The following release is published with permission from the World Mountain Running Association and features the Montemuro Vertical Run, the fourth of twelve races in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup. Featured photo courtesy Marco Gulberti.
The 4th edition of the Montemuro Vertical Run in Castro Daire, Portugal, enjoyed fantastic conditions today, July 14. With temperatures just above 16°C at the starting line in Parada do Ester, no wind, and a sky blanketed with thin clouds, the setting was ideal for mountain running. Scout Adkin (HOKA) and Lukas Ehrle (Asics) capitalized on these perfect conditions, flying through the 10.3 km course, which featured nearly 1100 meters of elevation gain.
Following a successful debut in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup in 2022, we returned to the Montemuro Vertical Run to once again experience Castro Daire and the region’s fervent enthusiasm for mountain sports.
The race in Castro Daire faced significant logistical challenges this year, with numerous flight cancellations affecting the arrival of participants. Among those impacted was Lukas Ehrle, who arrived at 3 AM after two cancelled flights, yet his determination to compete was undeterred.
Montemuro course
Athletes faced a demanding 10.2 km ascent to the summit of Fragas do Inferno (1,317m) in the Serra do Montemuro, with a total elevation gain of 1,090 meters.
The competitive route starts at Parada de Ester (Castro Daire) and finishes at Fragas do Inferno, in an almost constant climb from the vicinity of the Paiva river to the summit of the Serra do Montemuro.
A mountain route of rare beauty where, as you gain altitude, the participant will have the opportunity to view at the Estrela, Gralheira and Caramulo massifs and, once the goal is reached, at the Douro valley and reliefs to the north of this great river.
Montemuro women’s race: a fierce competition
In the women’s field, last year’s champion Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) dominated from the start, determined to defend her title and leaving no chance for her fellow competitors. Closely trailed by Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo) and Susanna Saapunki (New Balance) in the first kilometres, Scout maintained her lead, striving to surpass her previous year’s performance.
By the final kilometer, she was closely followed by Gloria Chebet and Philiares Kisang, both from team run2gether. Scout secured her lead with an impressive time of 1:00:52, bettering her 2023 time. The competitiveness was at an all-time high, with the top three women finishing within 20 seconds of each other, and the top four improving on the winner’s time of 2023.
Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) claimed first place, Gloria Chebet (run2gether) came in second, and Philiares Kisang (run2gether) took third. Susanna Saapunki (New Balance) and Camila Magliano (Altra) finished in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
1. Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) 1.00:52
2. Gloria Chebet (run2gether) 1.03:35
3. Philiares Kisang (run2gether) 1.03:40
4. Susanna Saapunki (New Balance) 1.03:42
5. Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo) 1.05:03
Full results here.
Montemuro men’s race: triumph against odds
Lukas Ehrle’s (Asics) journey to the race was fraught with obstacles, yet his performance was nothing short of remarkable. Arriving in Castro Daire at 2 AM, due to two consecutive flight cancellations Lukas made his intentions clear from the start, leading the race from the first kilometer. Despite the challenges, he crossed the finish line first at Fraga do Inferno, showcasing his unwavering determination and resilience.
Philemon Kiriago (run2gether) secured second place, followed by the young Italian Andrea Elia (La Recastello Radici Group) in third. Andrea’s performance marked a strong showing for the Italian team, with Cesare Maestri (Nike) and Henri Aymonod (The North Face) finishing in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Despite facing significant travel disruptions, the athletes demonstrated remarkable perseverance and athleticism. The 2024 summit race in Castro Daire will be remembered for its intense competition and the athletes’ extraordinary ability to overcome adversity.
1. Lukas Erhle (Asics) 52:31
2. Philemon Ombongo Kiriago (run2gether) 53:29
3. Andrea Elia (La Recastello Radici Group) 53:40
4. Cesare Maestri (Nike) 54:27
5. Henri Aymonod (The North Face) 55:20
Full results here.
Next race in the World Cup
Next weekend (20 July) we head to La Montée du Nid d’Aigle, a classic race from Saint Gervais to Refuge du Nid d’Aigle. This visually stunning 20km race, with an elevation gain of 1850m, offers views of Mont Blanc and the Glacier du Bionnassay, weather permitting.
Editor’s Note: Enjoy the race report from last year’s race at La Montée du Nid d’Aigle.
