In Chamonix, France
Joyline Chepngeno has become the first Kenyan athlete to win Ultra du Mont Blanc (UTMB) World Series, a mountain ultra marathon race held in Chamonix, eastern France.
The Kenyan athlete won the race held in Chamonix, the French alpine town famous for skiing and mountaineering, at the foot of Mont Blanc on the border between France and Italy.
Making her debut in ultra-trail running on August 28, Chepngeno beat a star-studded line-up in the final of the 50 kilometres category final (OCC).
The race was run on a technical rerouted 61km course with an elevation gain of more than 3,400 metres.
The 27-year-old crossed the finish line in Chamonix in 5 hours, 34 minutes and 3 seconds to win ahead of defending champion Miao Yao of China. Judith Wyder from Switzerland rounded off the podium in third place.
Afterwards, she spoke of her joy in winning the race.
“I feel good and happy to have won the race,” Chepngeno said.
“It was a very tough race. It was my first attempt at such a long race, and I tried my best,” she added.
The victory is the latest in a string of impressive trail running achievements by the mother of two from Nakuru County.
Earlier in August, on the Golden Trail World Series circuit, Chepngeno successfully defended her Sierre-Zinal title.
While the win in 2024 marked her debut into trail running, retaining the title this year served as proof of her immense talent and potential.
She is also the reigning champion of Marathon du Mont Blanc (Mont-Blanc Marathon), having conquered the 42km race with an elevation gain of 2,540m in June.
Despite Kenya's dominance in road and track running, the country is under-represent on the trails, with only a handful of elite athletes participating in global races. Chepngeno wants to change that.
“I would say to road runners and the track athletes that perhaps they should try mountain trails as this is the best. The sport is improving and growing,” she said.
Chepngeno, a former high school steeplechase runner, took up trail running in order to lose weight following the birth of her two children.
Her debut win at Sierre-Zinal last year, catapulted her into international stardom and opened doors for her Iten-based club, Milimani Runners, to partner with Salomon, the French sports
Founded in 2022 and coached by former Swiss junior athlete Julien Lyon, Milimani Runners has eight athletes - three women and five men - as well as an academy with 10 girls.
By continuing to succeed on the global stage, in a sport dominated by Europeans and Americans, Chepngeno hopes to secure a professional athlete contract and more funding for club mates and fellow Kenyan athletes.
“If I become one of the best, I will be able to get more sponsors, and this will enable me to help upcoming athletes who need support with their day-to-day living expenses like food and
“It is not easy to train for trail running, so you need to know that your accommodation is safe and you need to eat well. Then you can train without unnecessary stress,” she added.
“Joyline’s historical win at UTMB OCC is big milestone for Kenya and the trail running community,” said Victor Moreau, athlete manager for Salomon International Team.
“Our first year of collaboration with Milimani Runners has been successful and we believe we have partnered with a team that has great talent and the will to succeed,” Moreau said.
Despite her growing popularity in the trail running world, Chepngeno remains rooted in family and community.
“I would like to thank my children, mother and fellow Kenyans for cheering me on. I will always try and make them proud as I run for the Kenyan flag. I love my country,” she said.
