2026 Transvulcania VK Results: Kenyans Joyce Njeru and Richard Omaya Atuya Dominate

"Kenyan Richard Omaya Atuya ran to a convincing win in 45:01, setting the fastest time at the halfway point as well. A strong second half from Kenya's Joyce Njeru saw her make up an early deficit to take victory. Both times were new course records."

"The Vertical Kilometer (VK) race started in Puerto de Tazacorte, on the west seafront of La Palma. The course zig-zagged up the perilous cliffs of El Time before striking out across the long mountain ridge to the finish at the Torre del Time."

"On the men's side, Omaya Atuya came into the race as one of the favorites, having finished second at the 2025 World Mountain Running Championships Uphill race. His victory was decisive, passing through the midway checkpoint over a minute ahead of his closest rivals."

The 2026 Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer took place on May 7 on Spain's La Palma island, featuring a 1,164-meter climb over 7.28 kilometers from Puerto de Tazacorte to Torre del Time. Richard Omaya Atuya from Kenya dominated the men's race, winning in 45:01 with a commanding performance that saw him lead by over a minute at the halfway point. Joyce Njeru also from Kenya secured the women's victory through strategic pacing, running conservatively at the midway checkpoint before accelerating in the second half. Both athletes set new course records. The race is part of the Mountain Running World Cup, with many competitors also participating in the Half Marathon on May 9 to earn double points and prize money.

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