With just 3 days remaining until the 23rd World Masters Mountain Running Championship, all eyes are set on Canfranc, Spain. From September 13 to 15, this picturesque town in the heart of the Pyrenees will host a spectacular array of mountain running events, drawing over 1,400 athletes from 35 different nations.

Canfranc, nestled in the stunning Aragonese Pyrenees, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of its rugged and breathtaking landscapes. As the final preparations come together, excitement builds for a weekend of intense competition and scenic beauty.

This year’s championship will showcase the incredible talents and endurance of masterful mountain runners from around the globe. With a varied and challenging course that will test every athlete’s mettle, the event is set to highlight the finest in mountain running.

The 23rd World Masters Mountain Running Championship is shaping up to be a memorable occasion, marking the first time in the championship’s history that all three World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) modalities—Uphill, Classic, and Long Distance—will be featured in the program.

Remi Leroux at the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup stage in Canfranc 2023. Photo: ©Marco Gulberti

CANFRANC: A PYRENEAN GEM

Canfranc, located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, is a town with a rich history in mountain running. The CanfrancCanfranc race, now in its 18th year, has hosted three Mountain Running World Cup events and several Spanish Championships, establishing itself as one of the toughest and most respected races in the sport.

The experience gained from organising these events will ensure that the World Masters Championship runs smoothly and successfully. Moreover, it will serve as an excellent test for the CanfrancPirineos 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, which will also be held in Canfranc next year.

The 2024 championship is open to all masters runners aged 35 to 80 who are federated in athletics in their respective countries. This allows athletes from around the world to compete on a global stage, testing their skills against their peers in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.

PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

ALL DAY:  Arrival of Teams and Runners

11:00 – 13:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditation, etc. (sports hall)

11:00 – 13:00: TIC (sports hall)

17:00 – 20:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditations, etc. (sports hall)

17:00 – 20:00: TIC (sports hall)

THURSDAY 12th SEPTEMBER

ALL DAY: Arrival of Teams and Runners

11:00: Organisers’ Press Conference (Town Hall Plenary Room)

11:00 – 13:00:Delivery of Bibs, Press Accreditation, etc. (Sports Hall)

11:00 – 13:00: TIC (Sports Hall)

17:00 – 20:00: Delivery of Bibs, Press Accreditations, etc. (Sports Hall)

17:00 – 20:00: TIC (Sports Hall)

17:00: UPHILL 6K Technical Briefing (Municipal Schools and Online)

18:00: Opening Ceremony (Canfranc International Station)

FRIDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER

10:00: Start*, WMMRC MENS M35/M50, UPHILL 6K

10:30: Start*, WMMRC MENS M55/M75, UPHILL 6K

11:00: Start*, WMMRC WOMENS, UPHILL 6K

11:30: Start*, OPEN, UPHILL 6K

11:00 – 13:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditation, etc. (sports hall)

11:00 – 13:00: TIC (sports hall)

17:00 – 20:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditation, etc. (sports centre)

17:00 – 20:00: TIC (sports hall)

17:00: Technical Briefing LONGDISTANCE 34K (municipal and online schools)

18:00: Awards Ceremony UPHILL 6K (Canfranc International Station)

* Opening of the Call Room 30 minutes before each departure

SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER –

08:00 – 20:00: TIC (sports hall)

08.40: Start*, WMMRC MENS, LONGDISTANCE 34K

09.00: Start*, WMMRC WOMENS, LONGDISTANCE 34K

09.20: Start*, WMMRC OPEN, LONGDISTANCE 34K

11:00 – 13:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditation, etc. (sports hall)

17:00 – 20:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditations, etc. (sports centre)

17:20: Closing of Control WMMRC and OPEN 2024, LONGDISTANCE 34K

17:00: Technical Briefing CLASSIC 17K (municipal and online schools)

18:00: Awards Ceremony LONGDISTANCE 34K (Canfranc International Station)

* Opening of the Call Room 30 minutes before each departure

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 –

08:00 – 14:00: TIC (sports hall)

08:30: Start*, WMMRC MENS M35/M50, CLASSIC 17K

09:00: Start*, WMMRC MENS M55/M75, CLASSIC 17K

09:30: Start*, WMMRC WOMENS, CLASSIC 17K

09:45: Start*, OPEN, CLASSIC 17K

17:00: Awards Ceremony CLASSIC 17K (Canfranc International Station)

18:00: Closing Ceremony (Canfranc International Station)

* Opening of the Call Room 30 minutes before each departure

Full program:
https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/documents/programme.programa.canfranc.wmmrc.2024.pdf

ONE WEEKEND THREE RACES

The championship will run from Friday, 13th September, through Sunday, 15th September, in the Pyrenees, a mountain range known for its rugged beauty and demanding terrain. The event begins with the Uphill race, a grueling 6km climb with a staggering 1,000m elevation gain that will challenge even the most experienced mountain runners.

Saturday will feature the Long Distance race, a 34km course with a 2,000m elevation gain that demands both endurance and tactical acumen. This race is not just about speed but also about navigating the challenging landscape that makes Canfranc one of the premier destinations for mountain running.

The championship concludes on Sunday with the Classic race, a 17km event that includes a 1,000m ascent. This race has long been a staple of mountain running, and its inclusion in the championship will provide a fitting finale to what promises to be an extraordinary weekend of competition.

TEAM MANUAL

https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/documents/Team.Manual.Masters.English.pdf

MORE INFORMATION

https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/