Are you ready to go Beast Mode?!
July 23, 2026
In about a week’s time the Skyrunner® World Series will return to the USA at the Beast of Big Creek in Hoodsport, WA!
Centered around Mt Ellinor and Big Creek Campground- the Beast of Big Creek SkyRace® features 24 kilometers of steep forest climbs through old-growth forests, technical mountain ridges with views of Lake Cushman and Puget Sound- racking up over 1600 Meters (5300 feet) of vertical gain.
Mathias Eichler, Beast race director recalls- “When I inherited the race, I found archived materials from the previous director that featured clips of runners at legendary European mountain races like Zegama and Sierre Zinal. John Johnson (previous race director) had originally shared those visuals to showcase his dream that the local Washington race could someday match that historic grandeur. Seeing those clips inspired me to contact the International Skyrunning Federation and elevate the Beast of Big Creek Skyrace onto the global map.”
“Elevated, the race will be” said Ryan Kerrigan, Coach with US Skyrunning. “Previously US athletes generally had to cross the pond to find world level skyrunning competition. Now US athletes will have the opportunity to host their greatest rivals and strongest athletes in the sport on home soil.
“I’m tired of hearing- ‘skyrunning is a European sport, maybe it should stay there.’ We’ve got the mountains, we’ve got the athletes and now we’ve got the race courses to match. Skyrunning is a global sport and next week the world spotlight will be right here with The Beast!”
“Every SkyRace® is unique. More traditional skyraces are often based in an alpine village with cobble streets, a village fountain and timeless and picturesque stone houses in the shadow of the mountain. - What’s special about the Beast is that the whole event is based out of the Big Creek Campground. Athletes will be immersed in nature throughout the weekend, complete with evening campfires and s’mores, shakeout runs and more- a true roots to skyrunning experience for all. This could set the tone for a uniquely American expression of skyrunning.”
Weekend schedule available here.
Eichler adds, “The Hoodsport community is excited to welcome skyrunners from around the world. The whole community is chipping in- even the local grocery store, the only one in town, jumped in as a sponsor of the event.”
Among the international audience of starters on the women’s side will be Claudia Corral from Spain- previously crowned the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Under 23 Champion and 2024 Youth Skyrunning World Champion.
On the men’s side Jose Manuel Quispe Mallma (Peru) will be looking to add another Merrell Skyrunner® victory to his trophy case- having previously earned those honors at Cordillera Blanca Extreme SkyRace® in his home country of Peru as well as The Ibarra SkyRace® in Ecuador.
On the US Men’s side, Morgan Elliott. 4th Place at the 2024 Skyrunning World Championships will be hoping to stake his claim on Mt Ellinor and won’t be giving up ground easily.
Recent 2nd place Hardrock 100 Finisher Careth Arnold shares "I am hooked on the challenge of mountains and look forward to participating in skyrunning events with the hope it explodes in the US. There is so much potential stateside." Careth will also be representing the USA at the 2026 World Skyrunning Championships.
Also to watch from the women’s side- Robin Vieira Brower is coming off a fresh win from the Whiteface SkyRace®. She'll be looking to defend her title as the overall US Series leader. Robin will have the advantage of being in her Pacific Northwest forest playground.
Thank you to First to the Finish for supplying uniforms to The US Skyrunning World Championship Team!
First to the Finish has graciously offered to supply custom sublimated race uniforms and warmups to the US Skyrunning Team to represent at the Skyrunning World Championships in La Gomera, Spain in September.
“Thank you to Austin Viano and The FTTF Crew for their generous support and work to custom craft uniforms for our 2026 Championship Team”, said coach Ryan Kerrigan
“it’s been a whirlwind of a skyrunning year so far and a lot of a work. It can be difficult to see the impact we’re having. Support from FTTF for uniforms is really encouraging and shows that we’re not the only one that know skyrunning is on the rise…”
Whether you’re a coach or a run club leader consider First to the Finish for your next uniform order.
Interested in repping at The 2026 Masters Skyrunning Championships Ultra in Portugal on October 4, 2026?
There’s still some time! Application available here.
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 2026 — 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.
Three Ways to Make It Happen
Become a Vert Member — $30 Unlock up to 60% off gear from 400+ outdoor brands. It pays for itself on your first purchase — and every sale supports the team.
Official US Skyrunning gear for the mountain, the track, and the trail. Look the part. Fund the mission.
Make a Direct Donation No gear needed — just belief. Every dollar goes toward putting US athletes on the world stage, from the starting line to the podium.
Be Part of What's Next
US Skyrunning is looking for a title sponsor
Skyrunning is catching fire in the United States. After years of groundwork laid by coaches, race directors, and federation leadership, the sport is hitting an inflection point — and we're ready to grow it right.
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
Run Higher. Train Together. Is your camp part of the skyrunning movement?
We're building a national network of training camps — and we want to know if yours belongs in it. If you run a camp that pushes athletes into the mountains and beyond, there's a place for you in this community.
No fees. Just fill out the questionnaire on our website to get started.
Happy oxygen-deprived campers at our inaugural Youth Skyrunning Camp in The Maiella National Park, Italy- And warm-up to the Youth Skyrunning World Championships at nearby Gran Sasso, Italy.
What's on Your Running Playlist? We're building the ultimate skyrunning soundtrack — and we want your picks.
We've been adding new tracks to the official US Skyrunning playlist — give it a listen and send us your suggestions.
This month's additions:
“Black Box”— Automatic
“Steppin’ Stone” — Minor Threat
“Vertical” — Nia Archives
