Seventeen team delegations gathered in southern Italy for one of the most important youth mountain running events of the year, with rising athletes tested by heat, pressure and the demands of international competition.

Clara McKee (England) and Jackson Ferguson (USA) claimed the individual titles at the 19th International U18 Mountain Running Cup in Gagliano del Capo, Italy, as young athletes from 17 team delegations came together for one of the first major international experiences of their careers.

Held in the far south of Puglia overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the event brought together boys’ and girls’ teams from across Europe and beyond, placing the next generation of mountain runners into a setting that combined competitive depth, technical course demands and temperatures approaching 30°C.

For many athletes on the start line, this was not only a race but a first step into international mountain running. The pressure of wearing national colours, racing against unfamiliar opposition and managing warm conditions gave the competition a significance beyond the results alone.

The course in Gagliano del Capo asked for control as much as speed. With the heat rising through the day, athletes had to measure their effort carefully on the demanding coastal terrain above the Adriatic, where the races gradually stretched apart and the strongest contenders emerged.

For the 19th edition, this deeper competitive context adds extra weight to the racing. The athletes arriving in Gagliano del Capo are not just participating in an international youth event; many are taking their first steps on a pathway toward senior international championships.

On June 21, the dramatic cliffs of Ciolo have once again served as the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of mountain runners.

Starting at 11:00, the girls faced the hottest part of the day. From the opening metres, Clara McKee moved to the front and immediately took control of the race. Behind her, France’s Elyna Mille and Scotland’s Nancy Corrie led the chase, but none of the challengers were able to close the gap.

With temperatures continuing to rise, McKee maintained a composed and controlled effort throughout the course, steadily extending her advantage. By the midway point the race for victory was effectively decided, allowing the English athlete to run confidently to the finish.

McKee crossed the line in 22:35 to secure the individual title for England.

France’s Elyna Mille claimed silver in 23:11, while Scotland’s Nancy Corrie completed the podium in 23:35. Switzerland’s Leona Turi finished fourth in 23:41, with France’s Louise Tisserand fifth in 23:44.

The boys’ race started at 11:45 under similarly warm conditions and immediately developed into a fast contest at the front.

American athlete Jackson Ferguson established himself among the leaders from the opening section, with a strong French contingent led by Tom Lamarque and Maxence Bal remaining in close contact.

The race remained tightly contested through much of the course before Ferguson was able to create a decisive advantage. Despite constant pressure from the French pair, the American held his form over the closing section to secure victory in 20:14.

Lamarque took silver in 20:22, while Bal completed a double French podium presence in 20:27. Fellow American Liam Folk finished fourth in 20:32, with France’s Gaspard Petit fifth in 20:35.

With temperatures close to 30°C throughout the competition, conditions played a significant role. Athletes had to manage hydration, pacing and recovery carefully, particularly those experiencing international competition for the first time.

That first international step remains central to the purpose of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup. Beyond the medals, the event provides young mountain runners with the opportunity to understand the demands of racing for their country, handling travel, preparation, team responsibility and the pressure of a championship environment.

Against the spectacular backdrop of the Adriatic coastline, the atmosphere throughout the day reflected both the competitive ambition and the international friendship that have made the event one of the most important development races in mountain running.

1. Clara McKee (England) – 22:35
2. Elyna Mille (France) – 23:11
3. Nancy Corrie (Scotland) – 23:35
4. Leona Turi (Switzerland) – 23:41
5. Louise Tisserand (France) – 23:44
6. Julie Forner (France) – 24:31
7. Abby Smith (Northern Ireland & Ulster) – 24:55
8. Aitana Martin (Spain) – 24:59
9. Nansi Griffiths (Wales) – 25:10
10. Karolina Machnio (Poland) – 25:19

1. Jackson Ferguson (USA) – 20:14
2. Tom Lamarque (France) – 20:22
3. Maxence Bal (France) – 20:27
4. Liam Folk (USA) – 20:32
5. Gaspard Petit (France) – 20:35
6. Jake Ireland (England) – 20:37
7. Oriol Saborit (Spain) – 20:42
8. Gergo Mireider (Hungary) – 20:45
9. Maho Pradeau (France) – 20:58
10. Giuseppe Luciano Piazza (Italy B) – 21:08

As always at the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, the team competition added another layer of intensity to the event, rewarding national depth as well as individual excellence.

In the girls’ team competition, France claimed victory with 13 points ahead of Switzerland (30 points) and England (40 points). The French team placed three athletes inside the top six, proving decisive in the battle for gold.

In the boys’ competition, France again emerged victorious with 10 points. Spain and Switzerland tied on 38 points, with Spain awarded second place and Switzerland third on the tie-break. Italy B finished fourth with 41 points.

The 19th edition brings 133 young athletes from 17 delegations to the coastal cliffs of Ciolo.

The U18 International Mountain Running Cup returns this month with a field that reflects the growing depth and professionalization of youth mountain running.

Since last year’s edition in Donovaly, Slovakia, the event has seen a noticeable rise in profile. Federation selection processes are more rigorous, age-group results are easier to track, and young athletes are arriving with established competitive profiles across mountain, fell, trail, cross-country, and track disciplines.

For the 19th edition, this deeper competitive context adds extra weight to the racing. The athletes arriving in Gagliano del Capo are not just participating in an international youth event; many are taking their first steps on a pathway toward senior international championships.

On June 21, the dramatic cliffs of Ciolo will once again serve as the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of mountain runners.

The 2026 U18 International Mountain Running Cup will feature 133 registered athletes from 17 delegations, with 67 boys and 66 girls on the start list.

Athletes will represent Bulgaria, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Ulster, Poland, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United States, and Wales. As the host nation, Italy will field two full teams, adding serious depth to an already stacked field.

The diversity of backgrounds is the Cup’s greatest strength. While some athletes arrive as specialized national mountain-running champions, others have qualified through cross-country, track, fell running, skyrunning, or orienteering. For many, this marks their debut in a national vest; for others, it is a return to an international stage where they have already proven they can compete.

The result is a highly unpredictable field. The fastest runners on paper will need to adapt to the technical terrain, while the mountain specialists will have to match the raw speed of the track and cross-country runners. Ciolo will not reward reputation alone.

Gagliano del Capo, located in the Salento region, offers a setting unlike almost anything else in the sport. Held as part of the Trofeo Ciolo, the event is built around a distinct concept: bringing mountain running to the sea.

This is not an Alpine race defined by long forest climbs and high altitude. Ciolo is sharper, lower, more exposed, and sometimes technical. The course’s identity comes from its limestone cliffs, dry stone walls, Mediterranean scrub, rocky singletrack, and constant views of the Adriatic.

Featuring the famous Ciolo Bridge and the rugged Aspro trail, the coastal terrain makes it incredibly difficult for runners to find a comfortable rhythm. Success will require careful pacing, precise footwork, and tactical confidence.

The venue also holds a storied place in youth running history. Ciolo hosted the 2017 U18 Cup—an edition remembered for the first major international victory of Nadia Battocletti, who has since become an Olympic silver medalist and World Championship medal winner on the track.

With Italy remaining a spiritual home for mountain running thanks to its deep club culture and experienced organizers, bringing the U18 Cup back to Ciolo places these young athletes directly into that rich tradition.

The boys’ race features no single favorite. Italy and France look formidable, Spain brings proven mountain specialists, Switzerland has superb technical pedigree, and the United States arrives with cross-country speed that could break the race wide open if the pace is hot from the gun.

• Andrea Cappelli (ITA): Leads the Italian squad. A proven performer on the domestic U18 circuit, his endurance profile and climbing strength suit this rhythmic but punchy course.
• Maxence Bal (FRA): A major contender who balances strong mountain results with excellent track speed. That versatility will be vital on Ciolo’s runnable sections.
• Gaspard Petit (FRA): Brings a strong cross-country background, making him well-suited for tight, aggressive racing.
• Luca Gallerini (ITA): A leading name on the Italian youth circuit who will be well-prepared for the technical demands and the pressure of a home crowd.
• Lucas Gómez-Galarza (ESP): One of the most mountain-specific runners in the field. His background in vertical and classic mountain disciplines makes him dangerous if the race becomes tactical and broken.
• Tom Lamarque (FRA): Adds further depth to a potent French team and is comfortable maintaining a high, honest pace on rugged terrain.
• Juri Wyer (SUI): Brings valuable Swiss mountain experience to a course that demands early-career technical maturity.
• Jake Ireland (ENG): One of the strongest British names on paper, combining endurance track speed with past mountain racing experience.
• Jackson Ferguson & Carson Dobur (USA): Both bring elite American cross-country credentials. The big question is how quickly their flat speed translates to Ciolo’s steep climbs, rocky descents, and shifting surfaces.

Deeper Depth: Keep an eye on Billy Sutherland, Liam Folk, Gergő Mireider, Maho Pradeau, Ben Hodson, and Julen López. The central tactical question is simple: will the mountain purists break the field early, or will the fast track runners still be in contention on the final stretch to the finish?

While the girls’ field features a few more established head-to-head form lines from past championships, it remains too deep for easy predictions. France, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, England, Scotland, and the USA all field potential podium finishers.

• Manon Duprat (FRA): The clear pre-race favorite. As the reigning U18 Mountain Running Cup champion from last year’s event in Slovakia, she brings unmatched championship experience.
• Dorottya Jázmin Juhász (HUN): Last year’s runner-up behind Duprat, making her a proven podium threat rather than a wildcard.
• Keren Badoux (SUI): A top international performer at the U18 level who benefits from the characteristically sharp technical preparation of the Swiss system.
• Maja Charukiewicz (POL): Holds international top-10 experience and strong domestic form, a mix that should translate perfectly to this course.
• Anita Pelissero (ITA): The reigning Italian U18 mountain champion, she carries the advantage of domestic course familiarity and home-crowd motivation.
• Léa Leboeuf & Leona Turi (SUI): Both have shown superb, closely-matched form in recent Swiss selection races. Their packing ability could dictate the team standings.
• Clara McKee (ENG): Brings a classic English fell-running background, meaning she will be entirely at home if rough, technical sections decide the race.
• Karolina Machnio (POL): The Polish U18 champion who has the strength to handle an aggressive pace right from the start line.
• McKenna Groen (USA): The top American prospect, entering with elite cross-country fitness that will test the field if she adapts to the coastal rhythm.

Deeper Depth: A strong chasing pack includes Giulia Giorda, Louise Tisserand, Anna Laratore, Lauren Bissen, Nancy Corrie, Anna Meek, Isabel O’Reilly, Lou-Anne Gallio, Isla Pastor, and Heather Watson. In a field this competitive, a top-10 finish will be hard-earned.

Though the U18 International Mountain Running Cup is a youth development event, it holds a critical spot on the global calendar. For nearly all these athletes, it is their first taste of a true international championship environment: team travel, formal selection pressure, course reconnaissance, and tactical racing against unfamiliar international styles.

Whether these runners eventually transition into senior mountain running, trail racing, or stick to the track and cross-country, the Cup provides an invaluable education in resilience, terrain management, and racing judgment.

Ciolo is the perfect stage for that education—strikingly beautiful, relentlessly technical, and guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable race.

• Date: June 21, 2026
• Location: Gagliano del Capo, Italy (Trofeo Ciolo)
• Coverage: Race-week updates, photography, and video highlights will be available via the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) channels and official event media partner corsainmontagna.it 
• Event website: https://atleticacapodileuca.it/19-international-u18mountain-running-cup/

General Programme

Friday 19 June 2026 

All day – Arrival of delegations, transfer to Gagliano del Capo, hotel accommodation and accreditation.

09:30 – 11:30 – Training at the competition venue / on the course.

17:30 – 18:30 – Training at the competition venue / on the course.

Saturday 20 June 2026 

all day – Arrival of delegations, transfer to Gagliano del Capo, hotel accommodation and accreditation.

09:30 – 11:30 – Course Inspection.

16:30 – Technical Meeting.

18:00 – Opening Ceremony.

20:00 – Welcome dinner.

Sunday 21 June 2026

08:30 – Mass Race (open) – Trofeo Ciolo.

10:00 – National U16 Trophy races.

11:00 – U18 Girls.

11:30 – U18 Boys.

12:15 – Medal Ceremonies.

20:00 – Closing Ceremony and Party.

Monday 22 June 2026

All day – Departure of the Delegations.

In just over one month’s time, the next generation of international mountain running talent will arrive on the southern edge of Italy, where limestone cliffs plunge towards the Adriatic Sea and narrow technical trails cut through Mediterranean vegetation. The 2026 U18 International Mountain Running Cup returns to the iconic Trofeo Ciolo in Gagliano del Capo, bringing one of the world’s most important international mountain running events for young athletes back to one of the sport’s most distinctive venues.

Nine years after its first appearance in Ciolo in 2017, the event returns to a course and an organisation that have become deeply connected to the international identity of mountain running. That edition remains particularly memorable for another reason: it marked the first major international victory of Nadia Battocletti, who would later become Olympic silver medallist at Paris 2024 and a World Championships medallist on the global stage.

Now, in 2026, another generation arrives in Salento hoping to begin its own international journey.

The U18 International Mountain Running Cup will form part of the 15th edition of the Trofeo Ciolo, an event that has steadily built a reputation far beyond southern Italy through a rare combination of technical racing, dramatic landscape and organisational consistency.

Few races in mountain running possess such a recognisable identity. Over the years, the Trofeo Ciolo has embraced the concept of “bringing the mountains to the sea”, transforming the cliffs of Gagliano del Capo, the Aspro trail and the famous Ciolo Bridge into a natural amphitheatre for international competition.

The history of the event reflects that long-term credibility. The venue has previously hosted the Italian Masters Mountain Running Championships in 2015 and 2023, the 2017 international U18 competition, the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in 2019, a WMRA World Cup stage in 2021, the Italian Mountain Running Relay Championships in 2022 and 2024, and the Italian Mountain Running Championship for Cadet Regions in 2023.

This year’s edition will welcome athletes from Bulgaria, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United States and Wales.

A total of 121 athletes are entered for the competition, including 62 boys and 59 girls. As host nation, Italy will field two teams, as permitted by the regulations.

For many athletes, the U18 International Mountain Running Cup represents a first experience of international competition in national colours. It is also one of the rare opportunities where young mountain runners from different continents and mountain cultures compete directly against each other at under-18 level.

Over the years, the event has repeatedly shown its importance within the athlete development pathway of mountain running. Many athletes who first appeared at this level later progressed into senior international competition, European championships, World Championships and Olympic athletics.

That developmental role remains one of the central objectives of the World Mountain Running Association. Beyond medals and results, the event allows young athletes to experience the international environment of mountain running: travelling with national teams, adapting to technical courses and competing against athletes from across the world.

Ciolo offers a style of mountain running that is both physical and highly visual.

Unlike high-altitude alpine races dominated by forests and long climbs, the terrain in Gagliano del Capo is sharper and more aggressive. The terrain combines steep coastal trails, technical sections and constant views over the Adriatic Sea.

Dry stone walls, Mediterranean vegetation and rocks define the landscape of Salento, creating an atmosphere that feels unmistakably southern Italian. The light, the colours and the proximity of the sea give the race a character rarely found elsewhere in mountain running.

For many international athletes, especially those arriving from northern Europe or overseas nations such as Mexico and the United States, the event becomes more than a competition. It is also an encounter with a different mountain running culture, where territory, history and sport are deeply connected.

With little more than one month remaining before race day, preparations continue towards another important international chapter for the Trofeo Ciolo and for the future of mountain running itself.

“The U18 International Mountain Running Cup has always been a special event because it gives young athletes their first real experience of international mountain running,” said a WMRA spokesperson. “Ciolo is one of those places that athletes remember immediately — technical terrain, dramatic scenery and a very strong identity connected to the territory itself. It is the perfect setting for this competition.”

In about one month’s time, the cliffs of Gagliano del Capo will once again welcome the future of mountain running.

The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup produced another memorable day of racing in Beijing Changping, where the season’s third event took athletes to the historic Silver Pagoda Forest for the Classic Up & Down, World Cup category powered by Turismo Centro de Portugal

Surrounded by ancient Buddhist pagodas, forest trails and steep mountain slopes, the venue offered a completely different challenge from the previous day’s race on the Great Wall. The Silver Pagoda Forest, also known as Yinshan Pagoda Forest, is one of northern China’s most important Buddhist heritage sites. Its pagodas were built across several dynasties, with many dating from the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) and later additions from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, making parts of the site more than 800 years old.

Supported by the Beijing Changping District Government, the event once again welcomed runners from across the world to compete in a place where sport, history and nature met in rare fashion.

The race covered approximately 18km with around 1,200 metres of ascent. It demanded far more than raw speed. Athletes needed strength on the climbs, control on the descents and good judgement over a course that kept changing rhythm.

After the opening climb through the pagoda area, runners dropped into the first technical downhill of the day before entering a rolling middle section of around four kilometres. At CP2 (km 9), the race reached its key moment, with the biggest climb on the course shaping the final outcome before the descent to the finish.

Kenya’s Michael Selelo Saoli moved to the front from the start and never gave the field much room to respond. He reached the Silver Pagoda Forest and the first major climb in the lead, followed by Italy’s Isacco Costa and fellow Kenyan Paul Machoka, with Britain’s Andrew Douglas close behind.

Saoli stayed strong through the technical downhill and the faster middle section, arriving at CP2 still in control. On the longest climb of the day, he held his advantage and then managed the final descent well to secure victory in 1:25:49.

Costa continued his excellent weekend with second place in 1:28:00, while Machoka took third in 1:28:58. Douglas ran consistently for fourth in 1:29:31, and Italy’s Luca Merli finished fifth in 1:30:43.

MEN’S TOP 10

1. Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) — 1:25:49
2. Isacco Costa (ITA) — 1:28:00
3. Paul Machoka (KEN) — 1:28:58
4. Andrew Thomas Douglas (GBR) — 1:29:31
5. Luca Merli (ITA) — 1:30:43
6. Alex Baldaccini (ITA) — 1:33:37
7. Tyler Charles McCandless (USA) — 1:34:48
8. Lleir Barcons Companopsada (ESP) — 1:35:30
9. Kieran Christian Nay (USA) — 1:35:57
10. 杨涛 (CHN) — 1:37:15

Full results HERE

The women’s race opened at a fast pace, with Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru reaching the Silver Pagoda Forest in first place alongside Chinese runner Liu Junhui.

As the race developed, USA athlete Courtney Barnes Coppinger and Switzerland’s Maude Mathys moved into the main chasing positions. By CP2, Njeru still held the lead, while the battle for the podium remained close behind her.

On the decisive climb, Njeru kept her rhythm and never looked under real pressure. Courtney held second, Mathys stayed third, and on the final downhill Italy’s Camilla Magliano used her descending skills to move past Liu Junhui.

Njeru crossed the line in 1:45:02 for victory. Courtney Barnes Coppinger followed in 1:46:49, with Mathys third in 1:47:16.

Women’s Top 10

1.⁠ ⁠Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 1:45:02
2.⁠ ⁠Courtney Barnes Coppinger (USA) – 1:46:49
3.⁠ ⁠Maude Mathys (SUI) – 1:47:16
4.⁠ ⁠Camilla Magliano (ITA) – 1:48:19
5.⁠ ⁠刘君慧 (CHN) – 1:48:43
6.⁠ ⁠Camila Amaya Noe (USA) – 1:49:41
7.⁠ ⁠Eden Indigo Bliss Odea (GBR) – 1:50:11
8.⁠ ⁠Alice Gaggi (ITA) – 1:53:10
9.⁠ ⁠Sara Ann Willhoit (GBR) – 1:54:43
10.⁠ ⁠Katinka Von Elsner Wellsteed (AUS) – 1:59:39

Full results HERE

Athletes praised the chance to compete across two extraordinary venues in Beijing Changping. From the ancient stone steps and historic walls of Juyongguan Great Wall to the forested trails and centuries-old pagodas of the Silver Pagoda Forest, the weekend offered settings unlike any other in the sport. Technical courses, cultural heritage and dramatic mountain scenery gave both races a character entirely their own.

Together, the Great Wall Uphill and the Silver Pagoda Forest Classic added a memorable chapter to the 2026 World Cup season, while local officials welcomed the opportunity to showcase Changping’s cultural identity, natural beauty and commitment to hosting world-class sport.

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup  2026 now moves on to Transvulcania in Spain in two weeks’ time, where athletes will contest both an Uphill race and a Long Distance race on the volcanic trails of La Palma.

The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup took a spectacular turn on Saturday, as the circuit landed in Beijing’s Changping District. Athletes weren’t just racing against each other; they were taking on a true titan of world history: the Great Wall of China.

This second stage of the season saw the pack climbing on the Juyongguan section, most of these stone fortifications date back to the Ming Dynasty, meaning the runners were grafting up steps that have stood for over 600 years.

History, culture and elite sport came together in remarkable fashion as stone steps, steep gradients and mountain views created a setting unlike any other on the World Cup calendar.

With the support of the Beijing Changping District Government, the event welcomed international athletes to compete on a site of immense cultural significance, highlighting both the global reach of mountain running and the unique heritage of the region.

The Changping Uphill was a proper short, sharp shock of a race. It was a 3.5km individual time trial that didn’t mess about, cramming in a staggering 509 metres of ascent alongside 157 metres of technical descent.

With athletes setting off at 10-second intervals, there was nowhere to hide. You couldn’t tuck in behind a pacer or rely on tactical games; it was just you, the clock, and that relentless gradient. It was the ultimate test of raw climbing strength and composure—a real “pain cave” scenario where even a momentary lapse in concentration meant throwing away precious seconds.

The men’s field kicked off at 09:30 local time, with runners catapulting off the start line every 10 seconds.

It was a stellar day for Italy, spearheaded by Isacco Costa ITA, who clocked a blistering 22:31 to claim the top spot. Kenya’s Paul Machoka KEN put in a massive shift to take second in 22:59, while the veteran Alex Baldaccini ITA proved he’s still got the legs, returning to the World Cup podium with a superb third-place finish (23:24).

The middle of the pack was a proper scrap. Italy’s Luca Merli ITA missed out on the podium by a whisker, taking fourth, only just pipping Kenya’s Michael Selelo Saoli KEN—who, incredibly, finished on the exact same second. Britain’s own Andrew Douglas GBR wasn’t far off the pace either, bagging sixth place just one second later.

The top ten was a masterclass in international mountain running, with only 15 seconds separating 4th from 7th place.

Men’s Top 10

1. Isacco Costa (ITA) – 22:31
2. Paul Machoka (KEN) – 22:59
3. Alex Baldaccini (ITA) – 23:24
4. Luca Merli (ITA) – 23:31
5. Michael Selelo Saoli (KEN) – 23:31
6. Andrew Thomas Douglas (GBR) – 23:32
7. Martin Dematteis (ITA) – 23:42
8. Lluis Barcons Companopsada (ESP) – 24:00
9. 郝冠鹏 (CHN) – 24:21
10. Alexandre Ricard (CAN) – 24:23

Full results HERE

Switzerland’s Maude Mathys SUI put on an absolute masterclass in uphill running, storming the Great Wall to take the win in a commanding 26:13. She looked untouchable on the steep stuff, leaving a high-quality field in her wake.

Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru KEN put in a solid shift to secure second place in 26:51, while Courtney Barnes Coppinger  from the USA rounded out the podium, digging deep to finish in 28:18.

It was a brilliant day for the Brits as well, with Sara Ann Willhoit GBR bagging a hard-earned fifth place (28:44) and Eden Indigo Bliss Odea GBR finishing just behind in seventh (29:32) after a tight tussle with America’s Camila Amaya Noe USA.

 Women’s Top 10

1. Maude Mathys (SUI) – 26:13
2. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 26:51
3. Courtney Barnes Coppinger (USA) – 28:18
4. Camilla Magliano (ITA) – 28:31
5. Sara Ann Willhoit (GBR) – 28:44
6. Camila Amaya Noe (USA) – 29:30
7. Eden Indigo Bliss Odea (GBR) – 29:32
8. Alice Gaggi (ITA) – 30:48
9. Ingrid Milter (ROM) – 31:03
10. 王开丽 (CHN) – 31:14

Full results HERE

The consensus from the finish line was clear: racing on one of the Seven Wonders of the World is a “bucket list” moment. The athletes were buzzing about the venue, with many calling it a career highlight and a massive step forward for the profile of mountain running.

Beyond the iconic views, the runners were quick to praise the local organisers. From the warm welcome in Changping to the slick race-day logistics, the event went off without a hitch.

Local officials were equally chuffed, noting that hosting world-class athletes on such a historic site is a perfect way to show off the region’s heritage while proving that Beijing can put on a proper show for the global sporting community.

The action doesn’t stop here. Tomorrow, the World Cup circuit stays right where it is for the Classic Up & Down—the third race of the 2026 season and a completely different beast to today’s short, sharp sprint.

Athletes will be staring down roughly 18km of punishing terrain, including a massive 1,200 metres of climbing. They’ll be trading the frantic pace of the time trial for a test of pure endurance, navigating the rugged, technical trails winding around the Great Wall and the surrounding peaks.

If you want to catch the drama as it happens, the race will be streamed live on the World Athletics YouTube channel.

It’s going to be a proper lung-buster—definitely one to tune in for.

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST.

The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup moves to Beijing Changping, China, this weekend for one of the most spectacular stops of the season, with two races set beneath the Great Wall and across the mountain trails of the Yanshan range.

Following the season opener in Portugal, the circuit now heads to Asia for the second and third races of the campaign, where the World’s top mountain running athletes will face two incredibly unique race courses on the 25 and 26 April.

The weekend begins on Saturday 25 April with the Uphill Race, a sharp and explosive 3.5km course at Juyongguan Great Wall, featuring more than 500 metres of ascent. It is a pure climbing contest where power, timing and commitment will be decisive. The race will be contested as a time trial format, with each athlete starting individually at 10-second intervals, adding an extra tactical layer to the battle against both the clock and the climb.

On Sunday 26 April attention then turns to the Classic Up&Down Race category sponsored by Turismo Centro de Portugal.  An 18km challenge with 1,284 metres of ascent and descent, starting and finishing at Haizi Bridge and passing through the remarkable surroundings of the Silver Mountain Pagoda Forest. With technical trails and fast-running sections, it will test all of the mountain running skills of the athletes who will need to adapt to the ever changing terrain throughout the race course.

The men’s races are headed by Michael Selelo Saoli KEN (Run2together On Trail), who opened his World Cup campaign with victory at the São Brás Cross in Portugal. Close behind him in the opening round was Andrew Douglas GBR (Westerlands), whose runner-up finish there confirmed his strong early-season form.

They are joined by other leading contenders including Paul Machoka KEN (Atletica Saluzzo), one of the highest-ranked athletes on the start list, Zhang Sheng, who leads Chinese hopes on home soil, Isacco Costa ITA (La Sportiva), Alexandre Ricard CAN and Tyler McCandless USA , adding further depth, experience and attacking quality to a highly competitive field.

Yet the battle for the podium is unlikely to be limited to the established favourites. A number of Chinese and wider Asian athletes will also look to use local knowledge, crowd support and home momentum to challenge for the leading positions across the weekend.

The women’s competition features outstanding depth, led by Joyce Muthoni Njeru KEN (Nnormal), one of the sport’s most accomplished international athletes and a consistent performer whenever she races.

Also lining up are Maude Mathys SUI (Asics), Camilla Magliano ITA (Kailas Fuga), Alice Gaggi ITA (Brooks), Courtney Coppinger USA (Brooks) and Sara Wilhoit GBR (Rab), adding quality, experience and international depth in the women’s field. Between them, they bring proven climbing strength, technical ability, racing intelligence and the composure required for major international competition.

The women’s races should not be viewed only through its headline names. A strong group of Chinese and Asian contenders will also be eager to make their mark on home soil, inspired by local support and the opportunity to challenge for leading positions on one of the biggest stages of the season.

More than 2,000 participants are expected across the event week, underlining both the scale of the Beijing Changping stage and the growing worldwide reach of the World Cup. The venues combine elite racing with some of the most iconic backdrops in the World, linking mountain running with the cultural heritage of the Great Wall and the landscapes of northern Beijing.

From Portugal to China, the 2026 WMRA World Cup is already gathering pace. This weekend, its next chapter will be written in Beijing Changping.

Stay tuned to WMRA channels for live coverage and updates as the winners of the first race are decided.

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST.

A cornerstone event in WMRA’s global and inclusive growth strategy

Preparations for the 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships (WMMRC) are entering their final phase, as the Local Organising Committee continues to advance the delivery of one of the most established and internationally representative events in mountain running.

Set to take place from 26–28 June 2026 in the mountain resort of Janské Lázně, the Championships will once again bring together athletes from across the world, reflecting both the competitive depth and the inclusive nature of masters mountain running. Already, more than 30 countries are represented among registered participants, underlining the global reach and continued appeal of the event.

Located at the gateway to the Krkonoše Mountains, Janské Lázně provides a setting that is both historically rich and technically demanding. Known for its long-standing spa tradition and its direct access to steep and varied terrain, the area offers an ideal environment for championship racing.

The courses are expected to reflect the core identity of mountain running, combining sustained climbs, technical sections, and fast transitions within a compact and spectator-friendly landscape.

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 still open and a continually updated start-list/entry section will keep participants and managers informed as national delegations submit their registrations.

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

• Uphill: approx. 8 km with ~850 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. 22 km with ~1,330 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 ~595 m of elevation, Sunday 28 June 2026, 09:00. A fast, technical circuit that rewards smart pacing and confident descending.

Within the broader development of the sport, the World Masters Mountain Running Championships continue to play a role in the WMRA 2026–2030 strategy. The event reflects a clear commitment to lifelong participation, recognising that mountain running extends well beyond elite performance and into sustained engagement across decades.

“The World Masters Mountain Running Championships are a fundamental pillar of our sport. They show that mountain running is not only about peak performance, but about continuity, commitment, and community. Janské Lázně offers a unique environment to showcase this spirit, and we are confident that the 2026 edition will deliver both outstanding competition and a strong sense of shared identity among athletes.” Marcel Matanin, WMRA Council Delegate for the 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships.

Masters athletes represent not only a significant portion of global participation, but also the experience, continuity, and values that define the discipline. In recent editions, the Championships have consistently attracted between 500 and 800 athletes from more than 25 nations, reinforcing their position as one of the most inclusive and stable competitions on the international calendar. The 2026 edition is expected to build on this foundation, further strengthening the connection between competitive excellence and community-driven participation.

On the organisational side, preparations in Janské Lázně are progressing steadily. The Local Organising Committee continues to coordinate logistics, refine operational details, and maintain close communication with participating teams. Start lists are being updated regularly, and key information is being made available through the official event website as the Championships approach.

“We’ve been working hard all year to prepare for the WMMR championships in Janské Lázně – come see for yourself that we’ve done a great job!”

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) has officially approved its 2026–2030 Strategy, setting a clear direction to further develop the sport and expand its global reach in the coming years.

The new strategy is a result of extensive discussion within the Council as well as consultation with key industry stakeholders and was formally approved at the most recent WMRA Council meeting on 1^st April 2026.

Here you can access the official WMRA Strategy 2026–2030 document.

At the heart of the strategy is a simple and ambitious vision: more people running responsibly in the mountains, supported by a mission to support, develop and inspire mountain runners at all stages of their athletics journey.

The newly approved framework defines the key priorities that will guide WMRA’s work over the next four years, structured around four central delivery pillars:

• Enhancing the athlete experience
• Education and inspiration
• Promotion, activation and partnerships
• Provision of technical and safety expertise

Together, these pillars reinforce WMRA’s role not only as a global competition organiser, but as a leading authority shaping the future of mountain running.

“This strategy provides a clear and unified direction for our sport,” said Sarah Rowell, President of WMRA. “Our focus is on supporting athletes at every stage of their journey, while continuing to grow mountain running responsibly and sustainably across the world.”

A central component of the strategy is the continued development of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, ensuring it delivers the highest standards of athlete experience and global visibility. At the same time, WMRA will continue to invest in the next generation of athletes through initiatives such as the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, while strengthening pathways from youth to masters competition.

The strategy also highlights the importance of collaboration, with WMRA committed to working closely with World Athletics and other key partners to ensure that the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships continue to grow as the premier global event for elite mountain runners.

Beyond competition, WMRA will expand its educational initiatives, creating resources for member federations, athletes, coaches, and technical staff. The organisation will also continue to develop its expertise in safety and technical standards, maintaining its position as a global reference in mountain running.

A further delivery goal is the continued development of the WMRA World Ranking alongside the continued growth of partnerships with aligned organisations to support the long-term sustainability of the sport.

Underlying all areas of the strategy are WMRA’s core values of Respect, Trust, Partnership, and Responsibility, which will guide its actions and decisions throughout the 2026–2030 cycle.

With this strategy in place, WMRA reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of mountain running — supporting athletes, strengthening global structures, and promoting the sport to new audiences worldwide.

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST.