The final day of the Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championship concluded in thrilling fashion this morning with the Classic Up&Down race, featuring 17 km and 1050 meters of elevation gained, where competitors braved the cold at the 8:30 am start.

With around 450 runners on the starting line and an impressive 439 crossing the finish, today was a celebration of true sportsmanship and perseverance, proving once again that age is just a number in mountain running.

By the time the first winners crossed the finish line at Canfranc’s international station, the temperatures had become more forgiving, but the grit and determination displayed by the athletes throughout the course remained a constant.

Canfranc International Station at the Classic Distance WMMRC- Canfranc 2024. Photo WMRA by Marco Gulberti

THE COURSE:

The course itself was a true test of endurance and technical ability. Following a similar layout to the long-distance race from the day before, runners first tackled a tough ascent, climbing steadily to Refugio Buenavista, the highest point of the course.

Upon reaching this summit, runners were rewarded with one of the best views of the Canfranc Valley – a moment aptly named “Buenavista.” From there, the race shifted into an exhilarating, fast-paced descent through the forest, with narrow, winding trails demanding both speed and precision. The rugged and demanding terrain provided a spectacular setting for the final race, with the Pyrenean peaks adding to the drama. The finish line, set against the imposing backdrop of Canfranc’s iconic international railway station, marked a perfect conclusion to a weekend filled with determination and passion.

Classic Distance WMMRC- Cnfranc 2024. Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Today’s Classic Up&Down race offered a fitting conclusion to the championship, with athletes of all ages and nationalities showcasing the essence of mountain running: resilience, skill, and a deep love for the mountains.

The World Masters Mountain Running Championship in Canfranc will be remembered not only for its fierce competition but also for the spirit of camaraderie and determination that defined the entire weekend. For those who competed, it was a true test of their abilities, and for the spectators, an inspiring display of what can be achieved at any age.

WOMEN’S RACE: MAGLIANO’S VINI, VEDI, VICI

In the women’s race, the familiar pattern from the past two days unfolded once more, with Camilla Magliano  (ITA) taking an early lead and holding it all the way to the finish. Her victory completed a clean sweep of the weekend’s events, making her one of the undisputed stars of this championship.

The star of the day was Italy’s Camilla Magliano (ITA), who clinched her third victory of the weekend. After dominating the long-distance and uphill races, Magliano completed her “vini, vedi, vici” cementing her status as one of the standout performers of this championship.

Her consistency and strength over the challenging Canfranc terrain were unmatched, and she crossed the finish line in first place, securing the overall women’s title once more. It was a fitting conclusion to a weekend that saw her crowned champion in every event she entered.

Camilla Magliano (ITA) wins at the Classic Distance WMMRC- Cnfranc 2024. Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Spain’s Margarita Fullana, who famously won the bronze medal in cross-country mountain biking at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, claimed 4th overall women and 1st in the W50 category similarely as she did in th Uphill race on Friday.

There was also a strong showing of international talent, with women from seven different nationalities in the overall top 10 of the race, and five different nationalities crowned as World Champions.

MEN’S RACE: DON’T STOP ME NOW.

The men’s overall race offered one of the day’s most intense battles, as Andrew Douglas (GBR) faced off against Eduard Hernández (ESP). The race began with a gruelling ascent, winding through the forested slopes and rocky technical sections that challenged even the most seasoned runners.

Douglas showcased his mastery on the mountain’s technical terrain, particularly excelling in the descents. The 7th place ranked in the World Mountain Running Championships in Patagonia 2019 showed his downhill speed and skill allowed him to gain crucial ground on Hernández, creating enough of a gap to claim the overall victory as well as the M35 gold medal.  Hernández fought valiantly but could not close the gap, settling for silver. This reversed the positions from Friday’s Uphill race, where Hernández took the win and Douglas finished third.

Andrew Douglas (GBR) win at the Classic Distance WMMRC- Cnfranc 2024. Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Italy’s success didn’t stop at the women’s race, with  Veteran runner Franco Torressani (ITA) added another gold to his extensive collection of championship victories. Having claimed titles in nearly all age categories over the years, the priest, Torressani,  proved once again that experience and resilience are the keys to success, securing first place in his age group and further bolstering Italy’s medal haul.

CLASSIC UP&DOWN DISTANCE RACE RESULTS

HERE

Teams HERE

GALLERY PHOTOS WMRA BY MARCO GULBERTI

All photo credits WMRA by Marco Gulberti

WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDUNO 2025

The 2025 World Masters Mountain Running Championship will be held in Meduno, Italy, organised by the Meduno 2025 LOC, FIDAL, Atletica San Martino, and Polisportiva Val Meduna.

Meduno is a village in the northeast of Italy, not far from Venice, and is well connected by three airports (Venice, Treviso, and Trieste) and major roads.

Known as the regional capital of paragliding, Meduno offers stunning natural landscapes at the foot of the Dolomites, along with experienced and welcoming organisers (having hosted the 2022 National Masters Mountain Running Championships and the 2021 European Off-Road Running Championships).

The event will feature three different courses for Masters from around the globe: an uphill race to Monte Valinis, a classic up&down course, and a long-distance race.

https://www.meduno2025wmmrc.org