With fewer than 60 days remaining before the opening race of the season, the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is pleased to confirm the official partners of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026.

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings this year a global calendar, spanning 10 events in 10 countries across four continents, and comprising 16 races across the three recognised mountain running disciplines: Uphill, Classic Up & Down, and Long Distance.

Over the course of 27 years, the World Cup has transformed from a European-based Grand Prix into a global competitive circuit under the recognition of World Athletics. Its journey closely reflects the sport’s own development, growing from regional beginnings into an international series shaped by diverse environments, cultures and racing identities.

The 2026 season will begin on 19 April in Portugal with the São Brás Cross, launching a World Cup that reflects both the deep traditions of the sport and its continued international growth. As preparations enter their final phase, the confirmation of key partners marks an important milestone for the series.

For the 2026 edition, the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup is supported by the following partners:

• Valsir S.p.A
• Turismo Centro de Portugal – Title Sponsor of the “Classic Up & Down” category.

Together, these partners support the World Cup’s mission to promote mountain running worldwide while respecting the diversity of landscapes, cultures and communities that shape the sport.

Valsir was founded in 1987 in Valle Sabbia, Italy, with a clear industrial vision: to engineer advanced HVAC and plumbing systems for the global building and construction sector. The company provides all stakeholders with innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability and long-term sustainability throughout their work.

Today, Valsir is part of the Silmar Group, a leading industrial holding with a turnover exceeding €1.5 billion and more than 3,500 employees worldwide. Combining global reach with deep roots in Valle Sabbia – the industrial heart where its vision was born in the seventies and where long-term development continues under the guidance of the Niboli family – Valsir remains committed to innovation, quality and reliability, the values that have shaped its growth and global presence.

Valsir’s involvement in the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup reflects a shared commitment to consistency, fairness and high organisational standards. These values resonate strongly with a global circuit that requires precision, trust and reliability at every level — from course design and safety to athlete support and international coordination.

Beyond its role as a World Cup sponsor, Valsir is also deeply embedded in the sport through its direct involvement as the root organiser of the Trofeo Nasego and Vertical Nasego, two cornerstone events of the World Cup calendar. These races have become reference points within their respective disciplines, combining high-level competition with strong local identity and organisational continuity.

Mountain running is a discipline built on trust — trust in the terrain, in the organisation, and in the systems that support athletes across challenging environments. This philosophy closely mirrors Valsir’s own approach, making its long-term support a natural and coherent fit within the World Cup’s global framework.

Mattia Gandini, Head of Marketing Valsir commented:

“Heritage and tradition are central to who we are at Valsir, shaped by the values of Val Sabbia, where our story began. Supporting mountain running, and in particular events such as Trofeo Nasego and Vertical Nasego, reflects our deep connection to the territory, to endurance and to the continuity between past and future that defines both our company and this sport.”

Turismo Centro de Portugal joins the 2026 World Cup as Title Sponsor of all Classic Up & Down races, reinforcing Portugal’s historic and ongoing role within international mountain running.

The connection between the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup and Centro de Portugal was first established through the Montemuro Vertical Run in Castro Daire, which featured in the World Cup calendar across three previous editions. Those events marked the beginning of a strong and enduring relationship, highlighting the region’s authenticity, organisational quality and natural suitability for elite mountain running. Since then, the World Cup has continued to strengthen its bond with the area.

The Classic Up & Down discipline represents the most traditional expression of the sport, combining ascent and descent in a single race and rewarding complete mountain running ability. Centro de Portugal, with its varied terrain, strong local running culture and proven experience in hosting international competition, provides a fitting and trusted platform for this discipline.

As host region of the 2026 season opener, Centro de Portugal stands at the symbolic gateway of the World Cup — linking the sport’s heritage with its modern, international format and reaffirming a partnership that has grown organically through shared experience and mutual trust.

Rui Ventura, President of Turismo Centro de Portugal, said: “Centro de Portugal offers an exceptional natural setting for mountain running, with diverse terrain, strong local expertise and a long-standing outdoor culture that aligns perfectly with the values of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup. Hosting World Cup races allows us to showcase these landscapes and communities through an international sporting platform, while the World Cup itself brings visibility, credibility and long-term value to the region. This partnership is a genuine exchange, where the identity of Centro de Portugal strengthens the World Cup, and the global reach of the World Cup, in turn, contributes to the sustainable promotion of our territory.”

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together athletes, organisers and partners around a shared set of values: promoting mountain running, sporting integrity, respect for diverse environments and people, international cooperation and the sustainable development of mountain running and its community

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

“Finding the right partnerships is always a complex process, as it requires maintaining the delicate balance between business and the soul of the sport. In this case, we firmly believe that the essence of mountain running is not only safeguarded but strengthened by partners who understand its heritage, its values and its long-term vision.
The WMRA have enhanced it’s offering in the World Cup in 2026 thanks to the support of our partners.  Increased prize money and athletes travel support giving runners international racing opportunities as well as anti-doping support using trusted providers has now given the WMRA World Cup a strong and healthy outlook.”

With 10 events, 16 races and three recognised disciplines — Uphill, Classic Up & Down and Long Distance — the World Cup continues its evolution from a European Grand Prix into a truly global competitive circuit, endorsed by World Athletics and supported by partners who share its long-term vision.

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST.