This coming weekend the world’s greatest mountain runners will tackle among the most breathtaking and demanding programs on the planet. The twenty sixth version of the World Mountain Working Affiliation (WMRA) Mountain Working World Cup is about to kick off, that includes 15 thrilling races throughout eight international locations and three continents.
This season presents the right mixture of iconic occasions — like Sierre-Zinal and Trofeo Nasego — alongside thrilling new additions akin to Zmeu Xfest in Romania, Chongli in China, and the Vauban Mountain Path in France.
Might: Romania and Italy Set the Stage
The 2025 World Cup kicks off on Might 4 in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania, with the Zmeu Xfest. Nestled within the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, this area—dwelling to over 1000 mountain trails and UNESCO heritage websites—will present the right backdrop for the season’s first basic mountain race.
Ranging from the centre of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, runners will ascend Măgura Runcului peak (1,176+ m) earlier than descending to the Mesteacăn stream. The climb continues on (1,129+ m) earlier than a descent leads again towards city, however the problem isn’t over but. The course then takes rivals up the third peak, Bodea (1,073+ m), adopted by a last quick climb on Aleea Domnițelor earlier than they race to the end line.
Later within the month, the motion strikes to Casto, Italy, the place runners will deal with two iconic occasions: Vertical Nasego (Might 24) and Trofeo Nasego (Might 25). Positioned within the rugged Brescia Prealps, these races are a staple within the mountain operating world, testing each velocity and endurance on a few of Italy’s most demanding terrain.
The Vertical Nasego begins in Casto, the place runners will begin their ascent on roads and well-maintained trails as they steadily climb towards Briale village. Nevertheless, the true problem begins past this level, because the course turns into steeper and extra technical, winding previous Rifugio Nasego (1270m) earlier than reaching the final word end line at 1430m.
This would be the 24rd version of Trofeo Nasego and it’s a race that has seen many epic battles through the years. The runners will tackle a 21.5km course, which has a variety of quick, runnable sections however one very notable climb. From the beginning in Casto at 400m it climbs slowly for the primary 6km, earlier than flattening off for 6km, then comes the massive climb up of round 750m as much as Rifugio Nasego, earlier than a protracted descent right down to Famea for the end.
June: Poland and USA proceed the momentum
In Poland, the World Cup celebrates a century of mountain operating with the Tatra Fest in Zakopane on June 15. Paying tribute to the historic Tatra March of 1925, this race takes runners on a spectacular 25km route by way of the beautiful Tatra Mountains.
Athletes will compete on a 24km course with 1700m of elevation achieve, navigating the breathtaking Tatra trails and ridges from Zakopane to Kościelisko. The race begins in Kuźnice, main runners by way of the Kondracka Cross and Czerwone Wierchy, then descending into the Tomanowa Valley and Hala Ornak. From there, the route continues by way of Iwaniacka Przełęcz, Starorobociańska Valley, and Chochołowska Valley, earlier than reaching the end line at Siwa Polana.
Then the collection then crosses the Atlantic to america for the famend Damaged Arrow Skyrace. The weekend kicks off with a brief uphill race on June 20, adopted by a 23km basic mountain race on June twenty second. With its rugged trails and epic views, this occasion has grow to be a favourite amongst world champions and rising stars alike.
The Ascent is a brief however intense climb by way of Palisade Tahoe’s most iconic terrain. Runners will achieve 3000 toes in simply 3 miles, reaching the 9000-foot summit of Washeshu Peak. The course options steep trails, technical talus, and an uncovered ridgeline, culminating within the legendary Headwall ridge, the place athletes deal with the “Stairway to Heaven” ladder with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe
The Damaged Arrow 23K is a world-class loop by way of Palisades Tahoe’s most iconic terrain. Beginning at 6200 toes, runners will climb practically 5000 toes, navigating the rugged, technical panorama of one in every of North America’s most excessive ski resorts. With relentless elevation achieve and a course largely above treeline, this race is as demanding as it’s breathtaking.
Grayson Murphy (Marco Gulberti)
July: China, France, and Italy Host Thrilling Races
The World Cup breaks new floor this 12 months, making its debut in Chongli, China, with two back-to-back races on July 5 and 6. Positioned in Zhangjiakou Metropolis, Hebei Province, this area—well-known for internet hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics—boasts pristine mountain landscapes, making it a super venue for this thrilling new addition.
Subsequent, the circuit heads to France for the Vauban Mountain Path in Briançon on July 19 and 20. As Europe’s highest metropolis, Briançon presents breathtaking views of the Ecrins Nationwide Park, with races climbing as much as 2400m in altitude, pushing runners to their limits.
The month wraps up in Premana, Italy, with the legendary Giir di Mont. The motion begins on July 26 with an uphill race that doubles because the Italian Championship, adopted by a grueling 32km race on July 27. This occasion is thought for its steep ascents, electrifying crowds, and deep connection to Italy’s mountain operating custom.
August: Iconic Races in Switzerland and Slovenia
August kicks off with probably the most prestigious races in mountain operating: Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland on August 9. Nicknamed the “Race of the 5 4000s”, this occasion attracts the world’s greatest athletes, who tackle a 31km course with over 2200m of elevation achieve towards a backdrop of towering Alpine peaks.
What Makes Sierre-Zinal So Iconic? At the beginning, the breathtaking surroundings units this race aside. Dubbed “la course des cinq 4000”, Sierre-Zinal presents beautiful views of 5 majestic peaks over 4000m — Weisshorn (4506m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4073m), Matterhorn (4478m) and Dent Blanche (4357m) — making it a very unforgettable expertise.
Past its magnificence, the race carries a wealthy historical past. Since its first version in 1974, Sierre-Zinal has topped among the sport’s best champions, together with Kilian Jornet (a file nine-time winner), Anna Pichrtova (4 consecutive victories), Jonathan Wyatt (long-time file holder), Ricardo Mejía (five-time champion), Maude Mathys (4 titles), and Lucy Wambui Murigi (three wins).
Kilian Jornet at Sierre Zinal (Marco Gulberti)
Slovenia Hosts the Grand Finale of the World Cup
The 2025 WMRA Mountain Working World Cup reaches its thrilling conclusion in Slovenia, the place champions might be topped after two days of intense competitors.
The battle kicks off on Saturday, August 23, with the Uphill Remaining at Velika Planina in Kamnik. This legendary course, used within the 2010 World Mountain Working Championships and the 2017 European Off-Street Championships, will as soon as once more check the world’s greatest. It is usually set to host the 2026 European Off-Street Working Championships, including to its wealthy legacy.
The season wraps up on Sunday, August 24, with the Basic distance occasion at Šmarna Gora. Ignored by the historic Church of the Mom of God, a Baroque landmark courting again to 1711, this race presents a very distinctive environment. As runners push towards the end, the normal “pritrkovanje” church bells will ring, symbolically accompanying them to the top of an unforgettable season—one that completely blends heritage, competitors, and innovation in mountain operating.
(Marco Gulberti)
Dedication to honest play and athlete help
From the start, the WMRA has maintained a agency dedication to anti-doping laws, following World Athletics protocols. In 2024, over 70 WADA-accredited checks had been carried out throughout all races, making certain honest competitors. For the 2025 season, this quantity will enhance to greater than 80 checks throughout 15 races, all carried out by impartial, accredited native companies acknowledged by each the respective nationwide athletics federations and WADA.
Moreover, enhanced journey help and a prize pool have been launched for 2025, with the general World Cup champions set to obtain €5000.
Because the countdown begins, the mountain operating group eagerly anticipates a season that celebrates each custom and innovation, uniting athletes from across the globe in pursuit of thrilling and glorious competitors.
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