Mud, hills and fierce racing

The newly introduced cross-country races at the Military World Winter Games delivered exactly what was promised: a true mud battle. With participants from 25 nations, the start fields at the military airbase in Emmen were among the largest of the event. The hilly, slippery, and demanding course provided intense races and spectacular duels.

3/26/2025

Tanzania Triumphs in a Thrilling Finish – Strong Performance from the Swiss Team

The men’s 10 km race saw an early lead group of seven athletes, with Rop Albert (BAH) taking control from the start. What followed was an elimination battle, with the group shrinking lap by lap. In the final kilometer, Albert surged ahead to secure a well-earned gold medal. Panga Joseph (TAN) and Djilali Bedrani (FRA) completed the podium.

The team competition was decided in a dramatic showdown, with Tanzania and France finishing with the same points. Thanks to better individual rankings, Tanzania claimed gold, while Bahrain secured third place.

The Swiss team delivered one of its best-ever performances on the world stage, finishing fourth—just five points away from the podium. Switzerland’s top runner, Fabian Aebersold, placed an impressive fifth, followed by Loris Pellaz (6th) and Timon Suter (17th). «The rough terrain, the hills, and the technical descents played to our advantage. We were ready for the challenge and happy with our performance today,» Aebersold commented after the race.

Bahrain Dominates the Women’s Race

As the women’s 8 km race began, heavy rain set in, making the already challenging course even more demanding. Manon Trapp (FRA) set a fast pace early on, breaking up the field. However, after three kilometers, Bahrain’s Yavi Winfred and Violah Motosio caught up. In the end, Winfred delivered a dominant performance to claim gold, with Trapp taking silver and Motosio securing bronze.
Bahrain reinforced its status as the favorite, winning the team event ahead of France and Tanzania.

Inclusion Through Sport: Open Race Sends a Strong Message

In addition to the championship races, CISM organized the first-ever open race for military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. This event focused on individual effort and the celebration of sport rather than competition, highlighting the unifying power of athletics.

With the introduction of cross-country running, the Military World Winter Games added a spectacular new discipline. The athletes not only showcased outstanding performances but also proved that teamwork, resilience, and mental toughness are key to success on this challenging course.