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WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

Author: Tomo Sarf

Introducting WMRA’s Athletes’ Commission

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

One of the initiatives put forth by the WMRA Council at the January 2018 meeting, was to form an Athletes’ Commission. The purpose of the Commission is two-fold: to ensure that the Council of the WMRA is able to benefit from the perspective and expertise of past and current international athletes in its deliberations and decision making; and to provide international athletes with a formal mechanism for ensuring that their views on important matters are heard by the WMRA Council.

Council member Sarah Rowell (GBR) took the lead on the project and, with suggestions from the Council, outreached to athletes to be included in the launch of the Commission. This group of 12 has competed internationally to represent their nation in the mountain running space.

Jonathan Wyatt (NZL), WMRA president said, “I think traditionally there has been a bit of a disconnect between what is going on with the organisation of mountain running and what the athletes are experiencing.  New trends or problems never had a chance to be discussed. By starting a formal channel of communication we have a mechanism for athletes to have their say. My challenge to the panel is to make solid proposals and initiatives for the WMRA Council to consider. I see this as a great first step for athletes on the commission to learn about the running of their sport, have a say in the programming, and move from the commission and on to the Council itself.”

 

Price increases April 8 for World Masters Registration

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

Your calendar on June 2 should include the 18th WMA/WMRA Masters Mountain Running Chamiponships in Železniki, Slovenia.

Now it’s time to register!

Click HERE by April 7 at midnight to take advantage of early pricing.

If you’re on the verge of registering, this great video (Click HERE) will convince you to participate!

You will enjoy unspoilt nature with breathtaking views, right in the heart of the Julian Alps.

WMRA announces international ranking system

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), in concert with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has created a system to determine the world’s best mountain runners. This ranking system will be introduced in the 2018 season.

While the title of world champion will remain the greatest recognition for a mountain running athlete, the WMRA has decided to introduce this ranking system that recognizes more than just one performance, while at the same time creating a buzz in the sport which will last throughout the mountain running season. 

Jonathan Wyatt (NZL), WMRA president said, “”The idea for a world mountain running ranking was presented by Council member Giorgio Bianchi (ITA) who posed these questions to us, ‘Who is the top mountain runner in the year?  Is it the winner of the World Championships? Is it the World Cup winner?’  He felt we could come up with a system to let our mountain running community see where they are placed in the World of Mountain Running at any given time.  The ranking will be rolling so will run for 12 months behind and includes as many mountain races as we can bring into it.  Runners can use this information to present to their sponsors, and to be the ‘number 1 ranked mountain runner’ will add a bit of kudos for them.  It will allow us to bring a bit of excitement on a weekly basis as we update the ranking based on what happened at the races in terms of results and how often runners compete.

“We hope this is the start of something that can grow and become a popular topic in our sport,” continued Wyatt. “We’ll tweak and refine it based on what our athletes’ feedback tells us.”

As described by Wyatt, the system will be a rolling ranking. Results will be compiled and updated on a regular basis on the WMRA website. The ranking will take into account the results achieved by athletes in international competitions and include world, continental, and national championship results as well as races that will be accredited as “international” by the WMRA committee in order to attribute the ranking scores. These rankings will enable race organizers, press, athletes, and fans of the sport to track top results more easily and follow the sport throughout the season. There is no fee to events participating in the  WMRA Ranking System. Contact Georgio Bianchi for details, or to participate in the program.

Included in the ranking will be open men and open women, but will not include age-related categories.

The scale of the scores assigned varies according to the importance of the event, and is summarized in the following table: 

 

Classic World Championships,

Long Distance World Championships

Final ranking of the mountain running world cup

Mountain running world cup races

NACAC and European Mountain Running Champs

All other Area Mountain Running Champs

Mountain races in the Salomon Golden Trail series

National Mountain Running championships

Any other sanctioned mountain race

1st

100

30

50

50

30

30

20

20

2nd

70

25

40

40

25

25

17

17

3rd

50

20

30

30

20

20

14

14

4th

40

15

25

25

18

18

12

12

5th

35

10

20

20

16

16

10

10

6th

30

5

18

18

14

14

7

7

7th

25

4

16

16

12

12

5

5

8th

20

3

14

14

10

10

4

4

9th

15

2

12

12

8

8

3

3

10th

11

1

10

10

5

5

2

2

11th

10

  

8

          

12th

9

  

6

          

13th

8

  

4

          

14th

7

  

2

          

15th

6

  

1

          

16th

5

              

17th

4

              

18th

3

              

19th

2

              

20th

1

              

World Masters News: Registration and Shuttle Service

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

Organizers of the 18th WMA/WMRA World Masters Mountain Running Championships, to be held on Saturday, June 2, in Zelezniki, Slovenia, have extended the discounted early registration until April 7, 2018.

CLICK HERE to register.

In cooperation with the event’s two partner hotels,  CLICK HERE and  CLICK HERE,  the LOC is offering free transport to Železniki, Slovenia, and back the day before the race (to and from the opening ceremony) and on race day to all runners who will travel to the 18. MWMRCh by public transport. Please keep in mind: to benefit from this offer, you need to book your accommodation in one of these two hotels. If you are interested in this option, please contact by e-mail: [email protected]

The LOC can also organize your transport from the airport or a railway/bus station to the hotels for a fee. If you are interested in this option, please contact by e-mail:[email protected]

Some testimonials from athletes who have raced in Ratitovec follow.

1km to goAndrew Douglas (SCO), winner of Ratitovec World Club 2015: “I have really great memories of the race in Ratitovec. A very exciting atmosphere at the start and a tough, relentless climb to the top. Quite a technical path towards the finish, but once you get there, you are rewarded with stunning views of the mountains. The support at the finish was brilliant and helped as the legs started to really tire!”

Fujio Miyachi (JAP), multiple Ratitovec race participant: “Ratitovec is one of the most beautiful mountains in Slovenia. Slovenia is really green, has delicious food, people are kind and the race is great!”

Ana Cufer (SLO), Slovenian national champion and Ratitovec winner: “The region is famous for its beautiful nature. In the finish area, there are always lots of fans, good support and of course, wonderful views.”

Text and photos courtesy Brane Cencic, for the LOC

World Cup Race #7 – Smarna Gora

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #7
Smarna Gora

  • Smarna Gora

  • Smarna Gora

    Date: 12th October 2019
    Race:     10km
    Altitude Gain:     710m+/350m-
    Location:  Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Contact: Tomo Sarf
    Email:     [email protected]

  • Social Media

Race Information

Race Information: It all began in 1979. These were the years when many sportive and recreational events started. Right before reaching the independence of Slovenia in 1991 the first Record of Šmarna gora was organised with a more comprehensive organisational scheme. A perfect organisation was the reason for National championship in mountain running in 1992. With placing into the competition calendar of the international association for mountain runs in the end of 1990’s the Run got its firm support to be recognised internationally which reached its climax at the 25th anniversary in 2004 with the finals of the WMRA Grand Prix and being granted the prestigious status

Race Gallery

  • Smarna Gora 1

  • Smarna Gora 2

  • Smarna Gora 3

  • Smarna Gora 4

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep

World Cup Race #2 – Broken Arrow Skyrace

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #2
Broken Arrow Skyrace

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace

    Date: 23rd June 2019
    Race:     26km
    Altitude Gain:     1609m+ and 1609m-
    Location:  Squaw Valley, USA
    Contact: Ethan Veneklassen
    Email:     ethan@brokenarrowskyrace.com

  • Social Media

Race Information

Race Information: The Broken Arrow 26K covers a world-class loop that showcases some of Squaw Valley’s most famous terrain and is part of the US Skyrunner Series. From the valley floor at 6200 feet, runners will ascend nearly 5,300 feet as they circumnavigate the heralded terrain of North America’s most rugged and extreme ski resort. In true Skyrunning fashion, the course is characterized by a plethora of vertical gain over a technical and physically demanding landscape that is mostly above treeline.

Race Gallery

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 1

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 2

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 3

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 4

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 5

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 6

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 7

  • Broken Arrow Skyrace 8

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep

World Cup Race #3 – Grossglocknerlauf

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #3
Grossglocknerlauf 12.7km

  • Grossglocknerlauf

  • Grossglocknerlauf

    Date: 14th July 2019
    Race: 12.7    km
    Altitude Gain:     1494+
    Location:  Heiligenblut, Austria
    Contact: Julius
    Email:      [email protected]

  • Social Media

Race Information

Race Information: The selective route (12,67 km) of the famous Grossglockner Mountain Run leads through all alpine vegetation sections. After the start in Heiligenblut the run follows the river Möll. After passing the alpine mountain huts a first highlight is the famous Briccius chapel. After passing the “Trogalm” the athlets enter the area of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. The “Pasterze”, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps is the next highlight. The final climb of 900 meters challenges the competitors, but the stunning Grossglockner view, and the cheering crowd at the finish lines excuse anything. The total elevation gain is 1.494 meters. The Grossglockner Mountain Race is limited to 1.200 participants.

Race Gallery

  • Grossglocknerlauf 1

  • Grossglocknerlauf 10

  • Grossglocknerlauf 11

  • Grossglocknerlauf 12

  • Grossglocknerlauf 13

  • Grossglocknerlauf 14

  • Grossglocknerlauf 2

  • Grossglocknerlauf 4

  • Grossglocknerlauf 5

  • Grossglocknerlauf 6

  • Grossglocknerlauf 7

  • Grossglocknerlauf 8

  • Grossglocknerlauf 9

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep

World Cup Race #5 – Sierre-Zinal

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #5
Sierre-Zinal

  • Sierre-Zinal

  • Sierre-Zinal

    Date: 11th August 2019
    Race:     31 km
    Altitude Gain:     2200+ and 1100m-
    Location:  Sierre, Switzerland
    Contact: Race Office
    Email:     [email protected]

  • Social Media

Race Information

The Sierre-Zinal Race, also known as the Five 4000s Race, because of the view to 5 peaks above 4000 metres in altitude visible from parts of the track. Sierre-Zinal, is located in the heart of the Valais Alps of Switzerland and always brings a very competitive field of runners. The course starts in the Valais valley nearby the town of Sierre and climbs steeply and long up to small mountain villages along the course before dropping steeply in the final 4km to finish at the village of Zinal.

Race Gallery

  • Sierre Zinal 1

  • Sierre Zinal 3

  • Sierre Zinal 4

  • Sierre Zinal 5

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep

World Cup Race #6 – Drei-Zinnenlauf

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #6
Drei-Zinnenlauf

  • Drei-Zinnenlauf

  • Salomon Gore Tex Maxi Race

    Date: 14th September 2019
    Race:     16.5km
    Altitude Gain:     1350+
    Location:  Sexten (Sesto), Italy
    Contact: Marina
    Email:     [email protected] / [email protected]

  • Social Media

Race Information

Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run
17,5 km & 1.350 Höhenmeter

Tausend Läuferinnen und Läufer aus rund 20 Nationen führt der Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run durch die einzigartige Bergkulisse der Sextner Dolomiten, Dolomiten UNESCO Weltnaturerbe, hinauf ins Ziel auf 2.405 m über dem Meeresspiegel vor die weltbekannten Drei Zinnen.

Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run
17,5 km & 1.350 m di altitudine

Un migliaio di atleti, provenienti da 20 nazioni, corrono nello scenario mozzafiato delle Dolomiti di Sesto, Patrimonio Mondiale UNESCO, sino a 2.405 m di altitudine, sotto lo sguardo fiero delle Tre Cime.

Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run
17,5 km & 1,350 m of difference in altitude

Every year the Südtirol Drei Zinnen Alpine Run takes thousand of runners from around 20 countries through the unique mountain scenery of the Sesto Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage, up to the finish line at 2,450 m above sea level in front of the world-famous Three Peaks.

Race Gallery

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 1

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 10

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 11

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 12

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 13

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 14

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 15

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 16

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 2

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 3

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 4

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 5

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 6

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 7

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 8

  • Drei Zinnenlauf 9

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep

World Cup Race #4 – Snowdon International Mountain Race

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in World Cup.

Race #4
Snowdon International Mountain Race

  • Snowdon International Mountain Race

  • Snowdon International Mountain Race

    Date: 20th July 2019
    Race:     15.5km
    Altitude Gain:     TBC
    Location:  Llanberis, Great Britain
    Contact: Stephen
    Email:     [email protected]

  • Social Media

Race Information

Race Route

The main  International Snowdon Race, now it’s 44th year, is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best racers in Europe. For the 44 years its been organized by the local community and all voluntary members of the organization committee. That’s dedication for you.

On leaving the Sports Village (Start), follow the A4086 towards Capel Curig and turn right opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel. Continue over the cattle grid and up the tarmac road and then join the main Llanberis to Snowdon footpath (Gravel, rocky)

Follow the well defined path under the Half Way and Clogwyn bridges and continue to the summit of Snowdon Mountain. Take extra care when running near the railway line. Follow the in-and-out system to the summit and ensure that your number is recorded and make sure you cross over the electronic timing mat.

Please be aware of the walkers on the path as the path will be very busy and still open.

Follow the same route back to Llanberis, taking extra care when crossing the main road by the Royal Victoria Hotel and along the main road to the finish line. Retiring competitors must report to the nearest Marshal and at the finish. Always keep to the your left

Race Gallery

  • Snowdon 1

  • Snowdon 2

  • Snowdon 3

  • Snowdon 4

  • Snowdon 5

  • Snowdon 6

  • Snowdon 7

  • Snowdon 8

  • Snowdon 9

  • Snowdon 10

  • IAAF


  • WMRA


World Cup of Mountain Running by the World Mountain Running Association in partnership with IAAF

“Every runner can come and join us and enjoy these great events in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery – come and run the World Cup.”
Jonathan Wyatt.

 © World Mountain Running Association – Website Developed by: I’m The Black Sheep