Author: Hector Rubio

This Saturday, Spain’s stunning Montaña Palentina, in the province of Palencia, will be the backdrop for the 17th edition of the U18 International Mountain Running Cup. The event will see over 100 young athletes from 16 countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland & Ulster, Mexico, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Hungary, the United States, Bulgaria, England, Scotland, and Poland. The opening ceremony, featuring the parade of nations and the official photo, will take place on Friday at 5:30 PM.

The 5-kilometer course, with a 225-meter elevation gain, is a circular route starting and ending at the Barruelo de Santullán football field. The course’s first half involves a gentle climb, followed by a more favorable descent back to the starting point. The predominantly wooded terrain and well-maintained trails are expected to result in a fast-paced race.

The event is hosted across three Palencian towns: Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera, which will provide accommodation for the athletes and technical teams. These towns will also host the start and finish lines for the two races on the schedule. In addition to the official WMRA (World Mountain Running Association) race, there will be a public race on the same course.

The event kicks off on Saturday at 10:00 AM with the public race featuring 50 runners. The women’s category of the International Cup starts at 11:00 AM, followed by the men’s race at 11:45 AM. The flower ceremony for all athletes will be held at 1:30 PM, with the official awards ceremony taking place at 5:00 PM. All participating athletes were born in 2007 and 2008.

The event will be streamed live on the Palenciatrail YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7O4ZUsc8sM

Montaña Palentina: A Hidden Gem of Spanish Topography

Montaña Palentina is a natural treasure with significant scenic value and a population of over 20,000. The main urban center is Aguilar de Campoo. The region’s rugged landscape, marked by famous peaks like Peña Prieta, Curavacas, and Espigüete, forms part of a majestic mountain range.

“Events like the U18 International Mountain Running Cup highlight Montaña Palentina as a prime location for outdoor sports, particularly mountain running, which is growing in popularity throughout Palencia province. Our region’s landscapes remain a hidden gem for many mountain enthusiasts,” said Fran Caballero, director of the Local Organizing Committee.

Ángeles Armisen, president of the Palencia Provincial Council, expressed strong support for the event, emphasizing the council’s ongoing efforts to promote Montaña Palentina as a tourist destination. “We are fortunate to have one of Spain’s most important natural environments, which has been well-preserved with minimal human intervention. Visitors seeking to enjoy nature in Montaña Palentina will find a pure, pristine, and well-cared-for environment, thanks to the efforts of local residents,” she said.

With less than four months to go until the World Masters Mountain Running Championship, the WMRA alongside the local organising committee are making the final preparations and it is clear that excitement is already palpable in the majestic town of Canfranc, Huesca, Spain.

The WMMRC Canfranc 2024, organised by the team behind the legendary CanfranCanfranc race in collaboration with the World Mountain Running Association and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, will be held from 12th to 15th September 2024. With more than 500 athletes from more than 26 countries already registered, it promises to be a global celebration of mountain running.

Under the direction of Alex Varela, director of WMMRC 2024 and the mastermind behind the event, the local organisation is dedicated to ensuring that every detail is perfectly prepared to welcome runners, delegations, and spectators alike. Alex Varela comments, “CanfranCanfranc has always been a special race. For many runners, crossing the finish line marks a before and after in their running experience. Canfranc, a small mountain village with barely 600 inhabitants, is surrounded by mountains nearly 3,000 metres high. Hosting the World Masters Mountain Running Championship is a new challenge on our path to the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship in 2025. It has not been an easy journey, but gradually, this village and this race have won over the runners, always prioritising quality over quantity.”

The WMMRC Canfranc 2024 opened registrations just over three months ago for its three disciplines: uphill (6.5 km, 984 m+), classic (17 km, 1,050 m+), and long distance (34 km, 1,900 m+).

Uphill

A unique ascent to Larraca via a spectacular forest trail. The route reaches the best viewpoint in the Canfranc Valley, and once at the finish line, much of the Pyrenees and France can be seen.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/esp.uphill6K.html

Classic

17 kilometres that will take the athletes to discover and visit one of the most important forest works in the world. With 1,050 metres of positive ascent, they will reach one of the best views of the Canfranc Valley: “Buenavista”. From there, it’s all downhill to the finish line, a fast and impressive descent through the forest.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/esp.classic17K.html

Long Distance

A race that runs along both sides of the Los Arañones mountain. Its highest points include the Buenavista refuge and the Estiviellas pass. Athletes will have 8 hours to cover the 34 kilometres and 1,900 metres of positive elevation gain, with the highest point of the race being the Buenavista refuge at 2,162 metres.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/esp.longdistance34K.html

Behind the entire organisation are the people of Canfranc, the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, and the World Mountain Running Association, who are joining forces to create an unforgettable experience.

Alex Varela, WMMRC 2024 director together with Sarah Rowell, WMRA technical delegate WMMRC 2024

From impeccable logistics to athlete safety, every aspect is being carefully orchestrated to provide a world-class experience. Fernando Sánchez, the mayor of Canfranc, commented, “The town council’s commitment to sport in recent years as a healthy way of life and as a resource for promotion and economic growth is very important. This world championship will highlight our mountains and territory, a space that combines heritage, nature, and sport. A ‘mountain destination’ in full expansion that we want to introduce internationally. With great enthusiasm, we await the arrival of this world championship, a prelude to the 2025 event. Welcome to Canfranc.”

Raúl Chapado, president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, added, “I want to highlight the positive impact the World Masters Mountain Running Championship in Canfranc 2024 will have. This event will not only promote our exceptional natural heritage nationally and internationally but also drive the development and progress of the region. Besides showcasing the natural beauty of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the championship will emphasise the excellence and sportsmanship of the masters athletes. These sportspeople will act as a powerful driver for development, growth, and social cohesion, turning the event into a festival of sport and friendship on a global scale. Lastly, I wish to express my profound gratitude to everyone involved in making this magnificent event a reality. Their contribution will be essential in ensuring that the legacy endures as a source of inspiration for the WMTRC 2025 and for future generations”

With Canfranc’s challenging trails as a backdrop, runners will have the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic prowess and spirit of perseverance in one of the most exciting events of the year.

Sarah Rowell, technical delegate of the World Masters Mountain Running Championship and Treasurer of the WMRA, commented, “My involvement in mountain running world championships goes back over 35 years, to the first event I ran, in Die in 1989.  Now my focus is not running but helping with organising to build and promote the sport, it is so exciting therefore to see how committed Spain is to mountain running.  In 2023 Canfranc was part of the WMRA Valsir World Cup, this year it is hosting the World Master Mountain Running Championships, and then next year the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.  And not forgetting that Spain this year are also hosting the U18 International Mountain Running Cup.

Canfranc I know will be special, I have already enjoyed checking out the courses for the event which showcase the best of the unique landscape and will provide a fitting challenge to all the runners.  This year for the first time ever we will be hosting 3 races, giving runners the choice between uphill, classic (up and down) or the long distance race – or in the case of many I speak to in the UK, the chance to do two races in one weekend – I can not wait.”

Finally, we want to remind you that registrations remain open through this link: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/esp.inscripciones.html

The official presentation of the  International U18 Mountain Running Cup, which will take place on June 22 in the Spanish area Montaña Palentina, was held in Palencia. Attendees included the president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), Raúl Chapado; the president of the Palencia Provincial Council, Ángeles Armisen; the president of the Castilla y León Athletics Federation, Gerardo García; and the mayors of the three host towns (Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera).

On the weekend of June 21 and 22, the Montaña Palentina will host the 17th edition of the  International U18 Mountain Running Cup, an official championship of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA). This event will bring together the world’s best young mountain runners. A total of 17 countries and 29 teams, comprising 120 athletes (61 men and 59 women), will compete for podium positions and medals. Participating countries include France, Switzerland, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Slovenia, Cape Verde, Hungary, the United States, Bulgaria, England, Scotland and Poland.

This Monday, the event was presented at the new Cultural Center of Palencia with the presence of RFEA president Raúl Chapado, who expressed gratitude to all the institutions and individuals supporting the Cup. He highlighted, “not only the positive economic impact that will boost the development and progress of the region, but also the projection of Palencia as a brand. This event will promote an exceptional heritage at the national and international levels, leaving a lasting legacy and contributing to the promotion of sports.”

Tomo Sarf, president of the WMRA, the governing body for these youth championships, also expressed his support: “The WMRA is proud to support the growth of these talented and enthusiastic young runners. Hosting this International U18 Cup in the Palentina Mountain further demonstrates Spain’s commitment to promoting this sport. I am convinced that the challenging terrain of the Palentina Mountain will provide an excellent stage for young athletes to test their skills and passion, ensuring the future and development of mountain running globally.”

THE MONTAÑA PALENTINA: SPAIN’S HIDDEN GEM

The course for the  International U18 Mountain Running Cup, already defined, is 5.4 kilometers long with a positive elevation gain of 225 meters. It is a circular route, starting and finishing at the Barruelo de Santullán football field. The first half features a steady climb, while the second half is more favorable for returning to the starting point. The terrain is predominantly wooded, and the trails are in good condition with no technical difficulties, likely resulting in very high race speeds.

The International U18 Mountain Running Cup will have three main venues in the province of Palencia: Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera. These towns will provide accommodation for the athletes and technical teams of the various national squads and will host the start and finish of the two races in the program. Besides the official WMRA race, there will be another race open to the public on the same route.

In the days leading up to the competition, the teams from the United States, Mexico, and Cape Verde will visit Palencia to enjoy various activities and sightseeing to experience the richness of the Palentina Mountain. The rest of the national delegations will arrive in Aguilar de Campoo on June 20. Additionally, young runners will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive equipment test organized by Joma, the technical sponsor of the Cup.

For more information, visit https://u18cup2024.com

Around 600 runners were on hand this weekend for the start of the 3rd Pibeste Intégral in Argelès-Gazost, the gateway to the Vallée des Gaves and the Hautes-Pyrénées. Each year, the competition is spiced up by a very strong field of male and female runners.

© ERIC POULIN- Pibeste Intégral

The course is 24km long and has a vertical drop of 1,750m, with a hilly approach and finish, but a very solid core with the Pibeste (1,349m) to climb or descend in 3 different sections.

This year, victory went to Basque Asier Larruzea Fernandez and Mylène Da Costa Reis. Behind them, a number of really strong riders battled it out for places in the Top 5.

For the men, a group of 10 quickly broke away at the foot of the first climb, with Asier Larruzea (Team Merrell Spain), Matthieu Simon (Team Brooks, 3rd in the Templiers, 11th in the CCC), and among others Paul Mathou (On Running) selected for the 2022 French team. The Basque went ahead at the summit, before passing Simon again after the 2nd climb and then setting off again. But it didn’t take much, as his main rival came back to within 6 seconds of him at the finish line! Asier LArruzea won in 2h21’36, just over a minute off the record set by Pierre Comet last year. Comet made a strong comeback to cross the line in 3rd place, ahead of Romain Bidau. Edgar Dumas finally took 5th place from Paul Mathou. Next up: Adrien Astié, Hugo Bucciarelli, Cyril Pasturel  and Josu Urrestarazu.

Asier Larruzea takes victory at Pibeste Intégral 2024- ©MATTHIAS SEVILLA- Pibeste Intégral

In the women’s race, Sagnes (Team Merrel) and Da Costa Reis know each other well – they were first and second in the first edition. Since then, Da Costa Reis has won almost all the Pyrenean classics: the Gabizos, the Luchon Aneto trail, the Montan’Aspe, the GRP, the Aubisque, the Rhune…

Very strong on the climbs, she took the lead at the top of the first Pibeste and gained time on each sector. Mathilde Sagnes, 14th in the French mountain running championships, couldn’t catch her. That just goes to show the level Mylène has reached. She crossed the finish line in 2h47’45, saving the event record by 18 seconds! Mathilde finished 2nd, 5’20 behind, then the Basque Aïnara Urrutia finished ahead of Marlène Vannesson, and finally the regular Maud Combarieu.

Mylène Da Costa Reis takes victory at Pibeste Intégral 2024- ©MATTHIAS SEVILLA- Pibeste Intégral

Full ranking : https://pb-organisation.com/resultats/pibeste-integral-2024/

Last weekend, the picturesque town of Machico in Madeira, Portugal, became the pulsating hub of adrenaline-fueled action as it welcomed the European Masters Off-Road Championships. Drawing participants from over 20 countries, this prestigious event saw more than three hundred athletes vie for glory across three distinct disciplines.

The rugged terrain of Machico provided the perfect backdrop for the athletes to showcase their prowess in Mountain and Trail running. the weekend presented three disciplines: mountain running, uphill running and trail running with each discipline presenting its unique set of challenges, testing the competitors’ endurance, strength, and tactical acumen.

In the Mountain Running race category, athletes conquered a grueling 8.9 kilometers route, navigating steep inclines and treacherous descents, with an elevation gain of over 600 meters, with the overall victories for Matthieu Gandolfi (FRA) and Barbara Taibon (AUT) -above picture.  Results men and women.

The Uphill tackled a demanding 5-kilometer course, featuring an astonishing ascent of 1000 meters, with the overall victories for Monica Carl (GER) and Martin Alvarez-Espinar (ESP). Results men and women.

Meanwhile, the Trail  running event stretched over 33 kilometers, with a staggering elevation gain of 2000 meters, promising an exhilarating test of both physical and mental fortitude which was won by Karin Freitag (AUT) and Shaban Mustafa (BUL). Results men and women.

Against the backdrop of Madeira’s stunning natural beauty, athletes pushed themselves to the limit, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that defines mounatin and trail running competitions. 

Photos Enyo Freitas, provided by Associação de Atletismo da Região Autónoma da Madeira.

The WMRA in collaboration the organisers of Skyrunning Gran Canaria have regretfully decided to remove the race from the 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.  Following advice from the WMRA athletes’ commission about the number of World Cup races and local planning obstacles it was agreed that the race is no longer obligated to host their round of the 25th Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.

The resulting new calendar, now features a roster spanning 7 countries, encompassing 9 events and a total of 12 races, commencing in June its journey at the Broken Arrow Skyrace in the United States.

In light of these changes, we want to inform athletes that the points system for the World Cup ranking has been adapted accordingly. More info here.

We understand the importance of transparency and equity in competition, and we are committed to upholding these principles throughout the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup series.

Pibeste Intégral: 3rd edition on Saturday 4 May 2024! The first two editions of the Pibeste Intégral were a success! A full house in terms of registrations, top-level runners in attendance, runners with smiles on their faces, a great organisation and a great party to round off the day. In short, it was a real treat! We’re keeping the same ingredients, the same benchmarks, and moving on to the 3rd edition on 4 May! The Pibeste is the 1,349m summit that you can see from quite a distance, with the old cable car building and antenna, and which forms a massif, like an extended chain that you can see from the plain or from other viewpoints at altitude.

Situated between Lourdes to the north and Argelès-Gazost to the south, this is a very popular area for mountain and trail runners, as it’s fairly close to the plain, offers an interesting gradient and a fairly extensive and varied playing field. The view of the Pyrenees from the top is superb!  This massif is home to a regional nature reserve, the Pibeste-Aoulhet, where many animal and plant species are protected. In 2023, the 2nd meeting on this integral Pibeste, with just as many people and just as much energy. The weather was capricious, fluctuating between quick showers and sunshine, but the temperatures were less harsh than on the former, which enabled records to be set in both races and among both men and women! The new time references belong to Pierre Comet (2h20’31) and Aurélie Paul-Grangé (2h47’27).

The route: 24km / 1750m+

The start is in the centre of Argelès-Gazost. You’ll soon hit the trails. The first 6km are a gentle warm-up, with views over the valley, before you attack above Agos Vidalos: 835 m+ over around 4 km! A descent through the woods and a short, fairly steep path (on the Vallée de Batsurguère side) before returning to the Pibeste on a 500m+ climb! Then there’s a downhill section where you’ll need to keep cool and stay alert, with a fast finish, before crossing the finish line.

Some challenges.

Climb the Pibeste twice, yes… but that’s not all! Climbing, descending, finishing, you can aim for the jersey ranking! And there are records to be beaten: well, it’s a tough one, but give it a go!

– Red jersey: best climber on the first ascent of the Pibeste! Just over 3km and 800m+, you’ll have to show who’s got the best (biggest?) thighs!

– Black jersey: best descender on the 2nd descent of the Pibeste! It looks easy enough as it is… but at full throttle, it hurts! Especially at that point in the race. 4 km and 700 m- roughly.

– Blue jersey: best finisher at the end of the course! Come on, if you’ve still got a bit left, you’ve still got a chance to get your jersey back. But there’s a bit of a bump to make it even more fun. 3 km / 120 m+ / 200 m-

– and the yellow jersey for the winners, of course.

Awards

Prizes will be awarded to the first 5 scratch men and women, 1st master over 40, 1st young junior hopeful, and distinctive jerseys. The prizes will include personalised trophies, shopping vouchers, technical products or local produce. Prize money for the top 5 scratch men’s and women’s riders (€600 / 400 / 200 / 100 / 100) and also supplements depending on times.

2024 edition

This year’s race will once again be hotly contested, with many favourites capable of taking victory.

Among the men: Pierre Comet (winner 2023 and record holder) will have to battle it out with Matthieu Simon (Team Brooks), Paul Mathou (Team On Running), Asier Larruzea (Euskalmushing Team) and also Cyril Pasturel (2nd 2023), Edgar Dumas (5th 2023), Josu Urrustarazu (Winner Sara Korrika), Adrien Astié, Hugo Bucciarelli, Romain Bidau, Simon Gourc. A fine Top 5 in prospect!

Among the women: Mathilde Sagnes (2022 winner, Team Merrel) will be there to try and take back the record. She will be up against Aurélie Grangé-Paul (winner 2023, record holder), Ainara Urrutia (9th Skyrunning World Series 2023), Maud Combarieu (2nd 2023), Nadège Servant, Mylene Marionnaud and Marlène Vannesson. Here too, the battle will be fierce.

More information: www.pibeste-integral.com

This June 21st and 22nd weekend, the XVII edition of the International Mountain Running U18 Cup will take place in Spain in the area known as Montaña Palentina, hosting the world’s finest young talents in mountain running. Organized by the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the event will welcome a total of 29 national teams from 17 countries, comprising 120 athletes – 61 men and 59 women – vying for podium positions and a place on the medal standings.

Organized by the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) together with the Diputación de Palencia and the Real Federación Española de Atletismo the event will welcome a total of 29 national teams from 17 countries (France, Switzerland, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Slovenia, Cape Verde, Hungary, United States, Bulgaria, England, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Poland.), comprising 120 athletes – 61 men and 59 women – vying for podium positions and a place on the medal standings.

The course for the International U18 Mountain Running  Cup, already mapped out, spans 5.4 kilometers with a 225-meter positive elevation gain. It features a circular route, starting and ending at the Barruelo de Santullán football field, with a gentle incline in the first half and a more favorable descent in the latter part. The terrain predominantly consists of wooded areas, with well-maintained trails posing no technical challenges, setting the stage for a highly competitive race with anticipated fast-paced action.

Additionally, the International U18 Mountain Running Cup will have three main venues across the province of Palencia: Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera. These locations will provide accommodation for athletes and technical teams from various national selections, serving as the starting and finishing points for the two races included in the program. In addition to the official WMRA event, there will be an open race for the public following the same route.

The Montaña Palentina: Spain’s Hidden Gem

The Montaña Palentina, boasting more than 20,000 inhabitants with its urban nucleus in Aguilar de Campoo, is a natural landscape of significant aesthetic value. Characterized by its rugged terrain, featuring iconic peaks such as Peña Prieta, Curavacas, and Espigüete, it forms part of a mountainous system renowned for its scenic beauty.

“Events like the International Mountain Running U18 Cup highlight the Palentina Mountain Range as a natural playground for outdoor sports, particularly mountain running, which has seen a growing interest across the province of Palencia. Our region’s landscapes remain a hidden gem for many nature enthusiasts,” remarked Fran Caballero, one of the event’s organizers.

Ángeles Armisen, the president of the Palencia Provincial Council, who recently visited the area during the Training Camp led by athlete Malen Osa, emphasized the council’s commitment to promoting the Palentina Mountain Range as a tourist destination. “We are fortunate to have one of Spain’s most important natural environments, relatively untouched by human intervention. Visitors to the Palentina Mountain Range will encounter a pristine, unspoiled landscape cared for by the local community,” she stated.

For more information, visit https://u18cup2024.com.

 The International Mountain Running U18 Cup has a long traidtion among the young monutain runners as you can see in the videos of the previous editions