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CanfrancPirineos World Mountain and Trail Running Championship: Six Months to Go

Written by Hector Rubio on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide, Uncategorized.

THE CANFRANCPIRINEOS WORLD MOUNTAIN AND TRAIL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP AIMS TO BREAK PARTICIPATION RECORD WITH SIX MONTHS TO GO

With just six months to go until the opening of the third edition of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship in CanfrancPirineos (Spain), expectations are excellent regarding both participation and quality. More than 1,400 athletes from over 75 countries are expected to compete for the ten world titles on offer.

The small town of Canfranc, located in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Spain), is preparing to host the Championship from September 24 to 28. It will be the first time that Spain and the Pyrenees host this level of international competition. Canfranc, with just 600 inhabitants, is ready for the challenge.

This is confirmed by its mayor, Fernando Sánchez, who states, “everything is going according to plan… we continue to look for new sponsors and private collaborators.”

Recently, the Government of Spain, through the Higher Sports Council, announced a €400,000 grant for the event. The Championship is organized under World Athletics, with support from the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), International Trail Running Association (ITRA), International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA).

Alessio Punzi, Head of Running at World Athletics, expressed excitement: “We can’t wait… there won’t be shortage of drama and entertainment… the landscape is a protagonist.”

Sarah Rowell, representing WMRA, ITRA, and IAU, said, “both excitement and expectations are high.” She highlighted the courses as true tests of mountain and trail running skills and praised the collaboration with Alex Varela, his team, and the Royal Spanish Federation.

Alex Varela, Event Director of CanfrancPirineos 2025, emphasized the volunteers’ involvement, town enthusiasm, and the high technical level of the circuits: “These are very demanding trails… requiring the maximum effort from the athletes.”

The Championship will feature more than 1,400 athletes from over 70 countries across five categories: ‘Uphill,’ ‘Classic –senior and U20–,’ ‘ShortTrail,’ and ‘LongTrail’.
Spain and the Pyrenees will host this major event for the first time in Canfranc, home to the iconic International Railway Station, soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

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CANFRANC 2024 LONG DISTANCE WORLD MASTERS MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS A THRILLING DAY OF COMPETITION

Written by Hector Rubio on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide.

This morning, the second day of the Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championships (WMMRC), featured the Long Distance race, offering a formidable 34 km course with 2000 meters of elevation gain.

Starting at the historic Canfranc International Station, athletes faced early temperatures of around 6°C, with the heat rising to 20-22°C by the time the first competitors crossed the finish line. The dramatic shift in conditions added another layer of challenge to an already demanding course. Around 400 athletes lined up at the start, and despite the tough terrain, an impressive 90% of participants successfully completed the race, showcasing the resilience and preparation of the field.


Canfranc International Station at the Long Distance WMMRC- Cnfranc 2024. Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti


THE COURSE: THE SPIRIT OF CANFRANC

The 34 km course featured a combination of steep ascents and descents, featuring a series of technical zigzags, testing the athletes’ endurance and skill. Much of the route followed ancient paths constructed decades ago to protect Canfranc from avalanches and falling rocks. The protective mountains of Los Arañones shield Canfranc-Estación and the valley floor from natural hazards, with the paths still standing as a testament to the area’s rich history.

Today’s race was run under a clear, sunny sky, in stark contrast to yesterday’s wintry conditions. As the athletes moved through the rugged rocky terrain, they were treated to the incredible beauty of the pure Pyrenees landscape, a sharp departure from the previous day’s snow and freezing temperatures.

The course, lined with jagged rocks and steep cliffs, showcased the dramatic scenery of the region. With crystal-clear views of the surrounding peaks, runners had to balance their admiration of the stunning environment with the intense focus required to navigate the technical sections safely. These rocky paths, combined with the rising temperatures, tested the athletes’ endurance in a different but equally challenging way compared to yesterday’s snow-packed trails.

MEN’S RACE: THOMAS ROACH (GBR) TAKES CONTROL.

In the men’s race, Thomas Roach (GBR), who had already shown his strength with a second-place finish in the previous day’s uphill race, took charge from the very start. Leading from the first meters, Roach demonstrated his mastery of both the technical terrain and the long-distance format. By the time he crossed the finish line, he had pulled an astonishing 10-minute lead over his nearest competitor, showcasing both his tactical intelligence and physical resilience.

Roach, as well as the other participants, had to carefully navigate the switchbacks, not just during the ascents but also during the descents, where concentration was essential to avoid losing precious time or making a misstep on the rocky terrain. Every single uphill meter gained was hard-fought, with the runners weaving through narrow paths that were designed to protect Canfranc’s historic International Station from avalanches and falling rocks.

Despite the sunnier, warmer weather, the difficulty of the course did not wane, and Roach’s ability to dominate this technical terrain was a testament to his exceptional skill in mountain running.


Thomas Roach (GBR) at the Long Distance Canfranc 2024 WMMRC- Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

WOMEN’S RACE: MAGLIANO’S DOUBLE GOLD.

In the women’s race, Camilla Magliano (ITA) followed a similar script to her performance yesterday. The Italian athlete, fresh off her victory in the uphill race, took control from the start and never looked back. Her pace and endurance were unmatched, and she crossed the finish line in a Top 25 overall position, an extraordinary feat given that the men started 20 minutes earlier.


Camilla Magliano, winner at the Long Distance Canfranc 2024 WMMRC- Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Magliano’s consistency and strength over the weekend were remarkable, earning her back-to-back gold medals in both the uphill and long-distance events. Her victory today solidified her status as one of the top competitors in the W35 category, and she finished ahead of a highly diverse field, with over seven nationalities represented in the women’s overall top 10.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES ACROSS AGE CATEGORIES

The competition across the age groups was as fierce as ever, with many familiar names delivering strong performances after yesterday’s uphill race. In the W50 category, Angela Mudge (GBR), the 2000 World Champion, added another silver medal to her collection, following her second-place finish in the uphill event.

Another standout performance came from the USA’s Anita Ortiz in the W60 category. After claiming silver in the uphill race yesterday, Ortiz ran an outstanding race today, earning gold in the long distance event. Her performance highlights the continued competitiveness and endurance of these veteran athletes.


Anita Ortiz (USA ) W60 at the Long Distance Canfranc 2024 WMMRC- Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

 

LONG DISTANCE RACE RESULTS

HERE

Teams HERE

PHOTO GALLERY WMRA BY MARCO GULBERTI

All photo credits WMRA by Marco Gulberti

CANFRANC 2024 WMMRC UPHILL RACE: FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON GREETS MASTER ATHLETES

Written by Hector Rubio on . Posted in Latest News, Latest News - Feature Home Slide.

In a remarkable display of endurance and fortitude, the Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain, commenced with the uphill race amidst extreme weather conditions.


Camilla Magliano (ITA) at the Canfranc 2024 Uphill WMMRC- Photo Ó WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Overnight, the first snow of the season blanketed the highlands, creating a wintry landscape that greeted athletes with temperatures of 3°C at the start line, dropping to around zero at the summit. Windchills of -10°C made the race a gruelling challenge for even the toughest competitors.

Despite these harsh conditions, the athletes demonstrated exceptional competitiveness and determination. Italy’s Camilla Magliano delivered a standout performance, clinching victory in the women’s race, while Belgium’s Charlotte Cotton continued her dominance by securing her third consecutive title in the W40 category, in the uphill race.

THE COURSE

The race began on the outskirts of Canfranc, with a 500-meter stretch of asphalt that quickly funneled athletes into the heart of the forest. The challenging terrain immediately tested the runners’ stamina, as they climbed towards the mountains.

By kilometer 3, the athletes reached the first aid station, where the weather, which had been snowy and cold earlier, began to clear. Both runners and spectators were treated to breathtaking views of the Spanish Pyrenees, whose majestic peaks were finally visible as the clouds lifted.

As the athletes continued their ascent, the course wound through forested paths and rugged terrain, eventually leading to the summit of La Raca at the Astún ski resort, standing at an altitude of 2300 meters. This final climb, through snow-covered trails and with biting winds, was a true test of endurance and mental strength, making each finish all the more impressive.

 

MEN’S RACE

The men’s race saw a thrilling battle at the front, with Eduar Hernández (ESP) M40 taking the victory on home soil. Hernández’s win was hard-fought, as he was closely followed by the British duo of Thomas Roach and Andrew Douglas, with all three finishing within a minute of each other. This intense battle for the podium was one of the highlights of the day, as the athletes tackled the challenging conditions head-on.


Eduard Hernández (ESP) overall winner and also M40 winner at the Uphill WMMRC- Photo Ó WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Just behind the top three, Ian Conroy (IRL) delivered a strong performance to secure fourth place overall and third in the M40 category, showing the depth of talent in the field.

The race also showcased the continued strength of the M40 category, with two of the top four finishers still competing in the Elite WMRA World Cup, underscoring the high calibre of competition in this age group.

Eduard Hernández (ESP) overall winner and also M40 winner at the Uphill WMMRC- Photo Ó WMRA by Marco Gulberti

In the M50 category, Tofol Castanyer put in an impressive run, finishing just four minutes behind the race leaders, further proving his remarkable fitness and endurance. Fernando Bojarro of Spain also had a standout performance as the first M60 athlete, highlighting the exceptional level of competition across multiple age groups.

Tofol Castanyer, M50 winner at the Uphill WMMRC- Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

This year’s race also featured a remarkable showing in the M75 category, with six athletes braving the course, further demonstrating the diversity and competitiveness of the field. Their participation, along with that of 10 athletes in the M/W75 categories overall, added to the inspiring atmosphere of the event.

WOMEN’S RACE

Despite these harsh conditions, all athletes demonstrated exceptional competitiveness and determination. Italy’s Camilla Magliano delivered a standout performance, clinching victory in the women’s race, while Belgium’s Charlotte Cotton continued her dominance by securing her third consecutive title in the W40 category.


Charlotte Cotton (BEL) W40 winner at the Uphill WMMRC- Photo  WMRA by Marco Gulberti

The women’s race saw further remarkable performances, particularly in the W50+ category. Two athletes from this age groups finished in the top 10 overall, showcasing the incredible fitness of all competitors.

Nives Carobbio (ITA), competing in the W55 category, finished 6th overall, while Spain’s Margarita Fullana, who famously won the bronze medal in cross-country mountain biking at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, claimed 8th overall and 1st in the W50 category. Fullana’s continued prowess in endurance sports is a testament to her athletic longevity and versatility.

“This was not just about speed, but survival,” commented one participant. “The wind, snow, and cold really pushed us to our limits, but it’s what makes mountain running so unique and challenging.”

The opening day of the Championships has set a thrilling tone for the weekend, with athletes from across the globe delivering inspiring performances under extreme conditions. This year’s competition, framed by the early snowfall, promises to be remembered as one of the toughest yet in the World Masters Mountain Running history.

UPHILL RACE RESULTS

Individual HERE

Teams HERE

 

PHOTO GALLERY WMRA BY MARCO GULBERTI

All photo credits WMRA by Marco Gulberti

Get Ready for Canfranc-Canfranc

Written by Hector Rubio on . Posted in Latest News.

Our next World Cup races take place in Canfranc-Estación, a small mountain town in the province of Huesca in the Aragonese Pyrenees. The town is at 1,200 metres and all around are peaks of over 2,500 metres. The weather is pretty perfect for running in the summer, normally between 20 and 30 Celcius, and the Winter enjoys heavy snowfall.  It also boasts hundreds of miles of trails marked out as part of their impressive Trail Space Project. An outstanding location for the next two Valsir Mountain Running World Cup races.

Firstly, on the evening of Friday 8th September it’s the next vertical uphill race. This 4k route will take the runners from 1455m at the Seta River all the way up to the summit of Tuca Blanca at 2313m. The path is good most of the way up, but it’s very steep in places, kicking up right at the end for the final push.

On Sunday 10th September it’s time for the next classic mountain race, a 16km circuit. This race takes place on more rugged terrain and takes in 1600m of ascent along the way. The highlight for the runners is summiting La Moleta (2572m) which has stunning views across the mountain range. The route is essentially one brutal climb of 1400m over the course of just 5.8k, then a long descent back down to the finish.

Valsir World Cup standings

The competition is really hotting up for the World Cup with points available in two races this weekend and then just three gold label races at Sky Gran Canaria to go. Joyce Muthoni (KEN), who is leading the women’s competition could add some important points to her tally here, possibly putting the competition out of raech for the women. Joe Steward (GBR), currently in fourth in the men’s competition could creep into the top three with a strong performance in the vertical uphill race, as could Remi Leroux (CAN). Lucy Murigi (KEN), currently in fifth position, could well improve her position this weekend and Camilla Magliano (ITA) could also see her ranking boosted strongly here. See the full World Cup standings: Current_World_Cup_Results.pdf (wmra.info)

Vertical Uphill race

In the women’s race there are some very in-form athletes. Muthoni has won Fletta Trail and La Montee du Nid d’Aigle this season, as well as a second place at SierreWeb Canfranc 3 Yhabril.11 Zinal. She won both races here last year and she will definitely be out to defend those titles. She will certainly face strong competition from fellow Kenyan Murigi, who has finished in the top ten for races consistently this year, as well as winning Giir di Mont. Magliano too is always a strong performer in big races and she finished fourth in the vertical race and second in the classic race here last year.

Other women to watch include Olivia Magnone (FRA) who was runner-up in the long mountain race here last year, and Maitane Melero (ESP).

For the men there are a host of very strong Spanish athletes as well as some familiar contenders from the World Cup. Daniel Osanz (ESP) is the defending champion for the vertical race and Raul Criado (ESP) was third in the long race here last year, and sixth in the vertical race. He could well improve on that if his strong showing at Broken Arrow was any indication. Steward is having a very strong season with podiums at Vertical Nasego and Piz Tri Vertical. Leroux has also had success at Montemuro this World Cup and could also do well here.

Other men to watch include Vincent Loustau (FRA) and Ricardo Cherta (ESP).

16k classic mountain race

We will see many of the athletes from the vertical uphill race back to race at the longer distance on Sunday. And they get a rest day on Saturday, unlike at many otherWeb Canfranc 2 Ruben.Fueyo.07 events where they race on consecutive days if they choose to double up.

For the women the favourites are Muthoni, our bronze medallist from the World Championships at the classic distance, Murigi and Magliano. But they will certainly be pushed by Charlotte Cotton (BEL), who finished in the top ten in both the vertical and longer race here last year, and Anna Guirado (ESP) and Bel Calero (ESP).

In the men’s race Criado will be amongst the favourites but there is a deep field of talent too. Like Criado, Ondrej Fejfar (CZE) had a successful trip to Broken Arrow, with two top ten placings. Adil Moussaoui (MOR) could also place well, as could Loustau. The depth of Spanish talent on show here will include Cherta, Marcos Villamuera, Eduard Hernandez, Toni Banos, Alberto Lasobras and Jose Luis Pujadas.

How to follow the race

The vertical uphill race starts at 6pm CET on Friday 8th September

The classic mountain race starts at 8am CET on Sunday 10th September

Live streaming will be available at: https://canfranccanfranc.com/seguimiento.html

Find out more information about the races at the event’s website: CC | Inicio (canfranccanfranc.com)

We will be following the races on our social media:

WMRA Instagram

WMRA Facebook

World Cup Preview: Canfranc-Canfranc

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

Canfranc-Canfranc celebrates its 15th edition this year, and it’s a race whose reputation has been growing over the last few years. There are many elements which make it an incredibly special event and we are very happy to be including it in the World Cup for the first time this year.

It is also the very first time in the 22 years of World Cup history that a Spanish event will host the series, soon to be followed by Zumaia Flysch Trail on 0CT3. 

Canfranc-Canfranc  takes place in the famous belle epoque alpine village of  Canfran-Estación. A small mountain town in the province of Huesca in the Aragonese Pyrenees. The town is at 1,200 metres but all around are peaks of over 2,500 metres.

The weather is usually comfortable for running in the summer, normally between 20 and 30 Celcius, and the winter enjoys heavy snowfall. The area is perfect for running, with over 500km of trails marked out as part of their impressive ESPACIO TRAIL CANFRANC Project. The weather, the trails and the prestige of the already successful mountain races here make it a perfect location for a World Cup event.

THE COURSES: WILD AND TECHNICAL IN THE CENTRAL PYRENEES

The 2021 program for Canfranc includes five races: 5k (juniors) 16k, 45k, 75k and 100k, Among them, Canfranc will host two World Cup races this weekend: The Longwmra world cup 2021 canfranc canfranc photos canfranc canfranc 2 Distance to be held at the 45k long mountain race on Saturday. Plus the  16k classic mountain race on Sunday. These will form stage 9 and 10 (out of 16) of this year’s World Cup.

  • ·CANFRANC CANFRANC MARATHON: The long-distance  event, the 45k race, has an incredible 4,000m of ascent, which is packed into 4 climbs. The runners are faced with a climb of 1400m right from the gun, which should help to create some early gaps. They will then face 3 more climbs of 800m, 600, and finally 250m.
  • ·CANFRANC CANFRANC CLASSIC 16K: In the 16k race the runners will also be faced with a huge climb of 1400m from the start right to the summit of “La Moleta”. It is a wild up and down. They ascend over 6k, then it’s a long, rugged 10k of descent back down to the finish, including the final home stretch over a section of the famous “Camino de Santiago”.

THE FAVOURITES: WORLD CHAMPIONS TAKE ON THE  PYRENEES TRAILS AND TALENT

There are some really exciting local and international athletes taking part, which will surely shake up the World Cup rankings even further.

wmra world cup 2021 canfranc canfranc photos canfranc canfranc 3LONG DISTANCE: In the men’s 45k race we have Peter Frano (SVK), winner of Tatra SkyMarathon this year, and Raul Criado (ESP), who was 3rd at Tatra SkyMarathon and was 12th here last year. Ugaitz Artola (ESP) will head the always talented field of basque runners at this race.

In the women’s race we’ll be seeing Charlotte Morgan (GBR). The 2018 WMRA Long Distance World Champion  is currently lying 3rd in our World Cup standings, with her highlights being winning Tatra Race Run and coming 3rd in Tatra SkyMarathon. She will face the 2020 runner-up here, Eva Mesado (ESP) as her key rival, with Olivia Magnone (FRA) likely to feature too.

CLASSIC: In the 16k we’re really excited to see 2019 world champion Grayson Murphy (USA) back for more European action, after her win at Trofeo Nasego (and 2nd place at Vertical Nasego) last weekend. This year she was also crowned USA National Champion and can seemingly master any distance. However,  Canfranc-Canfranc will be her first experience of racing in Spain, facing the wild vertical climbs and technical descents on which locals thrive. She will face the 2020 winner of the race and course record holder Servant Nadege (FRA), who has also had strong runs at La Montee du Nid d’Aigle and Grossglockner this year.

Other local challengers include Spain´s current gold and silver at National Championship 2021, Nuria Gil (ESP) and Yolanda Martín (ESP).

 In the men’s race, 2020 winner Antonio Martinez (ESP) comes back to attempt the double. He will face international talents such as  Sandor Szabo (HUN), 4th in the World Cup at the moment. But they will face very strong competition from local athletes who have already proved themselves in this region, including Iñigo Aranzamendi, Roger Comellas, and specially a motivated Ion Sola, who was 4th in the 2020 Canfranc Classic,  besting the 2021 Skyrunning  Vertical World Champ Daniel Osanz himself. 

NATIONAL MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR U18 AND MASTERS.

Canfranc Canfranc 2021 will also hold the National Championships organized by Real Federacion Española de Atletismo (RFEA). The 7th edition for Masters will be run on the 45km course. The 1st edition for the U18 will be held on a specific 5km course.

CANFRANC CANFRANC: A RACE WHICH LOVES AND PROTECTS THE  MOUNTAINS

As ever in this part of the world, there is strong local support for this race. Fernando Sánchez, Mayor of Canfranc says, “In Canfranc we are happy to continue seeingwmra world cup 2021 canfranc canfranc photos canfranc canfranc 1 our Canfranc-Canfranc mountain races grow, with enthusiasm and affection, year after year. 2021 brings us once again an occasion where the Aragonese Pyrenees will not only break records for popular participation yet again, but also host the national and world elite of mountain racing.

Our Jacetania region  will thus host for the first time in its history the WMRA World Cup, where Collarada, Aspe or La Moleta will see the absolute world elite compete in Classic and Long Distance. In addition, we also host the RFEA 2021 Spanish Mountain Championships for Youth and Veterans. Because sport is for everyone, of all ages and that is how we have always wanted to promote it in Canfranc.

A double achievement, at the level of popular sports and sports elite that we have to thank for the work and affection of all the residents of Canfranc and Jacetania. Without their support as volunteers, collaborators and organization of the event year after year, it would never have been possible to make this corner of the Pyrenees the world reference event this weekend for mountain sports.”

 

Schedule SEP 10-12

SEP11 Saturday 8am: WORLD CUP WMRA LONG DISTANCE 45k race starts (+ National Champs Masters)

SEP12 Sunday 9am: WORLD CUP WMRA CLASSIC 16k race starts

SEP12. Sunday 9.30 5k National Championship U18 STARTS.

Follow live at CANFRANC CANFRANC SOCIAL NETWORKS.

Find out more at https://canfranccanfranc.com/  

Canfranc Mountain Races Kick Off Tomorrow

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

The runners in the ultra distance races at Canfranc Canfranc will head out into the mountains tonight, then tomorrow it’s the turn of the 45k and 16k mountain races.

Canfranc Canfranc has been a fast-growing race. In 2019 it surpassed previous records, reaching almost 900 runners, after starting with just 150 runners five years before. Although the demand for bibs for 2020 would have increased the number of runners to 1,200, the organization decided months ago to give up almost 33% of them due to Covid-19 restrictions. So this year there are just over 800 registered between the four races, in order to prioritize attention to detail for each runner and volunteer.

The starts will be staggered for each race over three days: The Ultra 100k will start tonight at 11pm. It will be followed by the Ultra 75k at 5AM on Saturday, the 45k Marathon will start at 8AM on Saturday and finally the Canfranc 16km will close the event starting a day later, on Sunday at 8AM. In this way, the 200 runners of each race will not have any contact with those in any other race. The technical race briefings were already given virtually online by Canfranc and they have an exhaustive Covid-19 protocol at aid stations and start and finish areas to ensure social distancing.

Past winners at Canfranc include great names of the trail such as Salvador Calvo, Manuel Merillas, Jokin Lizeaga, Pablo Villalobos, Maxime Cazajous, Javier Domínguez-Ledo and of course the three-time world champion Luis Alberto Hernando, who is based in Jaca, who will be back this year in the 16km.

This year, some of the names planned include Luis Hernando, Daniel Osanz, Maite Maiora, Gisela Carrión, Didier Zago, Olivia Magnone and Denise Carrera in the CANFRANC CANFRANC 16KM. The CANFRANC CANFRANC MARATHON features veteran Miguel Heras, canfranero Raul Criado, Alpinultras leader Abel Carretero and another French star, Thibaut Baronian. Oihana Kortazar, María Irigoyen and Alpinultras leader Belén Pérez Riveiro will be in the women’s marathon.

Canfranc-Canfranc 2020 is a WMRA affiliate race (and would have been part of the WMRA World Cup), and part of Alpinultras, RFEA National Circuit and GR4 Pirineo Trails.