Golden Trail World Series 2024 Season Recap

The Golden Trail World Series 2024 (GTWS), powered by Salomon, is the premier global circuit for short-distance (sub-50km) trail running, bringing together the world’s elite athletes to compete across iconic and challenging terrains. The GTWS 2024 featured a thrilling calendar of eight distinct races (up from six in 2023), adding two new races in Asia, which led to a Grand Final in Ascona-Locarno, Switzerland. The series aims to celebrate the sport, promote professional athletes, and deliver exhilarating racing action to fans worldwide.

The GTWS operates on a points-based system, where athletes accumulate points based on their finishing positions in each race. For the 2024 season, the overall ranking considered each athlete’s best three results from the seven completed regular season races¹, plus the points earned in the Grand Final. This format rewards consistency and strong performances when it matters most, sustaining excitement and athlete storylines throughout the season.

1. Kobe Trail, Japan: A Technical Start in Asia

The Golden Trail World Series 2024 started with a technical course in Kobe Trail, Japan. Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether) defied pre-race expectations, showcasing his versatility by storming to victory in the men’s race. Maude Mathys (Asics), champion of GTC 2020 and GTWS 2021, made a winning comeback in the women’s race, proving her enduring class. Joey Hadorn (Salomon) secured his first-ever GTWS podium in the men’s race, a significant milestone.

Kobe Trail podium (top 5)

Women

1. Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics) – 2:52:08
2. Sara Alonso (ESP – Asics) – 2:58:34
3. Theres Leboeuf (CHE – Compressport) – 2:58:38
4. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) – 2:59:41
5. Malen Osa (ESP – Salomon) – 3:00:01

Men

1. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 2:22:17
2. Joey Hadorn (CHE – Salomon) – 2:23:26
3. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 2:28:43
4. Bart Przedwojewski (POL – Salomon) – 2:28:49
5. Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) – 2:30:45

2. Four Sisters Mountain Trail, China: High Altitude

The GTWS 2024 then moved to China for the second race, the Four Sisters Mountain Trail in Sichuan. This event presented athletes with a high-altitude challenge (starting at 3,250m and climbing to 4,150m), testing their adaptation and resilience.

In the women’s race, Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo) led comfortably from the start, building a 4-minute lead by the 12km mark. She avoided a repeat of her collapse at Kobe the week before to win her first Golden Trail World Series race, smashing the course record in 2:25:27.

Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether) maintained a strong start to the season, securing a second consecutive victory in commanding fashion, also breaking the course record. Daniel Pattis (Brooks) broke into the top 3 for the first time, improving on his 5th-place finish a week before.

Four Sisters Mountain Trail podium (top 5)

Women

1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) – 2:25:24 (CR)
2. Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics) – 2:30:19
3. Grayson Murphy (USA – Saucony) – 2:34:23
4. Naiara Irigoyen (ESP – Salomon) – 2:34:53
5. Malen Osa (ESP – Salomon) – 2:36:15

Men

1. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:59:09 (CR)
2. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 2:05:38
3. Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) – 2:05:50
4. Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether) – 2:08:07
5. Joey Hadorn (CHE – Salomon) – 2:08:19

3. Zegama-Aizkorri, Spain

The legendary Zegama-Aizkorri is a staple of the Golden Trail World Series, bringing its unique blend of challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and unparalleled crowd support.

A key storyline was the return of ten-time winner and course record holder, Kilian Jornet (NNormal). He started strongly, aiming to break his own record. Despite leading for a significant portion, he faced stomach issues and slippy conditions, causing him to drift away from the record.

In the women’s race, Sylvia Nordskar (Hoka), who felt at home on the terrain reminiscent of Norway, achieved her first-ever Golden Trail World Series victory. She marked this moment by building a big lead and ran unchallenged in the final descent.

Zegama-Aizkorri podium (top 5)

Women

1. Sylvia Nordskar (NOR – Hoka) – 4:29:12
2. Malen Osa (ESP – Salomon) – 4:35:19
3. Marta Martinez (ESP – La Sportiva) – 4:35:39
4. Theres Leboeuf (CHE – Compressport) – 4:36:16
5. Lide Urrestarazu (ESP – Euskal Selekzioa) – 4:37:20

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (ESP – NNormal) – 3:38:07
2. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 3:46:16
3. Bart Przedwojewski (POL – Salomon) – 3:46:54
4. Luca Del Pero (ITA – Scarpa) – 3:47:25
5. Manuel Merillas (ESP – New Balance) – 3:47:42

4. Marathon du Mont Blanc, France

The iconic Marathon du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, a staple of the GTWS since its inception, provided another thrilling chapter. This race is renowned for its stunning views of Mont Blanc and its fiercely competitive field. Key storylines included the season debut of Rémi Bonnet (Salomon/Red Bull), the series defending champion, and whether Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) could finally conquer this French classic.

On the women’s side, the focus was on whether Sophia Laukli’s (Salomon) could return to top form after an early-season injury and the potential for challengers like Madalina Florea (Salomon) and Judith Wyder (Hoka/Red Bull) to take the lead.

Marathon du Mont Blanc podium (top 5)

Women

1. Judith Wyder (CHE – Hoka/Red Bull) – 4:11:12
2. Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) – 4:13:42
3. Miao Yao (CHN – Salomon) – 4:18:30
4. Sophia Laukli (CHE – Compressport) – 4:19:15
5. Rosa Lara Feliu (ESP – Compresssport) – 4:25:25

Men

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 3:30:10
2. Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon/Red Bull) – 3:30:56
3. Roberto Delorenzi (ESP – Brooks) – 3:33:07
4. Kevin Kibet (KEN – Milimani) – 3:35:05
5. Ezekiel Rutto (KEN – Milimani) – 3:37:23

5. Sierre-Zinal, Switzerland

The historic Sierre-Zinal, in its 51st edition, delivered one of the season’s biggest surprises. Joyline Chepngeno (Milimani) achieved a remarkable victory in her first-ever trail race, stunning the established elite field. This incredible performance marked a breakthrough for Chepngeno, immediately establishing her as a serious contender for the season ahead.

Killian Jornet (NNormal) was another major focus, returning as a nine-time winner and aiming to break his own course record. The race saw him start strong and attack on the climb. Despite being overtaken by Philemon Kiriago (Run2gether) towards the end, Jornet managed to eke out a win by a single second, also breaking his previous record with a time of 2:25:34.

Sierre-Zinal podium (top 5)

Women

1. Joyline Chepngeno (KEN – Milimani) – 2:54:06
2. Scout Adkin (GBR – Hoka) – 3:02:21
3. Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) – 3:04:29
4. Philaries Kisang (KEN – Run2gether) – 3:05:52
5. Cristina Simion (ROM – Stiinta Bacau) – 3:07:51

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (ESP – NNormal) – 2:25:34 (CR)
2. Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether) – 2:25:35
3. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 2:26:58
4. Josphat Kiprotich (KEN – Run2gether) – 2:31:34
5. Roberto Delorenzi (ESP – Brooks) – 2:32:25

6. Headlands 27K, USA

In the first leg of the GTWS 2024 USA stage, the pre-race talk highlighted the battle for series points between Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether) and Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal), with Kipngeno needing one more win for maximum points (he won the first two races of the series) and Elhousine needing a clean sweep in the US for maximum points (he had won one prior race).

With Madalina Florea (Salomon) and Judith Wyder (Hoka/Red Bull) having fewer finishes counting towards the final, Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo) was considered a favourite. She had already demonstrated her speed by winning in China. Lauren Gregory (Nike Trail) had a strong race, claiming her first Golden Trail World Series podium in third place.

Headlands 27K podium (top 5)

Women

1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) – 2:17:34
2. Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) – 2:18:22
3. Lauren Gregory (USA – Nike Trail) – 2:19:15
4. Judith Wyder (CHE – Hoka/Red Bull) – 2:22:21
5. Oria Liaci (CHE – Cabv Martigny) – 2:24:26

Men

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 1:55:27
2. Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:55:29
3. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:56:01
4. Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon/Red Bull) – 1:57:48
5. Christian Allen (USA – Nike Trail) – 2:01:39

7. Mammoth 26K, USA

The high altitude (starting at 2,450m and peaking at 3,365m) presented a tough challenge to the athletes, with Philemon Kiriago (Run2gether), Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether), and Rémi Bonnet (Salomon/Red Bull) having prior experience at this location. The course starts fast on roads before a technical climb to Twin Lakes, followed by a fast downhill. Kipngeno and Elazzaoui entered the race with two GTWS race wins. Kiriago had a plan to help his compatriot and teammate by pushing the pace early to tire runners, but the “Flying Camel” barely held on to win and qualify for the Grand Final with the maximum 300 points.

In the women’s race, Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo), who lives at altitude, was a key athlete to watch, aiming for her second win in the US. Local athlete Anna Gibson (Brooks) had a notable performance, winning the battle for third place and achieving her first podium of the GTWS 2024 season.

Mammoth 26K podium (top 5)

Women

1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) – 2:11:56
2. Madalina Florea (ROM – Salomon) – 2:14:51
3. Anna Gibson (USA – Brooks) – 2:20:03
4. Rachel Drake (USA – Nike Trail) – 2:20:40
5. Tabor Hemming (USA – Adidas) – 2:21:47

Men

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 1:49:35
2. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:49:36
3. Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:52:30
4. Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon/Red Bull) – 1:52:59
5. Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) – 1:59:31

Grand Final: Ascona-Locarno, Switzerland

The Golden Trail World Series 2024 Grand Final was held from 17 to 20 October 2024. It consisted of two main parts for the elite athletes: a 7km Prologue with 400 metres of elevation gain and a 23.5 km Final Race with 1,400 metres of elevation gain.

Both the Prologue and the Final Race followed a “flower format” route with multiple passages through the Fan Zone. A maximum of 400 points could be earned in the final, with 100 points for the Prologue winner and 300 points for the Final Race winner.

Entering the Grand Final, Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) just had to finish above Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether) to win the Golden Trail World Series 2024 title. The men’s final was a close contest between Elazzaoui and 2022-2023 Series winner Rémi Bonnet (Salomon/Redbull). The Moroccan ultimately triumphed, becoming the first African champion and the first athlete to score perfect points (1,000 points) en route to the GTWS title.

In the women’s final, Joyline Chepngeno (Milimani) won the race. However, the overall Golden Trail World Series 2024 title went to Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo). Njeru had been leading the series and, despite twisting her ankle during the final race, secured enough points to also become the first African women to win the Series.

Ascona-Locarno podium (top 5)

Women

1. Joyline Chepngeno (KEN – Milimani) – 2:08:40
2. Lauren Gregory (USA – Nike Trail) – 2:13:01
3. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) – 2:13:31
4. Judith Wyder (CHE – Hoka/Red Bull) – 2:13:58
5. Sara Alonso (ESP – Asics) – 2:14:08

Men

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – NNormal) – 1:50:19
2. Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon/Red Bull) – 1:50:58
3. Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:51:01
4. Timothy Kibett (KEN – Milimani) – 1:53:07
5. Philemon Kiriago (KEN – Run2gether) – 1:54:04

Golden Trail World Series final rankings

The top 5 of the final overall rankings for the 2024 Golden Trail World Series, including their final points tally are as follows:

Men:

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) – 1,000 points
2. Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether) – 940
3. Rémi Bonnet (Salomon/Red Bull) – 896
4. Philemon Kiriago (Run2gether) – 854
5. Daniel Pattis (Brooks) – 776

Women:

1. Joyce Njeru (Atletica Saluzzo) – 964 points
2. Judith Wyder (Hoka/Red Bull) – 814
3. Malen Osa (Salomon) – 769
4. Miao Yao (Salomon) – 730
5. Anna Gibson (Brooks) – 726

Closing Thoughts

The Golden Trail World Series 2024 delivered a season filled with captivating storylines, breakthrough performances, and intense competition. The series saw Elhousine Elazzaoui and Joyce Njeru emerge as the overall champions and exciting new talent challenging established stars. It was also the first year a non-Salomon male athlete won the series title since its inception.

African runners were dominant in the GTWS 2024 after years of European supremacy. With US athletes performing well on home soil and paying closer attention to shorter-distance trail races, expect the GTWS 2025 to grow in competitiveness. We’re now waiting for Asian athletes to catch up and perform to make this series truly global!

I hope you’re as excited for the new season which starts in a week!

If you enjoyed this piece, check out this brief history of the Golden Trail World Series.

1. The series started with eight races, with athletes’ four best results considered for a Grand Fina invitation. However, the Tatra Sky Marathon was cancelled due to poor weather and the series organisers changed the Grand Final qualification requirement to three best results. ↩︎