The weekend 12^th-13^th October was one for the history books, as the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) celebrated its 40th anniversary in Chiavenna, alongside the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Final event. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the journey of mountain running, highlighting its growth from a niche sport to a globally recognized discipline.

The WMRA, originally founded as the “International Committee Mountain Running,” was established on 29th September 1984 in Zogno, Italy. Its founding members represented five European countries: Great Britain (GBR), Switzerland (SUI), San Marino (SMR), Austria (AUT), and Italy (ITA). Italian mountain running pioneer Angelo De Biassi (ITA) was elected as the first president, with Danny Hughes (GBR) appointed as secretary. Following De Biassi’s retirement in 1999, Hughes took over the leadership role as president, guiding the organization into a new era.

During the anniversary event in Chiavenna, the current WMRA president, Tomo Šarf (SLO) gave an inspiring speech reflecting on the progress made over the past 40 years. He highlighted the evolution of mountain running from its humble beginnings to the dynamic sport it is today, underscoring the organization’s ongoing mission to further develop the discipline on a global scale. The president also emphasized the goal of bringing mountain running to the Olympic Games, a dream that continues to drive the association’s future vision.

Tomo Šarf, President of the World Mountain Running Association, with the reference document of the WMRA foundation. Photo: Marco Gulberti

Mountain Running, as defined by World Athletics (WA), remains a unique test of endurance and skill, where athletes face natural terrains that challenge their strength and agility. Over the last five years, the WMRA has seen remarkable growth, significantly boosted by the 2019 Mountain Running World Championships in Patagonia. This growth has been further accelerated by its collaboration with ITRA (International Trail Running Association) and IAU (International Association of Ultrarunners) in organizing the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, in partnership with World Athletics.

Alessio Punzi (Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics) and Tomo Šarf, President of the WMRA. Photo: Marco Gulberti

The 40th-anniversary celebration in Chiavenna also served as a reunion of past and present leaders of the WMRA. It was a proud moment for the organization as three presidents came together: current president Tomo Šarf, ex-presidents Bruno Gozzelino (ITA) and Jonathan Wyatt (NZL). Joining them were partners, friends, and key figures in the mountain running community, including Hilary Walker (GBR) from the IAU, Enrico Pollini from ITRA and Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics. The gathering was a tribute to the dedicated community that has supported and driven the sport forward, including the families and athletes who continue to be its heart and soul.

This special event in Chiavenna was not just a celebration of the WMRA’s past but a look ahead to a promising future. As mountain running continues to expand its global reach, the association remains committed to working with its partners to elevate the sport to new heights, aspiring to one day see it represented on the Olympic stage.

On this occasion, we interviewed three generations of mountain runners to learn about their views on the development of our sport and the potential for it to become an Olympic sport.