The next generation of mountain running talent will gather in southern Italy on 21 June 2026, when Gagliano del Capo (Lecce) hosts the 19th International U18 Mountain Running Cup, one of the most important international competitions dedicated to youth mountain running.

Organised under the auspices of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) in collaboration with Italian Athletics (FIDAL) and the local organising committee Atletica Capo di Leuca, the event continues a long-standing tradition of providing young athletes with their first opportunity to compete internationally against peers from across the globe.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), in collaboration with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever anti-doping education initiative specifically designed for mountain running athletes.

This milestone initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening integrity within the sport, aligning mountain running with the highest international standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The initial online session, in April, will be followed by the distribution of E-Info materials on anti-doping to all runners. This will be complemented by an in-person session during the weekend of Sierre-Zinal, where athletes will have the opportunity to meet AIU representatives face-to-face. An extended session will also be organised for coaches and managers over the same weekend.

CLASSIC UP & DOWN DISCIPLINE

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together a truly 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.

With 27 years of history, the World Cup has evolved from its origins as a European Grand Prix into today’s fully international competitive circuit, operating with the endorsement and support of World Athletics. Over nearly three decades, it has mirrored the evolution of mountain running itself — from its early European roots to a modern global series connecting cultures, landscapes and racing traditions.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) has confirmed the return of the World Cup to China in 2026, with Beijing’s Changping District set to host one of the most visually striking and internationally significant stops on the calendar.

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together a truly 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.

The World Masters Mountain Running Championships 2026 (WMMRC) continue to build momentum as preparations progress in the Czech Republic, with the official championship centre confirmed in the spa town of Janské Lázně, located in the heart of Europe and surrounded by the iconic Krkonoše Mountains.

Following the strong legacy and competitive spirit carried forward from Meduno 2025, the 2026 Championships promise a technically demanding and atmospherically rich event, combining classic mountain running formats with Central Europe’s long-standing tradition in athletics and outdoor sport.