USA Skyrunning Team whistles into 4th place
The USA Skyrunning Team whistles into 4th place at The 2026 Skyrunning World Championships on the island of Gomera, Spain!
Back Row- Morgan Elliott, Anthony Lee, Jack Wilkinson, Travis Lavin, Ryan Kerrigan
Front Row- Robyn Lesh, Caroline Alcorta, Hannah Rowe, Gabby Deangelis, Karina Andersen, Dan Button,
Also present but not in this photo- Joseph Demoor, Careth Arnold and Hanni Guinn
La Gomera, the third-smallest of Spain's main Canary Islands, is a breathtaking volcanic paradise defined by deep, rugged ravines (barrancos), misty laurel forests, and a dramatic, slow-paced lifestyle that feels worlds away from its bustling neighbor, Tenerife. Known as the "island lost in time," it is a premier destination for hikers, nature lovers, and travelers looking for an authentic escape.
Silbo Gomero, the extraordinary whistled language of La Gomera, is one of the most fascinating cultural treasures in the world. Far from being a simple code or set of signals, it is a fully developed, expressive language capable of replicating the entire vocabulary and grammar of Spanish through pitch and tone.
The three day skyrunning festival was comprised of three events.
the Vertical Kilometer® — 4.9 kilometers in distance and 950 Meters +/-
the SkyUltra® — 62 kilometers in distance and 4,100 Meters +/-
the SkyRace® — 29 kilometers in distance and 1900 Meters +/-
11 US athletes homes ranging from New Hampshire to Nevada made the journey to La Gomera for the rare chance to represent as a national team in the spoor of skyrunning.
“Having just about a compete team and some very promising athletes I knew we would be in the mix for a respectable team finish, but I wasn’t expecting 4th!” said coach, Ryan Kerrigan.
“It’s clearly a testament to US intrigue and passion for the sport of skyrunning. If ever there was any doubt as to whether or not The US could gain a foothold amongst fierce international competitors- well, I guess we can put that question to rest.
We don’t have a pinky finger’s worth the resources and structure of our closest competitors. We’re doing this in an authentically American way- just wild hearts and the will to push the boundaries of the mountains and our own selves.”
Anthony Lee- fully recognizing the final very hot and exposed kilometers of the SkyUltra course- and ringing into 13th position!
Some standout performances included Careth Arnold who rung into the bronze position in the women’s SkyUltra competition.
“This race was competitive, diverse and absolutely stunning. I am so grateful I felt strong enough to jump back into action shortly after UTMB (4th place woman)…. This was was my first time racing as a team and I really appreciated how it brought out the best in everyone.”
-Careth Arnold
Photo credit: @Damiano Benedetto Photo
Also Joseph Demoor bounded up for a 6th place men’s finish in the Vertical Kilometer.
“This was my 3rd consecutive skyrunning world champs and they’ve all been very different experiences. From being solo in 2022 to leading a full team to Spain in 2024 and then major uncertainties this summer on if I’d even be able to make the start line of 2026’s championship. I still had high expectations this year and am disappointed with my results while at the same time psyched for a solid overall team finish- 4th! I loved getting to reconnect with friends and meet new athletes this year and can’t wait to see what the U.S. Skyrunning scene continues to grow into.”
Joseph Demoor
Morgan Elliott, who is currently holding 4th position in the Skyrunner® World Series standings and rung in 12th position and first American male in the SkyRace. Reflecting on US team spirit within an individualist sport.
“I’m incredibly proud of the USA Skyrunning Team and the way everyone showed up, took on the challenge and gave everything they had… that’s one of the things I love most about this sport, we get to compete against each other while wanting to see each other succeed.”
-Morgan Elliott
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, September 18-20th.
“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 ones 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.
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