Dream Comeback for Gesa Krause and more celebrations for On Athletes
Gesa Krause celebrates an emphatic comeback to the 3000m steeple chase distance. Patrick Kipngeno dominates the second stage of the Golden Trail World Series, and Julie Derron celebrates her second triathlon win of the season.
Zurich, Switzerland, April 29, 2024 - From the trails around Mount Fuji in Japan to the track in Shanghai, On athletes competed and celebrated all around the world this past weekend.
Diamond League Shanghai: Comeback, Olympic Standard, and a Debut
In her first 3000m steeplechase race since giving birth to her daughter a year ago, German steeplechaser Gesa Krause celebrated her comeback in style, coming third in the Diamond League competition in Shanghai and running well below the Olympic standard. In her first 3000m steeplechase race in nearly 21 months, Krause crossed the finish line in a time of 9:16.24, clearing the Olympic standard (9:23.00) by nearly 7 minutes and celebrating a fantastic comeback. Having only to concede to world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech (KEN) and Olympic Champion Peruth Chemutai (UGA), Krause surprised herself with the result:
“I surprised myself coming in third today. The goal was to run the Olympic standard, but I managed far more than that today, which takes a load off my shoulders. This was the most important step towards Rome and Paris. I want to be in the best shape I can be in Paris. The foundation is now laid and I can continue to build on this form.”
A late entry to the competition in Shanghai, Maudie Skyring (AUS) celebrated her Diamond League debut in the 5000m race, coming in 17th place (15:12.44) just ahead of fellow On athlete Francine Niyomukunzi (BDI) who finished in 18th in a time of 15:12.89. In the men’s 5000m race, Australian On athlete Morgan McDonald crossed the finish line in 7th position after 13:18.65.
Back-to-back Golden Trail World Series Stage wins for Patrick Kipngeno
Patrick Kipngeno clinched his second win of the 2024 Golden Trail World Series competition at the Four Sisters Mountain Trail in Sichuan, China. Completing the 22km course with 1530m of elevation gain in 01:59.10 leaves Kipngeno with a comfortable overall lead in the series after two races. Teammate Philemon Ombogo Kiriago just missed the podium, finishing in 4th place.
The race started at 3300 meters above sea level and despite being concerned about the muddy course in the days before the race, Kipngeno had nothing to worry about on race day as the sun dried up the course in a few hours. Using this to his full advantage, Kipngeno reached the first checkpoint in 49:18, four minutes ahead of second-place runner Hadorn (SUI) and never looked back until the finish line.
He said about his second series victory, "I’m thrilled with this second win in a row. This season, I’m injury-free and this changes everything for me, I feel like I can compete at my best. Last year, I really suffered at the end of the season, that’s why I took a complete break for two months so I could come back stronger.
Four On trail athletes took to the start line of the Madeira Island Ultra Trail. The 115km course with 7100m of elevation takes runners from the island's northern coast through the winding paths and treacherous terrain to the southeast of the island. In the men’s race, Jeff Mogavero (US) and Arthur Joyeux-Bouillon (FRA) made their way into the lead pack in the first 20km, but couldn’t keep up with the eventual winner Ben Dhiman (US) who broke away and stormed ahead of the remaining runners. Jeff Mogavero pushed through the race, crossing the finish line after 15:01:01 and claiming sixth place. Joyeux-Bouillon had to abandon his race after twisting his ankle.
In the women’s race, Geneviève Asselin-Demers (CAN) faced a competitive field with names like Anne-Lise Rousset Séguret (FRA) and Martina Valmassoi (ITA) listed as the favorites to win. Invited to race on the island following her victory at the Quebec Mega Trail in 2023, Asselin-Demers battled through the rough and tough conditions of Madeira, claiming 8th place after 18:42:54.
At the Canyons Endurance Run 50k, Sam Lewis (USA) finished 5th in a time of 04:14.00. At the infamous Ultra Trail Mount Fuji in Japan, Yoshihiko Ishikawa finished his first 100-mile race in two years in a time of 23:44.28, finishing in 15th place in a competitive field.
Olympic-distance triathlon masterclass in Chengdu
At the 2024 Triathlon World Cup in Chengdu, China On athlete Julie Derron came away with an impressive win, completing the 1500m swim, 40,56km bike, and 10km run in a time of 01:55.18, and finishing nearly a minute clear of second place finisher Tilda Mansson from Sweden.
Therese Feuersinger (AUT) led the pack out of the water, with a 50-second gap to the chase group. This group of seven athletes, including Derron, made their move on the bike, catching up to Feuersinger and building out a 90-second lead as they transitioned from the bike to the running shoes. As the run progressed, Derron made her move with only Roksana Slupek from Poland holding before eventually also being dropped, allowing Derron to take the win comfortably.
Speaking about the race, Derron knew what she had to do: “I knew we could catch Feuersinger and once we did, we just kept going. I knew there were good runners in the group so I kept it hard on the bike. I’m so happy to be back on the World Cup podium and to take the win in the country I have been training feels extra special.”
Podium finish and Season Best at Payton Jordan Invitational
At the Payton Jordan Invitational, held at the Cobb Track of Standford University in California, USA, Morgan Le Guen (SUI) placed third in the 5000m race, completing it in 13:29.69. In the women’s 5000m, Hannah Steelman (US) posted a season-best time, finishing in seventh place in 15:35.28. In the 3000m steeple chase final, Courtney Wayment (US) secured second place in a time of 9:30.57.
RESULTS
Diamond League Shanghai
3000m Steeplechase
- Gesa Krause, 3rd - 9:16.24
5000m
Women
- Maudie Skyring, 17th - 15:12.44
- Francine Niyomukunzi, 18th -15:12.89
Men
- Morgan McDonald, 7th - 13:18.65
Golden Trail World Series - Four Sisters
- Patrick Kipngeno, 1st - 01:59.10
- Philemon Ombogo Kiriago, 4th - 02:08.08
Triathlon World Cup Chengdu
- Julie Derron, 1st -01:55.18
- Rostislav Pevsov, 13th - 01:44.37
Payton Jordan Invitational
5000m
Men
- Morgan Le Guen, 3rd - 13:29.69
Women
- Hannah Steelman, 7th - 15:35.28 - Season Best
3000m Steeplechase
- Courtney Wayment, 2nd - 9:30.57
About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fourteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 60 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.