The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together a truly global calendar, spanning 10 events in 10 countries across 3 continents, and comprising 16 races across the three recognised mountain running disciplines: uphill, classic up & down, and long.

With 27 years of history, the World Cup has evolved from its origins in the Grand Prix into today’s international competitive sphere, operating with the endorsement and support of World Athletics and strengthened by new sponsors, as mountain running continues to grow worldwide.

Over nearly three decades, the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup has mirrored the evolution of mountain running itself — from its early European roots to a modern international series showcasing diverse terrains, cultures and racing traditions. Today, the World Cup stands as a global reference for the discipline, underpinned by World Athletics recognition and an expanding ecosystem supporting the sport’s development.

The 16 races of the 2026 World Cup are structured across three disciplines: uphill, classic up & down, and long.

This is the first of three press releases, focusing exclusively on the Uphill discipline. The following releases will explore the classic up & down races and the long races respectively, completing the full overview of the 2026 World Cup calendar.

The Uphill discipline represents one of the purest expressions of mountain running. Defined by a continuous ascent from start to finish, uphill races place the focus squarely on climbing ability, aerobic power and efficiency against gravity, without the technical or tactical complexity introduced by descents.

In the context of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, vertical races are included within the Uphill discipline, provided they meet the criteria of a single, continuous ascent, without the use of poles.

THE UPHILL SEASON OPENS IN CHINA: BEIJING CHANGPING YANSHOU – UPHILL

Following the opening classic up & down races of the season in Central Portugal, the Uphill discipline begins in China, setting the tone for a demanding and truly international uphill campaign.

The Beijing Changping Yanshou Trail Challenge – Uphill takes runners to the mountainous outskirts of Beijing’s Changping District, where steep trails intersect with centuries of history. Set against the dramatic landscape surrounding the Great Wall, the race opens the uphill season with a pure climbing challenge in one of the world’s most iconic environments.

More information: https://yanshoutrail.beijingcloud.com.cn/#/home

VOLCANIC VERTICALITY IN LA PALMA: TRANSVULCANIA ISLA DE LA PALMA – UPHILL

From China, the World Cup moves west to the Atlantic for the Transvulcania Adidas Terrex Isla de La Palma – Uphill, one of the most emblematic uphill races in mountain running.

Staged on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, this race is part of the long-established Transvulcania event, internationally recognised for its volcanic landscapes and strong mountain running tradition.

The course covers 7.3 km with approximately 1,248 metres of positive elevation gain, delivering a relentless ascent through volcanic slopes and forested terrain, with expansive Atlantic views as the climb unfolds.

More info: https://transvulcania.com/

ALPINE POWER AT OLYMPIC VALLEY: BROKEN ARROW ASCENT

The Uphill series then crosses the Atlantic to North America, where the Broken Arrow Ascent brings the World Cup into the high alpine environment of Olympic Valley, Lake Tahoe.

Part of the renowned Broken Arrow programme, the Ascent has established itself as a benchmark uphill race in the USA. The course measures 6.8 km with 954 metres of elevation gain, climbing from the valley floor into exposed alpine terrain.

The route combines steep gradients, technical trail sections and off-trail segments, demanding both physical power and mountain awareness at altitude.

More info: https://www.brokenarrowskyrace.com/

HISTORIC CLIMB IN THE FRENCH ALPS: VAUBAN MOUNTAIN TRAIL – UPHILL

From the Sierra Nevada, the World Cup returns to Europe for a uniquely historic uphill challenge at the Vauban Mountain Trail – Uphill in Briançon, France.

Known as the highest city in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Briançon provided a stunning yet brutal backdrop for the Vauban Mountain and Trail Uphill Race — a 5.9 km course climbing 1,121 vertical meters from the base of the Prorel cable car to just above the Chapelle de Notre-Dame des Neiges.

More information: https://trail-serre-chevalier.com/

ENVIRONMENT AND TRADITION IN ITALY’S ALPINE REGION: VERTICAL NASEGO

Set in the Val Sabbia area of Casto, Vertical Nasego delivers one of the most intense and character-defining uphill challenges of the World Cup calendar.

The course climbs 1,000 metres over 4.2 kilometres, beginning with a fast and explosive opening section on roads and good, runnable trails. As the race unfolds, the gradient sharpens and the terrain becomes increasingly technical, demanding precise footwork and sustained climbing power.

The route passes Rifugio Nasego at 1,270 metres before the final, decisive ascent to the finish at Corna di Savallo (1,436 m), where the steepest slopes define the outcome of the race.

These mountains have become synonymous with elite uphill performance. Over the years, the slopes of Nasego have witnessed one of the greatest uphill runners in history, Andrea Mayr, returning season after season to dominate the climb, winning repeatedly and continually pushing the limits of what is possible on this demanding uphill course.

A PURE UPHILL FINAL IN CANADA: DÉFI DES COULEURS

The Uphill discipline concludes in Canada with the Défi des Couleurs, 13th Edition – MSA Vertical, staged at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Québec.

Défi des Couleurs is a long-standing mountain and trail running event, with the MSA Vertical listed as a dedicated uphill race within its programme. The course focuses entirely on climbing the slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne, delivering a sustained uphill effort that rewards efficient pacing and climbing strength.

Uphill distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: 800 metres

More information: https://www.defidescouleurs.ca/

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.