24:32 is just 29 seconds slower than Steyn’s while only 11 seconds separate their 10km bests, with Hottenrott’s 32:13 the faster.
Coincidentally, both athletes had disappointing races at the Paris Olympics, with Steyn (who had an excellent 15th at the Tokyo Olympics Marathon) finishing in 2:32:51 just 90 seconds behind that of Hottenrott.
While a few weeks short of ideal race preparation, Steyn is looking forward to Saturday’s race. She is no stranger to trails and much of her road running training takes place on the trails near her home in the French Alps. And Steyn chalked up her first trail win in 2017 in a low-profile race near her home in France.
“It is so great to be here,” Steyn reflected from Switzerland yesterday. “It’s an absolutely beautiful place! It will be great fun and interesting to see you I get on. I would have liked another month of preparation but let’s see!”
Earlier Steyn posted on social media that she has been thinking about running SZ for a long time. “And now it’s finally real! I’m excited to race Sierre-Zinal this weekend – it’s arguably the world’s most iconic trail race.
“I love that there really is no pressure, but of course I still want to do my best, so let’s see how it goes.”
Two other South Africans will be in action following their wins at the Cape Town Trail Marathon in May. Philani ‘PK’ Sengce and Maryke van Zyl took line honours over the testing 43km race on Table Mountain and were delighted that their prize included two tickets to compete at Sierre-Zinal, which offered both athletes their first taste of competition outside their own country.
“I am really excited for Maryke and Philani taking on the world’s best trail runners at SZ this weekend,” commented Ryan Sandes, founder and organiser of the Cape Town Trail Marathon. “It is an incredible opportunity and the whole of South Africa is behind them!”
Sengce is pleased with his preparation, which included competing in another Swiss race last weekend as a warm-up. “I was just jogging easily so I would recover faster,” Sengce reported.
“One thing I can say is that the altitude is something else there. And the views are incredible – what a great place and I’m so blessed to experience such wonders.”
Being his first international race, Sengce will be content simply to enjoy the experience and finish the race feeling good, but admitted he will not be prepared to let the race get the better of him.
“Philani has already raced Thyon Dixence (in Switzerland),” Sengce’s coach, James Montgomery said. “That race had a number of athletes that will race Sierre Zinal, including Philemon Kiriago, so he has a good idea of the standard of the top athletes.”
The post Philemon and Caroline lead the African Challenge at Sierre-Zinal appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
Nigerian sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike continued his strong run on the European athletics circuit after finishing second in the men’s 200 metres at the Wiesław Maniak Memorial in Szczecin, Poland.
Onwuzurike clocked 20.26 seconds to secure the silver position, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind American Brandon Hicklin, who won the race in 20.24 seconds. Belgium’s Simon Verherstraeten completed the podium in 20.55 seconds.
The race was run into a headwind of 0.8 metres per second, making Onwuzurike’s performance a solid outing against an international field. The official results confirmed the Nigerian finished second in the opening heat, which also served as the overall final.
The result adds another podium finish to Onwuzurike’s 2026 campaign as he continues to compete against some of the leading sprinters on the international circuit.
The Nigerian entered the race with a season’s best of 20.09 seconds and a personal best of 19.76 seconds in the 200m. His 19.76, recorded in 2023, remains one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Nigerian over the distance.
Onwuzurike has already established himself as an important figure in Nigerian athletics.
The 23-year-old first gained wider international attention in 2021 when he won the men’s 200m title at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, becoming Nigeria‘s first winner in the event at that level since 1996.
He has since progressed to senior competition, representing Nigeria at major championships, including the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
At the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Onwuzurike advanced to the 200m semi-finals after running 20.27 seconds in the first round before recording 20.26 seconds in the semi-final.
His latest 20.26-second performance in Poland therefore continues a pattern of competitive displays on the international stage.
Although he narrowly missed out on the top position, the Nigerian finished ahead of Verherstraeten, Botswana’s Justice Oratile and several other international competitors.
For Nigerian athletics, Onwuzurike’s continued presence on the European circuit provides another opportunity for the country to remain represented among the leading performers in the men’s sprint events.
The Stanford-trained athlete will now look to build on his latest podium finish as the season progresses, with his focus likely to remain on improving his season’s best and moving closer to his 19.76-second personal best.
For now, Onwuzurike leaves Szczecin with a silver medal and another competitive performance to add to his growing international record.
The Nigerian missed gold by just two hundredths of a second, but his latest European outing shows that he remains firmly in the conversation among Africa’s leading 200m sprinters.
The post Udodi Onwuzurike clocks 20.26s for second place in Poland appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.
Kenyan Airforce Senior Private, Daisilah Jerono, flew to a thrilling victory over her compatriot, Faith Cherono at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town in celebration of National Women’s Day.
In a last-gasp sprint to the finish line on the city’s Grand Parade, Jerono proved the stronger and she broke the tape in 31 min 29 sec – just three seconds clear of Cherono. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala claimed third in 33:23.
10 000 runners got underway from in front of the City Hall, below the statue of Nelson Mandela, apparently waving to the runners from the balcony from where he made his first speech on release from prison 36 years ago.
“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” said Head of Marketing at Totalsports, Nikki Crous.
“It was inspiring to see thousands of women fill the streets of the Mother City, creating an unforgettable atmosphere while supporting the important work of PinkDrive. A heartfelt thank you to every participant, volunteer, partner and supporter who helped make the day such a memorable success.”
Given the windy conditions and the hilly course through some of the historic sections of the city it was remarkable that Jerono, 23, achieved her primary aim – to finish strongly and run a personal best time. That she cut 15 seconds off her previous best of 31:44 set in Boston, USA, just two months ago, points to the emergence of another sporting great from the highlands of Kenya.
“The race was so tough,” Jerono said. “It was so hilly and the weather for the race was not good – it was so windy. But I tried my best and I’m happy for the win.
“I didn’t come with the idea of winning. I came to see where I am in my training. I was not expecting it – it’s by God’s grace. The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”
The Kenyan duo raced to the front shortly after the start and were soon clear of the field, leaving Khatala, winner of last week’s Durban leg of the three-leg Totalsports Women’s Race series, to run solo in third for the entire race.
The two were still together as they crossed Darling Street into the finish precinct on the Grand Parade, where Jerono’s 800m track speed proved decisive.
Australian-registered Olga Firsova finished 4th in 36:20 as first master (40 years) with Cape Town runner, Marie-Tinka Olivier 5th.
Born at Eldoret, 2100 metres above sea level, where she attended school, Jerono has enjoyed the benefits of being raised at altitude and looks set for higher honours on track and road. The only athlete in her family, her parents and six siblings have been following her athletics career with pride.
“I joined the Kenyan Airforce in 2021 and I work in the Moi Airbase at Nairobi as part of the security detail for the base,” Jerono continued. “I’m fortunate to be able to get time off to train at a training facility nearby.”
Jerono’s disciplined training started to pay dividends 18 months back when she dipped under 70 minutes at the Ras Al Khamah Half Marathon in the UAE, before taking third at the Istanbul Half Marathon in April last year in 68:17.
She continued to improve, winning the Santa Pola Half Marathon in Spain in January this year in 67:26 before finishing second in the Bruj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai in 66:59.
But it was her 65:21 in finishing second to Ethiopian Likina Amebaw in March which catapulted her into the top echelons of road running. Her performance, 7th fastest in the world over the half marathon in 2026, earned her a call-up to represent Kenya at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen next month.
“It will be my first time running for Kenya and its by God’s grace,” Jerono reflected. “The Cape Town race has been part of my preparation for the championship. My aim for the championships will be to go for a medal.”
Results Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
1 Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) 31:29, 2 Faith Cherono (Kenya) 31:32, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 33:23, 4 Olga Firsova (Australia) 36:20, 5 Marie-Tinka Olivier (South Africa) 37:25, 6 Nicole Van Wyk (South Africa) 37:43, 7 Deanne Laubscher (South Africa) 38:07, 8 Lauren Jonathan (South Africa) 38:18, 9 Yandiswa Shange (South Africa) 38:39, 10 Mia Steytler (South Africa) 38:49
The post Daisilah flies to thrilling victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
The official race kit for the 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon was officially unveiled at the Uganda Breweries Ltd headquarters in Luzira, Kampala, on Thursday, 6th August 2026.
The event featured a fashion showcase that transformed the traditional press briefing into a runway experience, complete with models unveiling the marathon kit.
The runway featured both commercial models and athletes, bringing together style and athleticism.
The kit has maintained its green colour palette, with its standout feature being the commemorative fifth anniversary emblem emblazoned on the lower right front of the jersey.
Other distinctive design elements include topographic contour patterns inspired by the terrain of the Rwenzori region, with flowing lines symbolizing the majestic Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
A rising sun represents new beginnings and the spirit of every runner, while the Uganda flag proudly celebrates the marathon’s national identity.
The elephant tusks pay tribute to the Tusker Lite brand, reflecting its partnership and support for active lifestyle.
The back has all the sponsors and partners with the headliner Tusker Lite, KIA, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Rwenzori Natural Mineral water, Britam Insurance, UCC and Explore Uganda.
The kit jersey is complemented by a matching cap, bag, and water bottle.
Elizabeth Mutamuliza, the Marketing Manager for the Beer Category at UBL, said the fifth anniversary edition reflects the growth of the marathon and Tusker Lite’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles.
Five years ago, we set out to create more than just a race. We wanted to build an experience that brings people together through sport, adventure and lifestyle. Today, seeing the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon grow into one of the region’s leading destination races is a proud moment for us. The fifth anniversary kit represents that journey and celebrates everyone who has been part of building this incredible experience,” she said.
Elizabeth Mutamuliza, the Marketing Manager for the Beer Category at Uganda Breweries Limited
“At Tusker Lite, we believe in encouraging people to embrace active lifestyles while creating meaningful moments of connection and celebration. The marathon gives us the perfect platform to bring this to life, combining fitness, exploration, music and community in one unforgettable experience.” Mutamuliza added.
Sandra Againe, the Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, reiterated Elizabeth’s sentiments whilst highlighting the wider impact of the marathon on Kasese and the surrounding communities.
The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has grown beyond being a sporting event. It has become a platform that drives tourism, creates opportunities for local businesses and showcases the beauty of the Rwenzori region to the world. Every year, we see more visitors coming to Kasese, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local entrepreneurs. This is the kind of impact that makes the marathon truly special.
Sandra Againe, the Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited
For Amos Wekesa,the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon Team Lead, the fifth edition marks yet another significant chapter in the marathon’s journey.
“From the first edition to now, the marathon has continued to grow in participation, recognition and global appeal. This year, we are preparing to welcome thousands of runners from Uganda and beyond to experience the beauty, challenge and excitement that make this race unique,” he said.
Wekesa added that the kit is not the only reward awaiting participants on race day.
“Every runner who crosses the finish line will receive a special medal as a symbol of achievement and a reminder of the incredible journey they have completed,” he said.
Details of official kit collection centres and pick-up dates in Kampala and Kasese will be communicated in the coming days through the marathon’s official communication channels.
Meanwhile, music sensation Fik Fameica, who is set to headline the marathon’s Neon Rave experience, gave attendees a glimpse of what awaits on D-day.
Therapper teased his viral hit Siaka, building anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying performance in Kasese.
Organisers are targeting 8,000 participants from across the world. Runners from more than 20 countries have already registered.
Registration for the 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is still open via https://www.rwenzorimarathon.com/registration
The post 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon kit unveiled ahead of August 22nd race appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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