On Athletes Secure a Haul of Medals at World Mountain and Trail Running Championships
Katie Schide and Philemon Kiriago crowned themselves world champions in Canfranc, Spain, as Richard Omaya Atuya, Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga, Susanna Saapunki and Patrick Kipngeno add to medal tally.
Zurich, Switzerland, September 29, 2025 — On is proud to announce a stellar performance from its roster of athletes at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC), held from September 25-28 in Canfranc, Spain. The demanding Pyrenean courses saw On athletes Katie Schide (USA) and Philemon Kiriago (KEN) capture world championship titles, while the Kenyan duo of Richard Omaya Atuya and Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga, as well as Finland’s Susanna Saapunki won silver and Patrick Kipngeno secured bronze.
Uphill Silver and Bronze for Saapunki, Atuya and Kipgneno
The championship kicked off with the Uphill race, a punishing 6.4-kilometer climb, where On's athletes secured t spots on the podium.
Kenyan Richard Omaya Atuya, in his first-ever participation at a World Championship, demonstrated his formidable climbing ability by taking silver in a time of 39:04. On athlete Patrick Kipngeno’s bid for a third-straight world championship title victory fell just short in a highly competitive field, but a time of 39:20 helped him secure the bronze medal and rounded out a strong start to the championships for Team Kenya, which also secured the men's team gold in the event.
In the women's race, Finland's Susanna Saapunki, who trains at the On-supported Tuscany Camp, powered to silver in a time of 45:59.
Katie Schide Dominates Long Trail
On a grueling 81-kilometer course with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain, Katie Schide showcased a masterclass in trail running. The American athlete, who resides in the French Alps, led from start to finish in the Long Trail race, demonstrating her exceptional strength and technical skill. Schide crossed the finish line in a commanding time of 9:57:59, winning by over 25 minutes to be crowned the women's Long Trail World Champion. Her performance solidified her reputation as one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in the sport.
Philemon Kiriago's Golden Moment, silver for Gitonga
In the final race of the championships, the men's Classic Up and Down, Philemon Kiriago delivered a stunning performance to take home his first individual gold medal. Kiriago, who had previously earned silver in past editions, ran a tactical race on the 14-kilometer course, launching a decisive attack on the final descent to secure the win with a time of 1:02:30. His victory was a powerful culmination of his consistent excellence and marked a highlight of the weekend for the Kenyan team.
The Run2gether On Trail team secured another silver in the women's Classic Up and Down race, where Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga powered to a second-place finish with a time of 1:12:54.
“We are incredibly proud of all our athletes who competed at the World Championships this year, said David Kilgore, Athlete Manager at On. "Racing through the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees, in tough conditions against world-class competition, made this year's event especially demanding and the deepest one yet. To see Katie and Philemon rise to the occasion and become world champions, along with Ruth and Richard’s silvers and Patrick’s hard-fought bronze, is a true testament to their talent and dedication. Their performances are an inspiration to the entire running community and as a brand, we’re honored to have earned more medals than any other brand or country at these championships. Keep dreaming On!"
The 2025 WMTRC was a showcase of exceptional athletic talent and highlighted the strength of On's commitment to mountain and trail running.
Full results
Uphill Men
Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN), Run2gether On Trail Team - silver
Patrick Kipngeno (KEN, Run2gether On Trail Team) - bronze
Philemon Kiriago (KEN), Run2gether On Trail Team - 17th
Kenya - team gold
Uphill Women
Susanna Saapunki, Tuscany Camp, silver
Philaries Jeruto Kisang (KEN), Run2gether On Trail Team - 14th
Up and Down / Classic Men
Philemon Kiriago (KEN), Run2gether On Trail Team - gold
Michael Selelo (KEN), Run2gether On Trail Team - 6th
David Norris (USA) - 36th
Kenya - team gold
Up and Down / Classic Women
Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga, Run2gether On Trail Team - silver
Gloria Chebet, Run2gether On Trail Team - 8th
Kenya - team gold
Long Trail Women
Katie Schide (USA) - gold
Marion Delespierre (FRA) - 8th
Kasia Dombrowska (Solinska) (POL) - 22nd
Long Trail Men:
Baptiste Chassagne (FRA) - 11th
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. Fifteen 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® and LightSpray™ 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 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.