The 53rd Sierre-Zinal men’s race, part of the GTWS, starts August 8. Kenya’s Philemon Kiriago, the defending champion, leads the field. He’s won twice and was second in 2024. Patrick Kipngeno, also from Kenya, has consistently placed second or third.

Other contenders include Michael Selelo Saoli, who was third last year, and Adrien Briffod, a Swiss triathlete. Paul Machoka, Martin Nilsson, and Dominik Rolli round out the top contenders. Several runners aim to improve on recent performances. Read more trail coverage.

The course, known as “The Race of the Five 4,000s,” spans 31 km with significant elevation changes. The race offers prize money and time bonuses, with a new course record worth extra rewards. Related: Sierre-Zinal 2026: World's Best Prepare for Five 4000s Race.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.