The anticipation is palpable as the countdown begins for the much-awaited 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, celebrating its 25th anniversary alongside the momentous 40th anniversary of the World Mountain Running Association. Commencing in June and spanning a thrilling stretch until October, this season promises to be a landmark event in the world of mountain running.

Throughout its illustrious 25-year journey, the Mountain Running World Cup has witnessed the ascent of extraordinary athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Icons such as Andrea Mayr from Austria, Marco De Gasperi of Italy, Mateja Kosovelj of Slovenia and Jonathan Wyatt from New Zealand, today’s World Cup Manager, former WMRA President and 5 times Mountain Running World Champion, have graced the rugged trails, pushed the boundaries of human endurance and showcasing the pinnacle of mountain running prowess. Their feats have not only captivated audiences but have also inspired generations of aspiring athletes to reach for the summit of their own potential, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the World Cup.

Patrick Kipngeno at vertical Nasego 2023.  © Marco Gulberti

Jonathan Wyatt, WMRA World Cup Manager this year Valsir Mountain Running World Cup: “The 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup is getting closer and closer and its so exciting to look forward to the first competition after the months of planning!  We are so pleased to work with all 13 of the races this year in 10 locations in 8 countries.

Last week we were able to share ideas between all the races at the World Cup Race Organisers conference and to present the format and new supporting structure the WMRA has been able to put in place thanks to the support of World Cup sponsor Valsir.”

We will kick off on Friday 21 June in the USA at the stunningly beautiful location of Olympic Valley.  A real heroic race where the catch phrase is everyone who takes part is a rock star and that sums up the World Cup being both inclusive and fair to all the participants.

Featuring a spectacular racing calendar spanning 8 countries, 10 events, and 13 races, the 2024 season offers a thrilling array of locations and challenges. Upholding our commitment to fair play and athlete support, all Gold Label races will adhere to WADA-accredited anti-doping measures, while amplified travel assistance and an escalated prize pool, including a a total final prize fund will be 30.000 EUR and is provided by the WMRA.

Winners of the Valsir World Mountain Running Cup uphill finals at Sky Gran Canaria 2023. © Marco Gulberti

Tomor Sarf, President of the WMRA on the 40^th Anniversary of the WMRA and the 25^th Mountain Running World Cup:  “World Mountain Running Association is this year celebrating two important anniversaries:  our organization was founded 40 years ago and 25 years ago, the first edition of the World Cup was organized.

As WMRA is close connected to World Athletics (before IAAF), also the name of this circuit was first 15 years “Grand Prix” – as the name of a circuit of the Athletics Track & Field meetings. WMRA was founded in 1984, just one year after the first Athletic World Championships was held in Helsinki and already in summer 1985 the first World Mountain Running Championships were organized (in that time called World Trophy).

Starting with 4 international races in 1999, World Cup is in the “after covid time” composed of about 15 top mountain running races, held in different countries on several continents. Mountain runners from all over the world have recognized the circuit as “runners and environmentally friendly” competition: Every year, more and more elite and fun runners and coming to enjoy the races and the friendship that is still present in the mountain running family.”

This 2024, the journey kicks off on June 21st in the United States with the adrenaline-pumping Broken Arrow Skyrace Lake Tahoe, California, featuring two Gold Label races in the opening weekend. From there, the series traverses across familiar courses and introduces new challenges, showcasing the best of mountain running on a global stage.

In July, races are scheduled nearly every weekend, with highlights including the Grossglockner Mountain Run in Austria on July 7th , the Montemuro Vertical Run in Castro Daire Portugal on July 14th, and the iconic Montée du Nid d’Aigle in Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc, France on July 20^th. Italy’s Giir di Mont, renowned for its grueling ascent and descent, promises to captivate spectators with its breathtaking vistas.

August brings the legendary Sierre-Zinal race in Switzerland on August 10th, known for its challenging trails and elite competition. September 1st sees the World Cup landing in Casto, Italy for the Vertical and Trofeo Nasego , home of the World Cup sponsor, Valsir followed by the Classic distance event at Smarna Gora in Slovenia.

Philemon Ombongo Kiriago (KEN) wins the Sierre-Zinal 2023. © Marco Gulberti

The season culminates in Italy with the final race in Chiavenna, continuing the tradition of the vertical kilometer. The  Val Bregaglia Trail concludes the World Cup points tally, where the heroes of the season will be honored and prizes awarded.

As we embark on this milestone season, we invite fans, athletes, and supporters from around the globe to join us in celebrating the spirit of mountain running and the enduring legacy of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup. Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars for a season of unforgettable moments and exhilarating competition.