American Women Are Back on the Podium
Jane Maus at Calamorro SkyRace©
Jane Maus of Boulder, Colorado has arrived on the international skyrunning stage. Claiming second place at the Calamorro SkyRace© near Benalmádena in southern Spain — a Merrell Skyrunner® World Series event. The result marks a meaningful return of American women to the top of the global skyrunning podium.
Jane (second from the right) among the other winners of the day. Spain’s Sara Alonso took the honors. Photo: @Skyrunning @nachogimenoo
Maus, who also climbs and scrambles extensively around Boulder, described the race atmosphere as electric. The heat and humidity added to the challenge, but she left Spain with a clear appetite for more. "I will absolutely be back for my skyraces in the future," she said.
"The idea of doing some skyraces has been on my mind over the last year. I really love steep, technical trail running, and learning more about skyrunning, it seemed like it would suit my skill set really well. I feel like I become stronger the steeper and more technical it gets!"— Jane Maus, 2nd place, Calamorro SkyRace©
Photo: @skyrunning @nachogimenoo
Perspective from the Federation
Lauri van Houten, Executive Director of the International Skyrunning Federation, placed Jane's result in a rich historical context — reflecting on the deep legacy of American women in the sport and the exciting road ahead.
"American women and skyrunning. Well, there always have been, and always will be, strong American skyrunners... Ladies, the stage is set, the curtains are up — the mountains are calling!"— Lauri van Houten, Executive Director, International Skyrunning Federation
Van Houten highlighted that the ISF is actively growing the sport's presence in the US this year, with the inclusion of a race on the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, a four-race Merrell Skyrunner® USA Series, and a VK on the VK OPEN World Cup — providing American women certified skyrunning courses on home ground for the first time.
American Women Who Shaped Skyrunning
Ellen Miller was the first US female skyrunner, part of the Fila “Dream Team” that travelled the world. She fell in love with the mountains in Tibet and went on to conquer Everest- twice!
Danelle Ballengee was a force to be reckoned with and was also part of the team, winning some of the most important races since around the world.
Danelle Ballengee, 2000 SkyGames, Breithorn
Stevie Kremer competed since 2012 and is a Skyrunner® World Series champion. She also won a silver medal at the 2014 World Championships.
Stevie Kremer, 2014 Zegama, ©iancorless.com
Hillary Allen has had standout performances in technical European events, including a remarkable comeback after a serious accident.
Hillary Allen, 2017 Ultra Sky Madeira, ©iancorless.com
Megan Kimmel was a top-level competitor in US and European skyrunning races.
Kasie Enman won the iconic Kima Trophy in 2014 and famously breastfed her child at the finish line.
Hillary Gerardi swept the Tromsø SkyRace®, Kima Trophy, and Monte Rosa SkyMarathon in 2018.
Hillary Gerardi, 2018 Monte Rosa Skymarathon, ©iancorless.com
Brooke Greenberg is just 15 years old, she took three gold medals at the 2025 Skyrunning Youth World Championships, Italy, in her first-ever skyrunning event.
Brooke Greenberg, 2025 Youth Skyrunning World Championships, Italy, ©Damiano Benedetto Photo
You're What Gets Them There
Support American Skyrunners on the World Stage
American skyrunners are among the strongest in the world. This year, they're ready to prove it.
US Skyrunning is sending teams to five major championship events in 2025 — the Youth Continental Championships in Canada, the Youth World Championships in Croatia, the World Championships in Spain, and the Skymasters Championships in France and Portugal. Athletes will compete alongside the best in the world, representing the USA at every level.
Getting there takes more than talent. Travel, lodging, uniforms, coaching, and federation fees all stand between these athletes and the starting line. That's where you come in.
Every dollar you give puts an American skyrunner on that mountain.
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A title sponsorship puts your brand at the center of that story. You'll reach a passionate, high-performance endurance community and play a direct role in shaping the future of the sport — from international competition to grassroots development.
With the right partner, US Skyrunning can attract elite talent, build a national development pipeline, and expand access to camps, coaching, and community programs worldwide.
What you get: prominent visibility across our website, media, and newsletter — and something harder to buy: genuine alignment with a sport and community that's on the rise.
If that sounds like your kind of investment, let's talk. 📩 usaskyrunning@gmail.com
