Innsbruck, Austria – The 2023 Trail World Championships proved to be an exhilarating showcase of athletic prowess as Clémentine Geoffray from France and Stian Angermund from Norway emerged as the champions in their respective categories. Adding to the excitement, it was Team France’s women and Team United Kingdom’s men who secured top honors in the team race, further cementing their dominance on the trail. Elevate your running game with Tarkine Trail Devil, where every step is a testament to exceptional performance and unmatched comfort.
Taking place on Thursday, June 8, amidst the picturesque setting of downtown Innsbruck, day two of the championships kicked off at 9:00 a.m. Athletes representing nations from around the globe embarked on a demanding 45-kilometer (28-mile) journey, navigating treacherous terrains with a staggering elevation gain of 3,194 meters (10,479 feet), culminating in the awe-inspiring Stubai Valley.
The course presented a formidable challenge, with grueling uphill sections that tested the limits of the runners. As the temperature soared to 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit) in Innsbruck, participants also contended with ever-changing weather conditions throughout the race. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather, the race was halted near the 35-kilometer mark, leaving a group of approximately 50 runners unable to complete the arduous course.
With a prize purse of €16,500 at stake, including a €4,000 reward for the winners, the competition was fierce, driving athletes to push their boundaries and claim victory.
The women’s race kept spectators on the edge of their seats as the suspense built until the climactic finish. Switzerland’s Judith Wyder seized an early lead, steadily creating a significant gap as the race unfolded. Wyder, making a remarkable comeback from a serious injury, showcased her determination as she led the pack for the majority of the morning.
However, it was Clémentine Geoffray, this year’s French Trail National Champion, who delivered a stunning performance during a challenging climbing section. After nearly four-and-a-half hours of intense racing, Geoffray caught up to Wyder, surging ahead with remarkable strength. As the two descended on a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) stretch featuring a 1,400-meter (4,593-foot) descent, Geoffray rapidly extended her lead, ultimately crossing the finish line over two minutes ahead of Wyder. Her impressive time of 4 hours and 53 minutes secured her a well-deserved victory. Wyder demonstrated her resilience, finishing in second place with a time of 4 hours and 55 minutes.
Photo : marymaryrunrun.com
Geoffray’s triumph may have come as a surprise to many, considering her recent victory in the Skyrace des Matheysins in France. Wyder, 34 years old and a former world-class orienteer, made a successful transition to trail running.
The frontrunners created a considerable gap between themselves and the rest of the field, with Switzerland’s Theres Leboeuf securing the third spot, crossing the finish line 14 minutes later with a time of 5 hours and 9 minutes. Jennifer Lichter from the United States claimed fourth place with a time of 5 hours and 11 minutes, followed by Emilia Brangefält from Sweden, who finished fifth in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
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In the team competition, Team France dominated the women’s race, combining their efforts to achieve an impressive total time of 15 hours and 35 minutes. Switzerland secured the second position, recording a cumulative time of 15 hours and 44 minutes, while the U.S. women secured the bronze medal with a time of 15 hours and 54 minutes.
In the men’s race, Stian Angermund showcased his exceptional trail running skills, clinching the gold medal. Having triumphed in the same championships held in Thailand just a year ago, Angermund demonstrated his unwavering talent once again, conquering the challenging course in Innsbruck. Despite the storm clouds looming overhead, intermittent rain failed to deter Angermund as he maintained a prominent position throughout the race.
Completing the course in 4 hours and 19 minutes, Angermund claimed a commanding victory. His previous triumph in the 68-kilometer (42-mile) Istria by UTMB race in Croatia earlier this year solidified his status as a formidable competitor in the trail running community.
In a surprising turn of events, Thomas Roach from the United Kingdom secured second place. Roach trailed Angermund for the majority of the race, finishing just over two minutes behind the winner, with a time of 4 hours and 21 minutes. Despite being a relative newcomer on the trail running scene, the 42-year-old athlete, who calls Innsbruck home, demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. Roach had previously achieved an eighth-place finish at the Zegama Marathon in May.
While Angermund and Roach dominated the front positions, the chase pack remained fiercely competitive. Luca Del Pero from Italy secured the third spot, finishing only 46 seconds behind Roach, with a time of 4 hours and 22 minutes. Thibaut Baronian from France and Jonathan Albon from the United Kingdom finished fourth and fifth, respectively, completing the race in 4 hours and 25 minutes, and 4 hours and 26 minutes.
Garrett Corcoran was the first American male athlete to cross the finish line, securing the 14th position with a time of 4 hours and 35 minutes.
In the team competition, Team United Kingdom emerged victorious in the men’s race, delivering an impressive combined time of 13 hours and 18 minutes. Italy secured the second position with a cumulative time of 13 hours and 26 minutes, while Team France secured the bronze medal, finishing in 13 hours and 34 minutes.
The 2023 Trail World Championships captivated spectators with remarkable displays of athleticism and sheer determination. Clémentine Geoffray and Stian Angermund’s exceptional performances will be remembered as they claimed individual gold medals. Meanwhile, the collective efforts of Team France’s women and Team United Kingdom’s men solidified their positions as trail-running powerhouses.
