This coming weekend the world’s best mountain runners will take on some of the most breathtaking and demanding courses on the planet. The 26th edition of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Mountain Running World Cup is about to kick off, featuring 15 thrilling races across eight countries and three continents.
This season offers the perfect mix of iconic events — like Sierre-Zinal and Trofeo Nasego — alongside exciting new additions such as Zmeu Xfest in Romania, Chongli in China, and the Vauban Mountain Trail in France.
May: Romania and Italy Set the Stage
The 2025 World Cup kicks off on May 4 in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania, with the Zmeu Xfest. Nestled in the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, this region—home to over 1000 mountain trails and UNESCO heritage sites—will provide the perfect backdrop for the season’s first classic mountain race.
Starting from the centre of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, runners will ascend Măgura Runcului peak (1,176+ m) before descending to the Mesteacăn stream. The climb continues on (1,129+ m) before a descent leads back toward town, but the challenge isn’t over yet. The course then takes competitors up the third peak, Bodea (1,073+ m), followed by a final short climb on Aleea Domnițelor before they race to the finish line.
Later in the month, the action moves to Casto, Italy, where runners will tackle two iconic events: Vertical Nasego (May 24) and Trofeo Nasego (May 25). Located in the rugged Brescia Prealps, these races are a staple in the mountain running world, testing both speed and endurance on some of Italy’s most demanding terrain.
The Vertical Nasego starts in Casto, where runners will start their ascent on roads and well-maintained trails as they gradually climb toward Briale village. However, the real challenge begins beyond this point, as the course becomes steeper and more technical, winding past Rifugio Nasego (1270m) before reaching the ultimate finish line at 1430m.
This will be the 24rd edition of Trofeo Nasego and it is a race that has seen many epic battles over the years. The runners will take on a 21.5km course, which has a lot of fast, runnable sections but one very notable climb. From the start in Casto at 400m it climbs slowly for the first 6km, before flattening off for 6km, then comes the big climb up of around 750m up to Rifugio Nasego, before a long descent down to Famea for the finish.
June: Poland and USA continue the momentum
In Poland, the World Cup celebrates a century of mountain running 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 through the stunning Tatra Mountains.
Athletes will compete on a 24km course with 1700m of elevation gain, navigating the breathtaking Tatra trails and ridges from Zakopane to Kościelisko. The race starts in Kuźnice, leading runners through the Kondracka Pass and Czerwone Wierchy, then descending into the Tomanowa Valley and Hala Ornak. From there, the route continues through Iwaniacka Przełęcz, Starorobociańska Valley, and Chochołowska Valley, before reaching the finish line at Siwa Polana.
Then the series then crosses the Atlantic to the United States for the renowned Broken Arrow Skyrace. The weekend kicks off with a short uphill race on June 20, followed by a 23km classic mountain race on June 22nd. With its rugged trails and epic views, this event has become a favorite among world champions and rising stars alike.
The Ascent is a short but intense climb through Palisade Tahoe’s most iconic terrain. Runners will gain 3000 feet in just 3 miles, reaching the 9000-foot summit of Washeshu Peak. The course features steep trails, technical talus, and an exposed ridgeline, culminating in the legendary Headwall ridge, where athletes tackle the “Stairway to Heaven” ladder with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe
The Broken Arrow 23K is a world-class loop through Palisades Tahoe’s most iconic terrain. Starting at 6200 feet, runners will climb nearly 5000 feet, navigating the rugged, technical landscape of one of North America’s most extreme ski resorts. With relentless elevation gain and a course mostly above treeline, this race is as demanding as it is breathtaking.
Grayson Murphy (Marco Gulberti)
July: China, France, and Italy Host Thrilling Races
The World Cup breaks new ground this year, making its debut in Chongli, China, with two back-to-back races on July 5 and 6. Located in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, this region—famous for hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics—boasts pristine mountain landscapes, making it an ideal venue for this exciting new addition.
Next, the circuit heads to France for the Vauban Mountain Trail in Briançon on July 19 and 20. As Europe’s highest city, Briançon offers breathtaking views of the Ecrins National Park, with races climbing up to 2400m in altitude, pushing runners to their limits.
The month wraps up in Premana, Italy, with the legendary Giir di Mont. The action begins on July 26 with an uphill race that doubles as the Italian Championship, followed by a grueling 32km race on July 27. This event is known for its steep ascents, electrifying crowds, and deep connection to Italy’s mountain running tradition.
August: Iconic Races in Switzerland and Slovenia
August kicks off with one of the most prestigious races in mountain running: Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland on August 9. Nicknamed the “Race of the Five 4000s”, this event attracts the world’s best athletes, who take on a 31km course with over 2200m of elevation gain against a backdrop of towering Alpine peaks.
What Makes Sierre-Zinal So Iconic? First and foremost, the breathtaking scenery sets this race apart. Dubbed “la course des cinq 4000”, Sierre-Zinal offers stunning views of five majestic peaks over 4000m — Weisshorn (4506m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4073m), Matterhorn (4478m) and Dent Blanche (4357m) — making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond its beauty, the race carries a rich history. Since its first edition in 1974, Sierre-Zinal has crowned some of the sport’s greatest champions, including Kilian Jornet (a record nine-time winner), Anna Pichrtova (four consecutive victories), Jonathan Wyatt (long-time record holder), Ricardo Mejía (five-time champion), Maude Mathys (four 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 Running World Cup reaches its thrilling conclusion in Slovenia, where champions will be crowned after two days of intense competition.
The battle kicks off on Saturday, August 23, with the Uphill Final at Velika Planina in Kamnik. This legendary course, used in the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships and the 2017 European Off-Road Championships, will once again test the world’s best. It is also set to host the 2026 European Off-Road Running Championships, adding to its rich legacy.
The season wraps up on Sunday, August 24, with the Classic distance event at Šmarna Gora. Overlooked by the historic Church of the Mother of God, a Baroque landmark dating back to 1711, this race offers a truly unique atmosphere. As runners push toward the finish, the traditional “pritrkovanje” church bells will ring, symbolically accompanying them to the end of an unforgettable season—one that perfectly blends heritage, competition, and innovation in mountain running.
(Marco Gulberti)
Commitment to fair play and athlete support
From the beginning, the WMRA has maintained a firm commitment to anti-doping regulations, following World Athletics protocols. In 2024, over 70 WADA-accredited tests were conducted across all races, ensuring fair competition. For the 2025 season, this number will increase to more than 80 tests across 15 races, all carried out by independent, accredited local agencies recognized by both the respective national athletics federations and WADA.
Additionally, enhanced travel support and a prize pool have been introduced for 2025, with the overall World Cup champions set to receive €5000.
As the countdown begins, the mountain running community eagerly anticipates a season that celebrates both tradition and innovation, uniting athletes from around the globe in pursuit of exciting and excellent competition.
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