Skip to main content
WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

WMRA COUNCIL CONVENES IN MONACO FOR ANNUAL MEETING:

FINAL MEETING AHEAD ELECTIONS.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Council held its annual meeting in Monaco last week, marking the final gathering of the current council before the upcoming elections in September. Present from the Council included president Tomo Šarf (SLO), secretary Nancy Hobbs (USA), treasurer Sarah Rowell (GBR), Paul Smereciuc (ROU), Giorgio Bianchi (ITA), John Bowden (NZL) and Marcel Matanin (SVK).

The Council meeting focused on key discussions shaping the future of the sport, including its partnership with World Athletics and the involvement on the WA Advisory Group on Mountain and Trail Running, updates on the 2025 Mountain Running World Cup, the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and other 2025 international competitions plus developments regarding the Athletes’ Commission.

Following the Council meeting, members of the WMRA participated in two days of high-level meetings hosted by World Athletics, bringing together representatives from the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), the International Trail Running Association (iTRA), and the WMRA. The meetings, held on 10-11 February 2025, discussed strategic plans for the development of mountain and trail running including:

  • Updates on the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and the bidding process for the 2027 edition.
  • Coordination of media and promotion of the discipline between all partners.
  • The future creation of a World Athletics label programme for mountain and trail races.
  • The development and success of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup.
  • Strengthening the anti-doping programme for the discipline with the Athletics Integrity Unity.
  • Updating of World Athletics Rule 57.
  • Consider ways to move towards inclusion of mountain and trail within the Olympics.

Furthermore, the World Athletics Advisory Group on Mountain and Trail Running, established over a year ago, continues to play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s development. This working group was formed to advise the World Athletics Competition Commission on all aspects of mountain and trail running.

In close collaboration with iTRA, WMRA, IAU, Pro Trail Runners Association and World Athletics representatives, efforts are being made to support the sport’s growth, integrity, and long-term development through a cooperative approach with key stakeholders.

With the current Council’s tenure coming to an end, the September elections will usher in new leadership that will carry forward these discussions and implement strategic initiatives for the disciplines growth.

The IAU was represented by President Nadeem Khan and General Secretary Hilary Walker, while iTRA’s delegation included President Janet Ng and General Secretary Enrico Pollini. WMRA’s leadership was present with President Tomo Šarf, Secretary Nancy Hobbs, and Treasurer Sarah Rowell. World Athletics’ representation was led by Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation, and Natacha Manchado WA Running Project Coordinator alongside other key figures from the governing body and the WA Council.