In just three weeks, the world’s top master mountain runners will converge on Canfranc, Spain, for the 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championship. This year’s event promises to be truly historic, 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.
The Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championships have already set new records, with an impressive 1,400 athletes from 35 different countries registered to compete. In this regard, Álex Varela (Director WMMRC 2024) mentioned: “As Director of the WMMRC 2024, we would like to express our gratitude to the WMRA and RFEA for their trust and support in selecting our event to host this championship. We believe it is already a success to have these competitions held in our country and in our Pyrenees. Furthermore, we are proud to have set a new participation record, with nearly 1,400 runners from 35 countries, 70% of whom are from outside our borders. As always, the Canfranc-Canfranc, through its dedicated organising team and volunteers, will strive to deliver the best edition of this Championship in history.”
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 and older 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.
Photo: ©Marco Gulberti
Joyce Muthoni Njeru at the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup stage in Canfranc 2023. Photo: ©Marco Gulberti
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.
Uphill 6km
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.
Long Distance 34km
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.
Classic Race 17km
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.
THE MEDALS
Finally, as a preview of the rewards awaiting the champions, please find below an image of the medals that will be presented to the future Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running champions as they cross the finish line.
