Nepal’s trail-runner Mira Rai finished third in the biennial Kima Trophy—the fifth race of the Migu Run Skyrunner World Series Sky Extra Category—in Val Masino, Lombardi, located about 90km northeast of Milan on Sunday.

Rai clocked 7:41:46 in the 52-km race which featured over seven passes including a 4,200m vertical climb. Moraine, snowfields and exposed crests feature largely on the course, with fixed ropes for safety at key points. American runner Hillary Gerardi won the women’s race in 7:37:29 ahead of Robyn Owen of Russia, who timed 7:39:01. The results meant Gerardi now climbs to second in the women’s overall ranking, led by Ragna Debats. Rai climbed to fifth position overall. The 2018 Series comprises of two disciplines: Sky Classic and the new Sky Extra (merging Sky Extreme and Sky Ultra). The World Series features 18 races in 12 countries.

Kilian Jornet crushed the Kima Trophy record in the men’s category, winning this iconic race for the fourth time. Jornet set the new course record in 6:09:19 bettering his own two previous records and the 2016 mark set by Nepali athlete Bhim Gurung. Gurung had won the race in 6:10:44. Alexis Sevennec of France finished in second with the timing of 6:11:59 and Pere Aurell of France in third with the timing of 6:20:50.

Results

Hillary Gerardi (USA): 7:37:29

Robyn Owen (RSA): 7:39:01

Mira Rai (NEP): 7:41:46