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WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

WMRA WORLD RANKING: RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING

WMRA WORLD RANKING: RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING

 

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is proud to continue with its comprehensive World Ranking system, officially presented back in 2021 and designed to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of mountain runners worldwide.

This transparent and user-friendly classification offers athletes, race organizers, sponsors, and enthusiasts an up-to-date insight into the leading figures in the sport at any given time.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WMRA WORLD RANKING

  • Dynamic 365-Day Rolling Ranking: Athletes accumulate points based on their performances over the preceding 365 days. This ensures the rankings reflect current form and consistency, with updates occurring in real-time.
  • Inclusive Participation: Every runner participating in a recognized ranking race earns a position. This service is complimentary for athletes, and races are included without any charges, promoting widespread engagement across the mountain running community.
  • Simplified Points System: Races are categorized from A to E, with Category A events—such as World Championships—offering the highest points. This straightforward structure rewards participation in prestigious races, making the system accessible and easy to interpret.

  • Historical Performance Records: Beyond current standings, the ranking system maintains historical data, allowing athletes and fans to track performance trajectories and celebrate personal bests over calendar years.
  • Comprehensive Race Directory and Search Functionality: Users can explore an extensive directory of races contributing to the rankings and utilize powerful search features to find specific results, athletes, countries, or years.
  • Extensive Results Database: The WMRA provides a dedicated results database where athletes, coaches, and fans can explore detailed race results from past and present mountain running competitions.
    Explore results: https://www.wmra.info/results
  • WMRA Statistics – Races & Athlete Search: A powerful tool that enables users to search for specific races, athletes, and performances within the ranking system, making it easier than ever to analyze trends and statistics in mountain running.
    Access the database search: https://www.wmra.info/database-search/

UNDERSTANDING THE POINTS ALLOCATION

Points are awarded based on race category and finishing position. For instance, a victory in a Category A race grants 100 points, while subsequent positions receive scaled points accordingly. This method ensures that athletes competing at the highest levels are duly recognized for their accomplishments.

More information: https://ranking.wmra.info/calculations/ 

JOIN THE GLOBAL MOUNTAIN RUNNING COMMUNITY

The WMRA World Ranking is more than a leaderboard; it’s a celebration of the dedication, endurance, and passion that define mountain running. Whether you’re an athlete aiming for the summit, a race organizer striving for excellence, or a fan cheering from the trails, the WMRA World Ranking offers a platform to engage with the sport like never before.

For more detailed information on the ranking calculations and to explore the current standings, visit the WMRA World Ranking website.

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WMRA COUNCIL CONVENES IN MONACO FOR ANNUAL MEETING: FINAL MEETING AHEAD ELECTIONS

WMRA COUNCIL CONVENES IN MONACO FOR ANNUAL MEETING:

FINAL MEETING AHEAD ELECTIONS.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Council held its annual meeting in Monaco last week, marking the final gathering of the current council before the upcoming elections in September. Present from the Council included president Tomo Šarf (SLO), secretary Nancy Hobbs (USA), treasurer Sarah Rowell (GBR), Paul Smereciuc (ROU), Giorgio Bianchi (ITA), John Bowden (NZL) and Marcel Matanin (SVK).

The Council meeting focused on key discussions shaping the future of the sport, including its partnership with World Athletics and the involvement on the WA Advisory Group on Mountain and Trail Running, updates on the 2025 Mountain Running World Cup, the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and other 2025 international competitions plus developments regarding the Athletes’ Commission.

Following the Council meeting, members of the WMRA participated in two days of high-level meetings hosted by World Athletics, bringing together representatives from the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), the International Trail Running Association (iTRA), and the WMRA. The meetings, held on 10-11 February 2025, discussed strategic plans for the development of mountain and trail running including:

  • Updates on the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and the bidding process for the 2027 edition.
  • Coordination of media and promotion of the discipline between all partners.
  • The future creation of a World Athletics label programme for mountain and trail races.
  • The development and success of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup.
  • Strengthening the anti-doping programme for the discipline with the Athletics Integrity Unity.
  • Updating of World Athletics Rule 57.
  • Consider ways to move towards inclusion of mountain and trail within the Olympics.

Furthermore, the World Athletics Advisory Group on Mountain and Trail Running, established over a year ago, continues to play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s development. This working group was formed to advise the World Athletics Competition Commission on all aspects of mountain and trail running.

In close collaboration with iTRA, WMRA, IAU, Pro Trail Runners Association and World Athletics representatives, efforts are being made to support the sport’s growth, integrity, and long-term development through a cooperative approach with key stakeholders.

With the current Council’s tenure coming to an end, the September elections will usher in new leadership that will carry forward these discussions and implement strategic initiatives for the disciplines growth.

The IAU was represented by President Nadeem Khan and General Secretary Hilary Walker, while iTRA’s delegation included President Janet Ng and General Secretary Enrico Pollini. WMRA’s leadership was present with President Tomo Šarf, Secretary Nancy Hobbs, and Treasurer Sarah Rowell. World Athletics’ representation was led by Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation, and Natacha Manchado WA Running Project Coordinator alongside other key figures from the governing body and the WA Council.

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WMRA MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP 2025 KICKS OFF ON MAY 3RD WITH ZMEU XFEST IN ROMANIA

WMRA MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP 2025 KICKS OFF ON

MAY 3RD WITH ZMEU XFEST IN ROMANIA

The highly anticipated 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup is set to begin on May 3rd in Romania, marking the debut of the Zmeu Xfest in the northern Carpathian Mountains within the legendary Bucovina region. Originally announced for May 4th, the race day has been rescheduled to May 3rd.

This year’s World Cup spans three continents and eight countries, featuring nine thrilling events and a total of 15 races. With a dynamic mix of iconic locations, classic favorites, and long-established courses, the season will run from May to August.

Upholding the highest standards of clean sportsmanship, all races will implement WADA-accredited anti-doping measures, while enhanced travel assistance and an increased prize pool will ensure strong competition. The World Cup will share €30,000 distributed to the top 10 men and women and the overall champions will receive €5,000 in 2025.

A Spectacular Start in Bucovina

For those seeking an authentic mountain running experience, the Zmeu Xfest’s Classic Mountain race delivers in every way. Taking runners through the most scenic and challenging trails around Câmpulung Moldovenesc, this course encapsulates the beauty and ruggedness of Bucovina.

Câmpulung is a city in the mountains in Suceava county, Bucovina. The place is a state of mind. It’s an “everyone come along”, “let’s have a good time”, “we take care of each other” attitude. Câmpulung is in the most foresty region of Romania, equally renowned for its over 1,000 mountain trails, UNESCO heritage sites and unmatched hospitality.

THE RACE

Starting from the center of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, runners will ascend Măgura Runcului peak (1,176+ m) before descending to the Mesteacăn stream. The climb continues on RUNC (1,129+ m) before a descent leads back toward town, but the challenge isn’t over yet.  The course then takes competitors up the third peak, Bodea (1,073+ m), followed by a final short climb on Aleea Domnițelor before they race to the finish line.

A  total prize of €5,000 for the top five men and women in the overall rankings, along with trophies, the competition will be intense from the outset.

Additionally, trophies will be awarded to the top three athletes in each age category (<18, 19-39, 40-49, 50+).Stay tuned as the 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup unfolds, showcasing the world’s best mountain runners on some of the most stunning and demanding courses globally.

For further updates and race details, visit www.wmra.info  and

All info’s about Classic Mountain here: Classic Mountain – ZmeuxFest

Rules and regulations: Rules – ZmeuxFest

Event schedule: Schedule – ZmeuxFest

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18. INTERNATIONAL U18 MOUNTAIN RUNNING CUP 2025: SLOVAKIA TO WELCOME YOUNG MOUNTAIN RUNNERS

18. INTERNATIONAL U18 MOUNTAIN RUNNING CUP 2025:

SLOVAKIA TO WELCOME YOUNG MOUNTAIN RUNNERS

The 18th International U18 Mountain Running Cup is confirmed for June 13-14 2025, in the picturesque mountain resort of Donovaly, Slovakia.

The International U18 Mountain Running Cup is an annual event bringing together the best under 18 runners from a broad range of countries, and as such it is an important steppingstone for many in the sport. The first edition of the event was held in Susa, Italy in 2006, and since then, it has been held in various countries around the world.

The event, organized by the World Mountain Running Association and the Slovak Athletic Federation will see teams from many countries like Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, England, USA and some more. Each country can field four women and four men and the first three finishers for each country will count towards the team competition.

The event website is now live at https://www.bamm.sk/18th-international-u18-mountain-running-cup-2025-slovakia, where you can also find the team manual and a wealth of additional information.

THE RACE

The course runs mainly through forest terrain and meadows along marked hiking trails. Is 5.8 km long, with a total elevation gain of 513 meters. The starting point is located at a parking lot Park Snow Donovaly about a 15-minute walk from the accommodation. From this parking lot, a cable car operates to Nová Hoľa, where the finish line is situated.

The course runs mainly through forest terrain and meadows along marked hiking trails. Is 5.8 km long, with a total elevation gain of 513 meters. The starting point is located at a parking lot Park Snow Donovaly about a 15-minute walk from the accommodation. From this parking lot, a cable car operates to Nová Hoľa, where the finish line is situated.

REGISTRATION

Registration for the International U18 Mountain Running Cup 2025 is organized by the National Federations.

  • April 15th – Preliminary Entries (PEF)
  • June 2nd – Final Entries (FEF) Preliminary Entries

The Preliminary Entry Forms with all requested details shall reach the LOC and WMRA Secretary not later than two months before the competition day. Final Entries The Final Entry Forms with all requested details shall reach the LOC and WMRA Secretary no later than two Mondays before the day of competition (e.g. Monday, 2 th June for competition on Saturday, 14th June)

DISCOVER DONOVALY

The race will take place in Donovaly, a mountain village nestled in the Banská Bystrica region at an elevation of 960 metres, where the Veľká Fatra and Starohorské Vrchy mountain ranges meet. The village spans both the northern (Liptov) and southern (Horehronie) slopes of the mountain pass.

Banská Bystrica and Ružomberok are approximately 27 km away and are easily accessible via the I/59 road. The eastern part of Donovaly lies within the Low Tatras National Park, which encompasses the Štrosy Nature Reserve.

Donovaly is renowned for:

  • A Mountain Paradise: Donovaly is a charming mountain village situated at the crossroads of the Veľká Fatra and Starohorské Vrchy mountain ranges, standing 960 metres above sea level. With its stunning views and unspoiled natural beauty, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • A Premier Skiing Destination: Donovaly is one of Slovakia’s most renowned ski resorts, offering slopes to suit all abilities. It’s also home to Funpark Donovaly, one of Central Europe’s largest children’s ski parks.

  • Hiking and Cycling Adventures: The area features a vast network of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. These paths wind through dense forests and picturesque meadows, providing breathtaking views of the Low Tatras and beyond.
  • Enchanting Sights: Donovaly hosts the Habakuky Fairy-Tale Village, an enchanting theme park inspired by Slovak folklore. It’s a delightful spot for families and anyone who loves magical stories.
  • Historic Korytnica Spa: The nearby Korytnica area, celebrated for its mineral springs, was a popular spa destination in the 19th century. While the spa is no longer operational, visitors can still enjoy the natural spring water.

PROGRAM

Wednesday, June 11

  • Arrival of non-European teams
  • 13:30 – Lunch
  • 20:00 – Dinner

Thursday, June 12

  • Arrival of teams and WMRA delegates
  • 13:30 – Lunch
  • 20:00 – Dinner

Friday, June 13

  • 10:00 – Course inspection – walking distance (approx. 15 minutes)
  • 12:00 – Lunch
  • 17:00 – Technical meeting (team leaders only)
  • 18:00 – Opening ceremony
  • 19:00 – Dinner
  • 21:00–22:00 – VIP reception

Saturday, June 14

  • 9:30 – Recommanded departure to the race start (walking distance approx. 15 minutes)
  • 9:30 – Public race
  • 11:00 – U18 Cup start (girls)
  • 11:45 – U18 Cup start (boys)
  • 12:30 – Flower ceremony
  • 14:00 – Lunch
  • 18:00 – Medal ceremony and closing ceremony
  • 19:00–21:30 – After party

Sunday, June 15

  • Departure of participants

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WORLD MASTERS MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDUNO 2025: THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!

WORLD MASTERS MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDUNO 2025: THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!

The countdown has officially begun! The much-anticipated World Masters Mountain Running Championships (WMMRC) will take place from August 29 to 31, 2025, in the scenic town of Meduno, Italy, and we are excited to announce the launch of the event’s official website: www.meduno2025wmmrc.org

Building on the overwhelming success of the WMMRC Canfranc 2024, Meduno is set to host this prestigious event for the first time. This year’s championship will mark a historic occasion as all three distances—Uphill, Classic, and Long Distance—will be featured for only the second time in the event’s history, offering athletes of all disciplines the chance to experience this extraordinary competition.

Discover Meduno: A Gateway to the Meduna Valley

Meduno, rooted in Celtic history, serves as the gateway to the stunning Meduna Valley. Renowned for its unique updrafts, the area around Mount Valinis has become a haven for paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a peaceful walk in the mountains, or a day surrounded by nature, Meduno offers something for everyone.

Visitors can explore its rich historical landmarks, including:

  • The remains of the Medieval Castle.
  • The ‘Casa Andreuzzi Museum’ in Navarons, showcasing patriotic events in the region.
  • The charming village of Luigi Del Bianco, the master builder of Mount Rushmore.
  • The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, featuring works by the renowned Renaissance artist Pilacorte.
  • The Palazzo Colossis, a 16th-century mansion with an internal courtyard.
  • The Military History Museum, which offers insights into the area’s fascinating past.
  • For a relaxing retreat, Meduno also boasts two river beaches along the Meduna stream, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploration or competition.

Race Details: Three Mountain Running Races

The 2025 WMMRC will feature three distinct races, providing an opportunity for athletes of all skill levels to push their limits:

  • Uphill Race: 5 km with an elevation gain of 800 meters.
  • Classic Race: 14.1 km with an elevation gain of 735 meters.
  • Long Distance Race: 32 km with an elevation gain of 1,705 meters.

This trio of races ensures a variety of challenges while celebrating the unique terrain and breathtaking views of Meduno and the Meduna Valley.

A Celebration of Community and Mountain Running

Meduno 2025 promises to carry forward the camaraderie and spirit of the WMMRC. Building on the foundation laid by Canfranc 2024, this championship will blend world-class competition, stunning natural landscapes, and a warm welcome from the local community.

For the latest updates, event schedules, and registration details, visit the official website: www.meduno2025wmmrc.org

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2025 WMTRC Preliminary Entry and GIS

2025 WMTRC Preliminary Entry and GIS

2025 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, Canfranc, Spain, 25-28 September 2025 Preliminary Entries & General Information

On behalf of our partner associations, the World Athletics (WA), the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) and the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), it is our pleasure to provide you with additional information about the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) to be held in Canfranc, Spain on 25-28 September 2025.
WMTRC Canfranc 25 Local Organising Committee has published a General Information Sheet which provides further details on the race courses, accommodation and travel. A copy can be found in the link above and on the LOC website.
The WA Event Entry System (EES) for these championships will open on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 and all Member Federations will need to submit their entries on the WA EES. The deadline for submission of the Preliminary Entries is 31st March 2025.
For any questions, please contact the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships Team Services at teamservices@canfrancpirineos2025wmtrc.com
For further details, please also refer to the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships Canfranc 25 website http://www.canfrancpirineos2025wmtrc.com/

You can access the GIS & the World Athletics Letter .

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2025 MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP: A THREE CONTINENTS CALENDAR

2025 MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP:
A THREE CONTINENTS CALENDAR

Featuring a roster spanning three continents, eight countries, encompassing nine events and a total of 15 races, the 2025 World Mountain Running World Cup promises an exhilarating calendar. This season offers a thrilling mix of iconic locations, cherished classics, and reunions with long-established courses, running from May to August.

In collaboration with esteemed mountain race organisers worldwide and upholding our unwavering commitment to clean sportsmanship, all races will feature WADA-accredited anti-doping measures. To further support athletes, we’ve enhanced travel assistance and increased the overall prize pool, with the World Cup champions set to receive €5,000 in 2025.
The season begins in May with a brand-new destination for the World Cup: Romania and the Zmeu Xfest in the northern Carpathian Mountains within the legendary region of Bucovina.

Bucovina is not just a place; it is a state of mind. Câmpulung Moldovenesc, located in Romania’s most forested region, is famed for its 1,000+ mountain trails, UNESCO heritage sites, and unparalleled hospitality. The opening weekend promises excitement, debuting a new Classic mountain race on May 3rd.
Later in May, the second race lands in Casto, Italy, the hometown of Valsir, for the Vertical Nasego and Trofeo Nasego events on the 24th and 25th. This quaint town in the Brescia Prealps will witness elite athletes competing to etch their names on the prestigious Nasego honour roll.
From the Brescia Prealps, the series moves to Poland for the Tatra Fest, a mountain race steeped in history. This event honours Poland’s first mountain races, which began in 1925 as the Tatra March. The jubilee edition celebrates a century of mountain running tradition and hosts a stage of the Mountain Running World Cup in Zakopane on 15th June, featuring the Tatra Race Run and its 25km classic race.
After the historic race in Poland, the series crosses the Atlantic to the United States for the Broken Arrow Skyrace. This iconic event kicks off with a Short Uphill race on Friday, June 20th, followed by a Classic 23km race on Sunday, June 22nd. Renowned for hosting World Champions and World Cup winners, Broken Arrow promises to deliver a thrilling continuation of the series.
The World Cup then breaks new ground, heading to China for the first time with two races: the Chongli World Cup Uphill and the Chongli World Cup Classic on July 5th and 6th.
Located in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, 260 kilometres north of Beijing, Chongli boasts a rich history, exceptional ecological surroundings, and an average summer temperature of 19°C. With over 50% forest cover, its pristine environment provides an ideal backdrop for mountain running.

Mid-July sees the World Cup arrive in Briançon, France, for the Vauban Mountain Trail on July 19th and 20th, featuring Uphill and Classic races. As Europe’s highest city, Briançon offers breathtaking views of the Ecrins National Park, with its glaciers and peaks soaring above 4,000m. The Uphill race culminates at 2,400m, offering a stunning finish to this leg of the series.
An old favorite, Giir di Mont, rejoins the World Cup circuit in late July. Held in Premana, Italy, the event now includes an Uphill race on Saturday, July 26th, which also serves as the Italian Championships for the discipline. On Sunday, July 27th, the grueling 32 km race, featuring steep ascents and challenging descents, promises to captivate spectators with its electrifying atmosphere atop the mountain.
August 9th marks the legendary Sierre-Zinal race in Switzerland, known as the “Race of the Five 4000s.” This iconic event attracts top-tier talent annually. The 2024 edition saw extraordinary performances, with Joyline Chepngeno emerging as a new star and Kilian Jornet claiming an unprecedented tenth victory.

Just 15 days later, the focus shifts to Slovenia for the Mountain Running World Cup finale. On Saturday, August 23rd, the 2025 Uphill Final will take place on Velika Planina in Kamnik, following a course used in the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships and the 2017 European Off-Road Championships. This very route is set to host the European Off-Road Running Championships in June 2026.
The season concludes on Sunday, August 24th, with the Classic distance event at Šmarna Gora. The iconic Church of the Mother of God, a Baroque structure dating back to 1711, will provide a memorable backdrop. The church bells, a hallmark of Slovenian tradition known as “pritrkovanje,” will ring out as every Sunday, symbolically accompanying the runners as they compete in this historic race. It’s a fitting end to a season celebrating both tradition and innovation in mountain running.

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MEMORABLE 40th ANNIVERSARY YEAR FOR THE WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

It has been a memorable year for the World Mountain Running Association as the organization marked its 40th anniversary. A special celebration coincided with the World Cup finals in Chiavenna, Italy where media, partner organization representatives from World Athletics, ITRA, IAU, as well as past WMRA leadership converged for an evening to honor this milestone. Attendees enjoyed an evening reliving history from the initial meeting of the organization (then the ICMR) in Italy in 1984, to the growth and changes the sport has realized over the past 40 years.The WMRA has been at the forefront of the development of mountain running worldwide and its impact is evidenced in the events and projects the organization oversees and the partnerships it has created and nurtured. Governed by an 8-member volunteer WMRA Council, the activity through the past twelve months has included competitions for youth, masters, and the elite-level athlete. Meetings have been hosted and plans have been procured to fulfil the mission of the WMRA.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC)
WMRA continues to work in partnership with ITRA, IAU and WA to deliver the WMTRC, with the next event due to be held in Canfranc, Spain September 2025. In recognition of the strength of the partnership, all four parties recently signed a Memorandum of Collaboration to continue working jointly together until at least December 2029
World Athletics Advisory Group on Mountain and Trail Running
In recognition of the growing popularity and commercial interest in mountain and trail running, World Athletics in 2024 established an Advisory group with the mandate to contribute to and advise the WA Competition Commission on the global development of mountain and trail running and the role that WA should play within its development. WMRA Treasurer Sarah Rowell serves as the Vice Chair of the group and Grayson Murphy is also on the Group representing the WMRA Athletes Commission.
WMRA Athletes Commission
The Athletes Commission is an elected body of sixteen athletes, twelve men and four women. The athletes from twelve countries come from Africa, Asia-Oceania, Canada, Europe and USA.
Grayson Murphy was elected the chairperson with Zac Hanna the deputy chair and Charlotte Cotton as secretary. During several meetings throughout the year, the Commission has discussed
issues from an athlete’s perspective, liaising closely with the WMRA Council to provide an athletes’ view on topics.

17th International U18 Mountain Running Cup
Introducing youth to sport at an early age helps jump start an interest in health and fitness as well as creates cultural connections as youth from around the globe gather to compete on an
international stage.Athletes from 15 countries competed in the U18 International Mountain Running Cup today, bringing together exciting young talent from all over the world. Runners travelled from countries including Mexico, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Hungary, the United States and Bulgaria to take part. The host race for this, the 17th edition of the Cup, was the stunning Montaña Palentina, in the province of Palencia, Spain.The course was a 5.4km circular loop, with 225 metres of elevation gain, starting and finishing at the Barruelo de Santullán football field.
  •  Venue and date: Aguilar de Campoo, Spain – June 22
  •  15 nations represented,
  •  112 competitors.
23rd World Masters Mountain Running Championships

A growing partnership with World Masters Athletics (WMA) has developed over the past two decades. Ongoing communication throughout the year has continued to be positive and thoughtful. In 2023, the masters competition included both an uphill race and a classic distance mountain race. In 2024, a long distance was added to further provide opportunities for athletes aged 35-79.
World Cup – 25th edition
The Mountain Running World Cup in 2024 took place starting in June in the USA and the World Cup Champions were crowned in October in Italy. During the season, 12 races were hosted in 7
countries and the excitement continued up until the final race of the World Cup. Scout Adkin (GBR, Team Hoka) won the World Cup by a single point over Joyce Njeru (KEN, Atletica Saluzzo) in the Women’s competition. While Patrick Kipngeno (KEN, Run2gether On) had a more comfortable win in the men’s; he was pushed by his teammates Josphat Kiprotich and Philemon Kiriago.
The 2025 calendar will be organised to allow athletes to follow the World Cup as well as best prepare for the World Championships in September. We will look forward to races beginning again May 2025 with a calendar packed with the best Mountain Races in the World.
  •  Venues and dates: From June through October,
  •  in 2024, 12 events were staged in 7 countries,
  •  Competition: Short uphill, classic distance, and long distance
  •  Number of athletes: 9000 runners took part in World Cup races

WOLRD MOUNTAIN RUNNING RANKING
In 2024, 148 races from 27 countries were included and featured national championships in 17 countries. The top 15 positions included men and women representing 13 countries. Ranking access here
WMRA Anti-Doping Commitment
WMRA is 100% committed to clean sport. Doping control was conducted at all WMRA events in 2024. The Athletics Integrity Unit  has been instrumental in furthering the anti-doping program worldwide.
WMRA Communications and Social Media
The WMRA launched its Media Partner Program in 2021 to establish closer ties with media outlets that cover our sport. In 2024, WMRA media partners published in five different languages
and produced a total of 300 articles. The WMRA provides content support to its media partners, including professional photography, videos, press releases, writing, and social media expertise.
2024 saw a significant growth of the WMRA social media channels
NEW WMRA WEBSITE
In August, the WMRA relaunched its website, marking a significant step forward in connecting with the global mountain running community. Since the relaunch, traffic to the WMRA website
has seen remarkable growth, showcasing the increasing interest in mountain running and the World Cup.
Looking forward to 2025
The WMRA continues to flourish with the support of member federations, event local organizing committees, partnerships, athletes, media, and brands. Looking forward to 2025:
  • The 26th Mountain Running World Cup.
  • The 18th International U18 Mountain Running Cup will be held in Slovakia in June
  •  The 24th World Masters Mountain Running Championships will be held in Meduno, Italy
    in August
  •  The 3rd World Mountain and Trail Running Championships will be staged in Canfranc,
    Spain in September.
  •  The WMRA Congress will be held in person at the World Championships where elections
    will be held for the WMRA Council, further details of which will be sent to our Members
    early in the year.

Timothy Kibet and Ruth Gitonga Victorious at Mount Longonot Trail Challenge

Timothy Kibet and Ruth Gitonga take the top honours at the Mount Longonot Trail Challenge, Naivasha, Kenya, November 16.

The Men’s Race

Elgeyo Marakwet’s Timothy Kibet continued his admirable start to life as a mountain runner when he won the men’s 11.54 km race at the Mount Longonot Trail Challenge in Naivasha on Saturday.

Kibet took the top honour ahead of Saoli Selelo (1:04:05) who claimed second as Ephantus Njeri came third in 1:04:06 in what was a cutthroat race between the two.

The road runner-turned-mountain runner admitted a tweak in his career is the best decision he has ever made in recent years.

“I love the fact that I changed from road running to mountain running and I can say I don’t regret. Judging by the race today and the results, I can say it was a great decision. This was my second race as a mountain runner, after transitioning from road races and I am glad that I won,” he said.

The race was a test in endurance, speed and mental fortitude for everyone involved, with competitors required to ascend all the way to the summit of the 2,776m mountain before returning downhill to finish at the gate of the Mount Longonot Park.

It was a fact not lost on Kibet who fell midway through the race and had to muster the energy and motivation to get to the front of the leading pack.

“The weather was good but the course was really tough. I even fell down somewhere in the race and had to really work hard to get back to the front. It was all a matter of pushing on for the win because I really wanted it badly,” the Milimani Runners athlete said.

The Women’s Race

Road runner Ruth Gitonga had a debut to remember when she topped the women’s 11.54km race at the Mount Longonot Trail Challenge on Saturday in Naivasha.

The Run2Gether athlete clocked 1:14:50 to take first place, ahead of teammate Philaries Kisang’ (1:15:25) and Joyline Chepngeno (1:16:45) in second and third respectively.

Gitonga admitted winning the race was not part of the script.

” To be honest, I had not trained for mountain running coming into today’s race. I am more of a road race specialist and so I didn’t give myself much of a chance coming into today’s competition,” the winner admitted.

For Kisang’, the search for a first ever win on home soil, having joined mountain running in 2022.

“The course was much more difficult than what I am used to. I have participated in this trail before but it has never been this tough as it was today,” the Iten-born said.

The 28-year-old is nonetheless grateful for the opportunity to get up to speed with her fitness ahead of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

“I thank God for the grace to finish second today. It prepares me for the World Championships where my goal is to win the title,” Kisang’ said.

See the full results from the event. 

Saturday’s race was a World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) ranking event through which Kenya hopes to host the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in the near future.

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EXCITEMENT FOR MOUNTAIN RUNNING DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA

World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) president Tomo Sarf is excitedly looking forward to Saturday’s Longonot Trail Challenge in Naivasha.

Sarf says a trip to the cradle of global athletics has been a long time coming and is optimistic of unforgettable memories.

“I am really happy that I am finally here in Kenya. I have been planning this trip for such a long time because I believe that while long distance running was not born here, but that Kenyans are the best when it comes to it. I am sure there will be a really strong competition from all the runners and may the best ones win,” Sarf said.

The president is further hopeful that Saturday’s event will be the beginning of a new dawn for mountain running in Kenya as far as the growth of the sport is concerned.

“I know that there have been other mountain running competitions before but I believe that this one is at a different level. I believe the organisation is at a higher level and the competition will be different. I am looking forward to more editions of the same and I am really happy that Athletics Kenya (AK) are on board. There are also world champions competing and this goes a long way in increasing the interest of the media,” he said.

Sarf arrived in Kenya on Sunday ahead of Saturday’s competition, which will be a World Mountain Running ranking event.

Speaking at the same time, AK president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence Kenya will soon host the World Mountain Running Championships.

“As a country, we are doing much to develop mountain running. It is spreading and people are developing interest. We have very good venues for competitions. We are very proud to associate with the event. Maybe, in future, we’ll be able to host the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships,” he said.

He underlined the federation’s commitment to developing the sport, noting the need to train more coaches specialising in mountain running.

“We recognise that for us to cover a wider area in mountain running, we need to train more coaches and technical officials to get on the sport,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.

Run2gether Athletics Training Camp founder Thomas Krejci called on athletes to continue registering in their numbers, pointing out how the Longonot Trail will offer more pathways for them to compete abroad.

“Kenya is supporting mountain, its growing, Kenya is now organizing races in the country. Athletes will have a chance to test themselves and get a chance to get into bigger races abroad,” he said.

Hundreds are expected to compete in three categories of competition, including senior men and women’s 10km as well as 11.54 km fun run.

World Mountain and Trail Running champion Patrick Kipngeno is looking forward to competing on home soil for the first time since he won the Mt Kenya Mountain Running Championships in 2022.

“I have been on a little break after running at the World Cup but now I am looking forward to Saturday. The last time I competed in Naivasha I emerged victorious although that is where I have been training, Kipngeno said.

His fellow runner, the 2023 Mountain Running World Cup champion Philemon Kiriago, is equally excited about the challenge that awaits him.

It is a challenge he has embraced with open arms.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and see what my fellow Kenyans will have to offer in terms of competition. It has been a while since I started competing in the World Cup and the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. I am excited for what Saturday has to offer,” Kiriago said.

Registration is ongoing with participants simply required to part with Ksh 500.

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