The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is proud to unveil the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026: a truly 10-out-of-10 season, featuring 10 events across 10 countries, with 16 races, spanning three continents, and introducing four completely new events to the circuit.

The 2026 calendar celebrates both tradition and innovation, marking the WMRA’s 42nd anniversary and the 27th edition of the World Cup (formerly the Grand Prix). It brings together iconic classics and exciting new venues, reflecting the global reach and rapid growth of mountain running.

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 travels from central Portugal, to Asia, across the Atlantic, into the Alps, and finally to Canada for a spectacular finale.
Below is the week-to-week journey.

SÃO BRÁS CROSS – PORTUGAL – 19 APRIL

We begin in central Portugal, near Granja / Castro Daire, where São Brás Cross—one of the exciting new entries—opens the season with fast, technical and authentic Portuguese mountain terrain, perfect for early-season form-testing.

CHINA – 25–26 APRIL

One weekend later, the circuit moves to Asia, where China hosts an Uphill and an Up & Down race among the dramatic ridgelines and the Great Wall, marking a major step in the international expansion of the World Cup. *The dates are still provisional and subject to a possible change.

TRANSVULCANIA – SPAIN – 7–9 MAY

We welcome a classic among the classics, with a double weekend in Transvulcania and La Isla de La Palma. Set among the island’s spectacular volcanic landscapes, this iconic island will offer us another double weekend with the Uphill and the long-distance race offering altitude, heat, technical ridges and one of the most atmospheric experiences in mountain running.

BROKEN ARROW – USA – 19–21 JUNE

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 then crosses the Atlantic to the Sierra Nevada for another new addition: the Broken Arrow Skyrace.
Its remarkable growth showcases the rising global appeal of the World Cup.

“We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 Broken Arrow Skyrace will feature the largest prize purse of any trail race in the world — a total of $150,000 across three races, representing a 76.5% increase from our $85,000 purse in 2025. Winners of our flagship Broken Arrow 23k will take home $30,000.”

GROSSGLOCKNER MOUNTAIN RUN – AUSTRIA – 5 JULY

Back to Europe—and into the Alps—Austria hosts the legendary uphill race to the foot of the Grossglockner glacier, a pure vertical challenge that consistently delivers world-class performances.

VAUBAN MOUNTAIN TRAIL – FRANCE – 18–19 JULY

A brand-new French event. Set in the alpine corridors and historic fortifications of Briançon, Vauban offers both an Uphill and an Up & Down race, combining technical ridges with big views and a vibrant mountain sports culture.

SIERRE-ZINAL – SWITZERLAND – 8 AUGUST

“The Race of the Five 4000ers” remains one of the crown jewels of global mountain running. The finest athletes in the world gather here each year to chase fast times through the heart of the Valais.

VERTICAL NASEGO & TROFEO NASEGO – ITALY – 5–6 SEPTEMBER JULY

Italy hosts a classic season-defining weekend with Vertical Nasego (Uphill) and Trofeo Nasego (Long). The combination of steep climbs, fast descents and passionate local support makes this a pivotal block in the race for overall and category standings.

MARATON TRZECH JEZIOR – POLAND – 19 SEPTEMBER (LONG DISTANCE FINAL)

A new long-distance entry into the calendar and host of the Long Distance Final of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026. Set among the lakes and rolling landscapes of western Poland, this flowing, forested course adds both speed and scenic beauty to the late season, creating the perfect stage for decisive battles in the Long category.

DÉFI DES COULEURS – CANADA – 10–11 OCTOBER (FINALS)

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 concludes in Canada with a spectacular Finals weekend offering both an Uphill and the Classic Up & Downhill final race.
Autumn colours, technical forest trails and a festival-like atmosphere create a world-class environment for the final fights for podiums and points.

The WMRA is proud to introduce new category prize money for each of the World Cup disciplines:

• UPHILL
• CLASSIC UP AND DOWNHILL
• LONG DISTANCE

This complements the overall WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 prize money available to the Top 10 men and Top 10 women.

Across all races, total prize money will reach approximately €250,000.

The WMRA also maintains its long-standing commitment to clean sport:
up to 30% of every race’s registration fees is reinvested into anti-doping controls, ensuring that every single race undergoes testing.

The organisation expresses its pride and direction through the voices of its key figures.

Jonathan Wyatt, WMRA Mountain Running World Cup Manager, stated:

“It makes me incredibly proud to see how the effort of so many people over 42 years of the WMRA and 27 years of the World Cup is now bearing fruit. The progress of the last three years is the result of perseverance, trust and dedication to mountain running. The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 is a milestone in our sport’s global journey.”

Sarah Rowell, WMRA President, added:

“The WMRA Council and I are delighted to ratify this outstanding calendar. It reflects our mission and our constitution: to develop, promote and champion mountain running worldwide. With 10 countries, three continents and four exciting new events, the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 continues our positive path of global growth.”

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 is more international, more competitive and more ambitious than ever. With new prize structures, increased visibility and a calendar stretching across oceans and mountains, the 2026 season honours the sport’s heritage while driving it decisively into the future.

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is pleased to announce the newly created WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION, established following the conclusion of the 2025 WORLD MOUNTAIN & TRAIL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS (WMTRC) IN CANFRANC–PIRINEOS.
This renewed Commission strengthens WMRA’s commitment to athlete representation, transparency, and inclusive governance as the sport continues to evolve at global level.

The Commission operates under the coordination of WMRA Council member John BOWDEN (NZL) and brings together internationally experienced athletes dedicated to helping guide the future of mountain running.

The WMRA Athletes Commission exists to:

• Ensure the WMRA Council benefits from the perspective, experience, and technical insight of current and former international athletes.
• Provide a formal structure for athletes to express their views on matters affecting the discipline.
• Strengthen the sport through athlete-centred governance and continuous dialogue.

The Athletes Commission is composed of up to twelve members, selected according to WMRA’s established eligibility and election procedures. To ensure that the body reflects the competitive reality of modern mountain running, all members must have competed in a senior WMRA Championship or in the WMTRC Short Trail, Uphill, or Classic events within the past ten years. At least half of the Commission must consist of athletes who raced at the 2023 WMTRC in Innsbruck or the 2025 WMTRC, ensuring recent and relevant championship experience.

In order to maintain balanced international representation, no more than two athletes from any single country may serve simultaneously. Members are appointed for a four-year term and may stand for a second term provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

The Athletes Commission serves as a consultative and advisory body whose primary responsibility is to support the WMRA Council by offering insights grounded in the best interests of mountain running. Its members raise relevant matters directly through the designated liaison, currently Council member John Bowden, and may provide structured feedback and technical guidance whenever requested by the Council.

The Commission also facilitates a consistent and open communication flow between the global athlete community and the WMRA, helping ensure that the needs, concerns, and aspirations of athletes remain central to governance. While its work is global in scope, the Commission operates mainly through electronic communication, allowing seamless collaboration across continents. In all its actions, the Commission is expected to uphold and reinforce the spirit, values, and integrity of mountain running.

The renewed Athletes Commission reflects WMRA’s long-standing belief that mountain running must grow WITH and FOR its athletes.
It plays a crucial role in:

• Supporting WMRA’s global development strategy
• Enhancing athlete involvement in governance
• Strengthening equality, diversity, and transparency
• Ensuring the sport continues to evolve with integrity and athlete welfare at its core

With just ten days left to apply, race organisers have one last chance to be part of the 2026 WMRA World Cup — a circuit that brings together the athletes topping the official WMRA World Ranking across Uphill, Classic and Long-Distance disciplines.

As the mountain running community reflects on an exceptional 2025 season — spanning three continents, eight countries and more than fifteen spectacular races — the WMRA looks ahead to 2026 with excitement and momentum.

Registration is still open for races wishing to be part of the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, and organisers have until 21 November 2025 to apply.

This next edition promises once again to unite the sport’s global elite across the WMRA’s three iconic disciplines — Uphill, Classic, and Long Distance — all of which are represented in the WMRA World Ranking .

The WMRA World Ranking captures the world’s leading mountain runners across every discipline — from short, steep uphill specialists to long-distance performers — highlighting the true breadth of talent in the sport.

In the current ranking, Philemon Kiriago (KEN) leads the men’s standings with 562 points, followed by Paul Machoka (KEN) and Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN). Among the women, Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (KEN) tops the table ahead of Scout Adkin (GBR) and Gloria Chebet (KEN).

This ranking mirrors the performances of 2025’s most successful athletes. Philemon Kiriago, the 2025 WMRA World Cup Champion and World Champion in the Classic Up & Downhill race at the WMTRC Canfranc-Pirineos, exemplifies consistency across the series.

On the women’s side, Nina Engelhard (GER) — ranked 5th — showcased her quality despite a limited race calendar, having previously excelled at the 2024 WMRA World Cup stage at Grossglockner Mountainrun (Austria) and claimed two medals at the WMTRC in CanfrancPirineos 2025. Her results, along with those of Andrea Mayr (AUT) and Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN), highlight how the ranking represents not only frequency of competition but also the depth of performance across distances.

Race organisers joining the World Cup can apply in one or more of WMRA’s three disciplines, each offering unique racing experiences and challenges.

• Uphill (3–12 km): Featuring intense elevation gain between 500 m+ and 1250 m+, these races test pure climbing power.
  Races: Grossglockner Mountainrun and Vertical Nasego — iconic uphill challenges that define the discipline.
• Classic Up & Downhill (9–21 km): Blending climbs and descents, these races highlight technical skill and rhythm.
  Races: Šmarna Gora Race or Vauban Mountain Trail — fast, dynamic races where World Cup points are often decided.
• Long Distance (22–45 km): Demanding endurance and strategy, these races often resemble marathon-length adventures through mountain terrain.
  Races: Broken Arrow, Sierre-Zinal or Giir di Mont where stamina meets elevation.

Each of these disciplines contributes directly to the WMRA World Ranking, which aggregates results across the circuit and offers a transparent reflection of global performance.

The WMRA World Ranking is a rolling ranking — meaning it updates live, every day. Points from exactly 365 days ago automatically drop out of the total, and only results from the last 364 days are counted. In practice, if a race took place 365 days ago, it no longer contributes to an athlete’s Current World Ranking.

This system ensures that the table always reflects who is strongest right now, based on consistent form over the past year.

What sets the WMRA World Ranking apart is its transparency and accessibility. The calculation of points is fully explained and publicly available, allowing athletes, organisers and fans to clearly understand how rankings are determined avoiding closed or subjective criteria. Every race and performance counts in a measurable, comparable way, creating a fair and data-driven reflection of global performance.

Within this framework, the ranking provides several distinct views:

• Current World Ranking: The athlete’s ranking based on all results from the past 365 days, updated daily as older results roll off.
• Best Ranking (past 12 months): The highest position achieved by an athlete at any point within the last 365 days; this changes on the day their best result becomes 365 days old.
• Best Lifetime Ranking: The athlete’s best-ever position in the WMRA World Ranking.
• Calendar Year Ranking: The athlete’s ranking for a fixed year (1 January–31 December), showing their final position within that specific season.

With the registration window closing soon, race organisers are encouraged to submit their applications and join a circuit that has become the beating heart of global mountain running.

By joining the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, organisers gain visibility within the international calendar, attract elite athletes — including those topping the WMRA World Ranking — and play a role in shaping the sport’s next chapter.

More details about the 2026 WMRA World Cup — including the full race calendar, new destinations and athlete line-ups — will be unveiled soon. What’s already certain is that the upcoming season will continue to celebrate the essence of mountain running: endurance, diversity and passion at every altitude.

📅 Registration closes: 21 November 2025
🔗 Apply now: https://www.wmra.info/about/documents/mountain-running-world-cup/
🔗 View the WMRA World Ranking: ranking.wmra.info

All pictures coypright:  WMRA- Marco Gulberti

BRITISH AND ITALIAN SUCCESS AT THE 42ND WOMEN’S RELAY AND 68TH TROFEO VANONI

The streets and steep trails of Morbegno were alive once again with passion, tradition and top-level mountain running as the 42nd Vanoni Women’s Relay and the historic 68th Trofeo Vanoni delivered a thrilling day of competition. Record numbers on the start line, international victories and dramatic lead changes crowned this latest chapter in one of Italy’s most iconic relay events.

rofeo Vanoni, known as the “World Mountain Running Relay Classic”, continues to grow both in prestige and participation. This year welcomed 178 men’s relay teams and a record 70 women’s pairs to challenge the technical course that winds through the heart of Morbegno and up to Arzo.
This edition confirmed once again why Vanoni stands as a reference point in the global mountain running community, combining fierce competition with an unforgettable atmosphere.

A record field set the tone for an intense women’s race from the opening steps. Nancy Scott (Snowdon Race Team) led early over the summit. Slovenia’s experienced Lucija Krkoc surged on the descent, changing in first place with the second-fastest split of the day (21:54) and taking a 43-second advantage over the British squad.

Behind her, Beatrice Bianchi (La Recastello) powered the downhill to reach the exchange in third, while Elisa Sortini (Atl. Alta Valtellina) positioned her team in fourth after strong descending skills.

The second leg reshuffled everything. Emmie Collinge, former European champion, flew to the front before the summit and never looked back. She not only sealed back-to-back victories for Atl. Alta Valtellina, but also clocked the fastest time of the day (21:46), coming close to the event record set by Gaggi & Belotti.

Slovenia held on for a brilliant second place thanks to Klara Mocnik, while Eve Pannone brought the Snowdon Race Team home in third after a spectacular duel with Alice Gaggi in the final metres.

Scotland completed the top five, confirming the increasingly international reach of the event.

RESULTS 

The men’s race delivered a major upset and scenes of jubilation for Carnethy Hill Racing, who became only the second British squad in history to win Trofeo Vanoni. Young, fearless and technically superb, they overcame both pre-race favourites SA Valchiese and Recastello Athletica.

The first leg saw Alberto Vender (SA Valchiese) attack the descent and hand over in 29:38. Isacco Costa (Recastello) and Matthew Knowles (England) stayed well within reach, both finishing under 30 minutes.

Recastello’s Andrea Elia then launched a bold move, cresting Arzo with a lead of more than one minute over Valchiese and Carnethy’s Finn Lydon. But the twist was still ahead.

Valchiese took back control on the descent, setting up a dramatic final leg. On the decisive climb, Finlay Todd of Carnethy surged past both leading Italians and stormed into the lead. Roared on by the electric Morbegno crowd, he maintained focus and power to the line, securing an unforgettable victory in 1:31:20.

They also claimed the MEMORIAL GP BOTTA, awarded to the first foreign relay.

Recastello finished second (+31”), taking the regional relay title, while SA Valchiese completed the podium in third (1:32:36).

• France fourth thanks to Theodore Klein’s excellent run
• England fifth in 1:34:00
• Brayan Rodriguez Flores (Mexico) clocked the fastest time of the day (29:36)
• Tine Zizmond (Slovenia) was the fastest U23 in 31:10

RESULTS

After an unforgettable 2025 season — taking the World Cup across three continents, through eight different countries and over fifteen exhilarating races — preparations are already underway for the next global mountain-running adventure. Registration for races wishing to be part of the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup is now open and will remain available until 21 November.

The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup is set to raise the bar once again, building on a year that showcased everything from rugged alpine classics to striking high-altitude venues. The past season also marked a milestone with the introduction of a World Cup race in China, expanding the sport’s global footprint and unlocking exciting new horizons.

With registrations now officially open, anticipation is mounting. Athletes, fans and mountain-running communities can look forward to a series that aims to be even more international, more competitive and more inspiring than ever. Whether chasing podiums, supporting from the sidelines, or following the action from afar, everyone is invited to be part of the journey.

More details and all documents to be found here— including the full calendar, new host destinations and star-studded athlete line-ups — will be revealed soon. One thing, however, is already certain: the 2026 season is shaping up to be truly spectacular.

Get ready for 2026.

FIERCE INTERNATIONAL LINE-UP FOR A HISTORIC EDITION IN MORBEGNO

With registrations officially closed, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the Trofeo Vanoni. This year marks the 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF GS CSI MORBEGNO, organisers of the event since 1955, and delivers record participation numbers:
441 young athletes in the Minivanoni, 70 women’s relay teams and 175 men’s relay teams, totalling 1,106 registered athletes. A historical milestone.

Adding to the intrigue, Alice Gaggi (2013 World Champion) and Emma Clayton (2013 World silver medallist) will clash again 11 years after their iconic battle. Elite showdowns, international rivalries and passionate local support will ignite the streets of Morbegno on Sunday 26 October.

The defending champions Emmie Collinge & Elisa Sortini (Atl. Alta Valtellina) are back after their impressive 44:49 victory in 2024, just one second off the all-time record. With the course perfectly suited to Collinge’s powerful climbing, they aim for another triumph.

But competition will be fierce:

• La Recastello: Alice Gaggi (local hero) and Beatrice Bianchi (fearless descender aiming to turn two silvers into gold)
• Snowdon Race Team (GB): Nancy Scott (fresh from the World Championships) and Eve Pannone (third-fastest Vanoni time in 2024)
• British National Teams: two strong pairs led by Hannah Havelock-All, Celia Powell, Evie Warren & Emma Moran Clayton
• Mexico: national champions Nadia Izquierdo Salazar & Dafne Camilla Espinoza Aguayo debuting with high ambitions
• Poland: surprise stars of 2024 return with Monika Ogórek and talented debutant Natalia Dębska
• SportsShoes Pro Alpine Trail Team (World Championships duo): Madlen Kappeler & Amelie Lane
• Scotland: two competitive teams led by Kirsty Oldham (top-6 Snowdon Race)
• Slovenia: the experienced Lucija Krkoc joins rising star Klara Močnik
• Ireland & Wales: world-championship athletes ready to fight for top positions

A truly world-class line-up ready to deliver electrifying action.

Every major powerhouse in European mountain running is converging on Morbegno.

ITALIAN CONTENDERS

Recastello fields the reigning Italian relay champions:
• Isacco Costa (Italian classic champion)
• Luca Magri (Snowdon Race winner)
• Andrea Elia (Italian vertical champion)

President Luciano Merla openly dreams of restoring Recastello glory.

However, SA Valchiese, defending champions and crowd favourites, return determined to repeat. Despite the injury of Filosi, they bring:
• Alberto Vender (best time in 2024)
• Luca Merli (World Championships team bronze)
• Gabriel Bazzoli (Italian junior champion, 2024)

INTERNATIONAL ARMIES READY FOR BATTLE

The unmatched France, winner 8 times in the past 14 years and only foreign nation to win the Trophy outright, arrives with:
• Théodore Klein (European bronze medallist)
• Mathieu Le Fur
• Corentin Capelier (French national champion)

Great Britain sends multiple high-level squads:
• Snowdon Race Team: McGrath, McCourt, Cunliffe
• Carnethy Hill Racing Team: Knowles, Lydon, Todd
(dangerous dark horses with world-level credentials)
• England A/B Teams: Cumming, Walker, Collier, Fisher, Sharrock & George Foster (top-10 Worlds)
• Scotland: strong senior line-up and a U20 development team

Mexico fields its strongest team ever, aiming to improve on last year’s 9th place:
Rodriguez Flores (Classic Worlds top-10), Gomez Ponce & Espinoza Aguayo

Other high-potential challengers include:
• US Aldo Moro Paluzza (Galassi, Buttazzoni, Preschern)
• Gemonatletica (Moia, Fadi, Simonetti)
• Germany (debut): Bergmann, Peterzelt, Franke
• North Wales featuring Manchester Marathon champion Josh Griffiths

GS Orobie, led by course record holder Alex Baldaccini, seeks a breakthrough race.

The stage is set for an explosive confrontation.

Just one week after the closing of the CanfrancPirineos 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, the organizers have begun making the first estimates of the event’s economic impact in the Pyrenees, as well as assessing its global reach through livestream broadcasts, social media, and both specialized and mainstream media. All indicators suggest that the World Championship has exceeded all expectations on both fronts.

While awaiting more precise data, it is already clear that the CanfrancPirineos World Championship has generated a significant economic impact in the region, with 100% hotel occupancy during the week of competition and a direct effect on other sectors such as transport, hospitality, and retail.

The corridor formed by Jaca and Canfranc became, for two weeks, the economic engine of the entire region, with the arrival of thousands of visitors, along with athletes and staff, driving up consumer spending and further strengthening the CanfrancPirineos brand on a global scale.

A major contributor to this success has been the spectacular worldwide viewership of the livestreamed races in English, French, and Spanish. One of the organizers’ key goals was to position the Pyrenees as a global destination for trail running, and the daily race broadcasts have been instrumental in achieving that objective.

Fernando Sánchez, mayor of Canfranc, explained: “Our challenge was to host a World Championship tailored to the size of our town, but without limiting the capacity of the organization, the well-being of the athletes, or the international reach of the event. Today, we can say we achieved everything we set out to do, and more—we’ve made this a more human, more personal championship, and that’s something the athletes have recognized and appreciated.”

Sarah Rowell, President of the WMRA (World Mountain Running Association), speaking on behalf of the global governing body for Mountain and Trail Running—formed by WMRA, IAU, and ITRA—highlighted that “thirteen nations have won medals, including some like Nepal and Canada for the first time, which demonstrates the global reach and growing depth of trail and mountain running.”

Rowell described CanfrancPirineos as having hosted an “outstandingly successful WMTRC25. We’ve enjoyed four days of thrilling competitions with the world’s best mountain and trail runners on the stunning and demanding terrain of the Aragón region in Spain.” She added, “Reading the messages of thanks from so many member federations as their teams travel back home around the world shows just how much their work has been appreciated.”

Alex Varela, Director of the World Championships, also emphasized the feedback from participating athletes: “Everyone praised the excellence of the Pyrenean mountains, the spectacular race routes, and the beauty of our landscapes. The level of competition has been the highest in history—we witnessed a sporting spectacle each day thanks to the effort, sacrifice, and dedication of athletes from all over the world.”

Now it is the turn of Cape Town, South Africa, which will host the World Championships in 2027. On the closing day in Canfranc, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe, said:

“As we accept the responsibility of hosting the 2027 World Championships, we do so with humility, passion, and purpose. We are learning from the best—and having been part of the Observer Programme here in Canfranc, we have gained insights that will guide us in delivering an event that honours this legacy.”

The Organising Committee for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships (WMMRC) 2026 confirms that the official event website is now live and athlete registrations are open for the championship weekend in Janské Lázn, Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), 26–28 June 2026.

The official WMMRC 2026 website is live with race details, schedules, maps/GPX, accommodation tips, and local guidance: https://wmmrc2026.maratonstav.cz/en

Registration is open with a tiered fee calendar—early entry is recommended to secure preferred pricing and team planning. A continually updated start-list/entry section will keep participants and managers informed as national delegations submit their rosters.

https://registrace2.onlinesystem.cz/detail/event/068ad46d-c1cb-4a45-b5e4-084ef55e363c

• Uphill: approx. 5 km with ~740 m of climbing, Friday 26 June 2026, 13:00. A sharp ascent from the colonnade area up to Černá hora, designed for pure vertical specialists.
• Long Distance: approx. 21 km with ~1,200 m of ascent, Saturday 27 June 2026, 08:30. A classic mountain half-marathon profile on varied terrain, starting and finishing by the town colonnade.
• Up & Downhill: approx. 9 km with ~550 m of elevation, Sunday 28 June 2026, 09:00. A fast, technical circuit that rewards smart pacing and confident descending.

All three races are centred around the town core to simplify transfers, support team logistics, and maximise the championship atmosphere for athletes and supporters.

The World Masters Mountain Running Championships unite athletes from masters age groups around the globe in a celebration of uphill running, national pride, and lifelong sport. After the success of Meduno 2025, the 2026 edition in Janské Lázně builds on a proven formula: welcoming host communities, clear race formats, and courses that showcase the character of the mountains.

The Rekord Šmarne gore delivered another blistering edition on the steep, root-strewn trail from Tacen to the summit, with Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) winning the men’s title in 10:33 ahead of teammate Patrick Kipngeno (KEN). Slovenia’s Luka Kovačič led the home charge in third as the front of the field pressed deep into all-time territory.

A pure uphill blast: roughly 1.8 km with about +360 m of climb, climbing steep forest trails—most notably the “Čez korenine” line—before topping out on the summit. Pacing is everything; a handful of seconds can separate the entire top ten, and sub-11 minutes is the realm of the exceptional.

On this short, highly technical climb (approx. 1.8 km, +360 m, rocks and roots), the raw numbers underline just how extreme the front-end effort was:

• A 10:59 ascent (the previous reference mark) equates to roughly 1,966 vertical meters per hour.

• 10:33 projects to about 2,047 vertical meters per hour — a staggering rate given the footing and gradient.
  That’s “only” 360 meters of gain, not 2,000, but the instantaneous vertical speed sustained for ten-plus minutes is world-class on this terrain. The question now is obvious: will we see a sub-10 on Šmarna Gora in the near future? The margins suggest it’s no longer theoretical.

TOP 5 — MEN
Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN) — 10:33
Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) — 10:46
Luka Kovačič (SLO) — 11:04
Klemen Španring (SLO) — 11:12
Tiziano Moia (ITA) — 11:17

TOP 5 — WOMEN
Klara Velepec (SLO) — 14:30
Arianna Del Pino (ITA) — 14:58
Klementina Lemut (SLO) — 16:01
Maruša Cijan Brkič (SLO) — 16:12
Manca Mlekuž (SLO) — 16:29

Šmarna Gora’s time-trial format keeps the clock—and the record—front and center. With multiple athletes now clustered within striking distance, the sub-10 barrier has moved from speculation to a realistic target for the right athlete on the right day.

The Šmarna Gora Record returns this morning to the northern edge of Slovenia’s capital, delivering a short, savage test tailor-made for the sport’s pure climbers. Run as a solo time trial from Tacen to the summit of Šmarna Gora, the race traditionally sets the tone for the weekend before Sunday’s classic event.

The course at a glance

A pure uphill blast: roughly 1.8 km with about +360 m of climb, climbing steep forest trails—most notably the “Čez korenine” line—before topping out on the summit. Pacing is everything; a handful of seconds can separate the entire top ten, and sub-11 minutes is the realm of the exceptional.

Records & recent context

The men’s all-time best sits at 10:59, a mark that reshaped what many thought possible here. In 2024, Luka Kovačič stopped the clock at 11:03—the Slovenian national record and the third-fastest time ever—and he returns today hunting both a three-peat and the absolute mark.

Today’s headline

• Richard Omaya ATUYA (KEN, 1996) — Frontline engine from Kenya’s powerhouse squad; thrives when the gradient bites.

• Timotej BEČAN (SLO, 1996) — Evergreen Slovenian uphill specialist; skipped Canfranc due to work but won in Bergen the same weekend—form clearly intact.

• Patrick KIPNGENO (KEN, 1993) — One of the era’s premier climbers; if splits are on record pace, expect him to roll the dice.

• Luka KOVAČIČ (SLO, 1995) — Defending champion 2023 & 2024 and national record holder (11:03). Knows every meter and exactly where to attack.

• Michael Selelo SAOLI (KEN, 1996) — Dangerous in short, steep formats and part of Kenya’s deep lineup.

• Klemen ŠPANRING (SLO, 2002) — Ski-alpinism talent (U23 world champion in the vertical; 5th among seniors). Said after Canfranc that he prefers it steeper—Šmarna Gora delivers just that.

Extra spice: the Canfranc connection

The newly crowned world champion from Canfranc is slated to start, joined by several of his national teammates. With that momentum rolling into Ljubljana, expect aggressive splits from the Kenyan camp and sharp responses from Slovenia’s best.

Storylines to watch

• The record chase: Kovačič came within four seconds of the absolute best last year. With cool temps and dry footing, the window is open.

• Kenyan depth vs. home-soil savvy: International firepower meets local course knowledge—who times the effort best over the final ramp?

• Young gun on the rise: Španring’s trajectory suggests another jump; if he’s close at halfway, he could podium again.

• Bečan’s Bergen bounce: A recent win underlines his consistency—don’t let the quiet build-up fool you.

About the race and setting

Launched in 1991 to officially crown the fastest ascent of Ljubljana’s beloved training hill, the Šmarna Gora Record is a European classic of the vertical game. The route climbs from the Sava-side neighborhoods into mixed woodland, finishing on the Šmarna Gora/Grmada massif with sweeping views back to the city.

Today’s schedule

• Women (all categories): 10:00

• Men (all categories): 10:30
  Start: Tacen (Šmarna Gora foothills) → Finish: Šmarna Gora summit