Championship Events

Since the summer of 2017, the US Skyrunning Team has travelled internationally to attend International Skyrunning Federation Championship Events. Every year a team is selected from a strong pool of applicants.

Interested in racing for the US Skyrunning Team?

Apply to Championships in Spain
Apply to Youth Championships in Croatia
Apply to Masters Skyrunning World Champs
Apply to N & C youth champs in Canada

    • Youth age groups are: Youth A (15-16 years)

      Youth B (17-18 years)

      Youth C (19-20 years)

      U23 (21-22-23 years)

    • For youth applicants: You should be able to provide results demonstrating the ability to complete a Vertical Kilometer® in approximately one hour or faster.

    • For adults: You should provide results showing or demonstrating the ability to complete a Vertical Kilometer® in less than one hour.

    • For all applicants: XC running, XC ski, ski mountaineering, track, mountain and trail running results are all applicable.

    • Fill out the application for event desired. If you would like to apply for more than one event, please specify.

    • Along with the application, a coaches recommendation is also requested.

    • Accepting all applications now. Due dates are specified above each application. See below.

  • May 8-10, 2026: Youth Skyrunning Championships in Makarska, Croatia.

    June 26 & 28: North and Central America Youth Skyrunning Championshiops in Alberta, Canada

    July 4, 2026: Masters Skyrunning World Champs in Arêches, Savoie, France

    September 18-20, 2026 : Skyrunning World Championships in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain.

    • VK, Sky and Ultra

2026 Youth Skyrunning World Championships

Makarska, Croatia-

May 8-10, 2026

Croatia became an ISF member just two years ago and with teams participating in various World Championships, they secured their first medal in the recent Masters. Thanks to the rapid growth of the sport, the country is ready to host their first Skyrunning World Championships. The location is nothing less than spectacular in the Biokovo mountains high above the Adriatic Sea, where, on a clear day, the Italian Apennines can be seen – the very mountains where six editions of the Youth Championships have been held on Gran Sasso.

The hub of the events is centred around the coastal town of Makarska and will feature two skyrunning disciplines – VERTICAL and SKY – disputed on three different courses: the youngest categories (Youth A & B), will run a SKY course between 10 and 14 km long, while the other categories will run over a 20 km course. The courses are being specifically designed for the Championships and will be announced in the coming weeks.
The classic “sea to sky” concept is perfectly highlighted here, with the summit of the Biokovo mountains reaching 1,762m altitude on Sveti Jure.

Learn more at www.skyrunning.com

Application:

Due by February 1, 2026

2026 Youth Skyrunning North & Central American Championships

Minotaur SkyRace

Presented by Arc’teryx

Alberta, Canada

June 26 & 28, 2026

The International Skyrunning Federation is pleased to announce a new championship – the Youth Skyrunning North & Central American Championships – which will take place in the spectacular Canadian Rockies on 26 and 28 June, 2026.

This marks the first-ever Continental Championships dedicated to the Youth category which will be hosted at the Minotaur SkyRace, presented by Arc’teryx, in Alberta, Canada.

Open to athletes aged 15-23, teams will compete from: Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and USA – to battle for the 75 medals and Continental titles at stake for individual, combined and national team rankings.

Two skyrunning disciplines will be disputed – the VERTICAL and the SKY. The brand new Minotaur VK, specifically designed for the Youth Championships, reaches the highest altitude of the events topping out at 2,380m altitude.

Application

Due February 1, 2026

  • VERTICAL
    Minotaur VK – Castle Mountain Resort, AB – June 26, 2026
    Distance: 4 km – Vertical climb: 970m

    SKY
    Mini-Taur 10 km – Crowsnest Pass, AB – June 28, 2026
    Distance: 10.5 km – Vertical climb: 950m

    The four age categories are:  Youth A (15-16), Youth B (17-18), Youth C (19-20) and U23 (21-23).

    • All those wishing to participate in the Youth Skyrunning North & Central American Championships must be selected by their National Member

    • Every National Member can select a maximum of six participants for every category, with a maximum of 18 participants per team

    • Teams can present up to 6 athletes per age category, with maximum four athletes of the same gender. Possible maximum distributions are: 4M+2W or 3M+3W or 2M+4W

    • The team title is awarded based on the individual points accrued by the best three athletes (at least one per gender) of the SKY and the VERTICAL race, in each age category. In case of a tie, the team with the highest number of finishers will be considered.

    • The Combined title is based on the results accrued in both the VERTICAL and SKY disciplines. The athlete with the highest sum will be declared the Combined Champion. In case of a tie, the best position in the SKY discipline is considered.

ISF website
Minotaur Website

2026 Masters Skyrunning World Championships

Skyrun du Grand Mont, Arêches, Savoie, France

July 4, 2026

Skyrun du Grand Mont. Altitude. ©Paul Viard Gaudin

The fourth edition of the Masters Skyrunning World Championships will represent a thrilling challenge for passionate over-forties skyrunners looking for adventure. France will host the championships on July 4, 2026, at the Skyrun du Grand Mont, part of the ASICS Pierra Menta Été.

The Pierra Menta is a legendary ski-mountaineering race dating back 40 years. Ten years ago, the summer edition was launched in the same format with athletes racing in pairs. Last year, the Skyrun du Grand Mont was introduced for single athletes - an immediate success paving the way for hosting the 2026 Masters Skyrunning World Championships.

Featuring the SKY discipline, the course is 28 km long with 2,600m vertical climb reaching 2,680m altitude, starting and finishing in Arêches, Savoie.

It features exposed ridges equipped with fixed ropes and is certified as “Technical Level 2” according to the ISF Course Certified standards. Compulsory equipment includes a harness, via ferrata kit and helmet – the first time that such a demanding, highly technical course is on offer for the over-forties.

read more on skyrunning.com
Pierramenta website

Pisão Extreme

São Pedro do Sul, Portugal

October 4, 2026

read more on skyrunning.com
Pisao extreme website

There are magical places, shrouded in traditions, rituals, myths, legends, beliefs about goats that kill wolves, snakes that eat men, and saints who carry burning embers in their hands!

An event that takes place in the Arada mountain range, along a circular route.It's the most challenging race on the European continent with an average elevation gain of 20%, here you're pushed to your limits!

  • The 2026 Masters Skyrunning World Championships categories are four:

    • Over 40 (40 to 44 years): born from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 1986

    • Over 45 (45 to 49 years): born from January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1981

    • Over 50 (50 to 54 years): born from January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1976

    • Over 55 (55 or more years): born before December 31, 1971

    • The 2026 Masters Skyrunning World Championships are open.

    • Only athletes selected by the respective Member are counted for the Team ranking.

    • Every National Member can present up to 6 athletes per age category, with maximum four athletes of the same gender. Possible maximum distributions are: 4M+2W or 3M+3W or 2M+4W.

    • Organisers must offer a minimum of two free entries for every official country represented.

    1. The fourth edition of the Masters Skyrunning World Championships will be held in France, on July 4, 2026 in Arêches, Savoie.

    2. National teams must communicate their official participation and the number of athletes divided by category by May 4, 2026.

    3. National teams must communicate the names of the athletes by June 4, 2026.

    4. The SKY race will be held on Saturday, July 4. The race will have a mass start.

    5. Medals (gold, silver and bronze) will be awarded to the top three women and men of each age category in each race.

    6. The Team Ranking is based on the individual points accrued by the top three athletes – at least one per gender – in each age category.

    7. Other information regarding opening and closing ceremonies, doping controls, pasta parties and all the other activities will be communicated at a later date.

Application Due March 15, 2026

Acceptance by April 1, 2026

2026 Skyrunning World Championships

La Gomera, Spain – September 18-20, 2026

The 2026 Skyrunning World Championships featuring the VERTICAL, SKY and SKYULTRA disciplines will be held from 18-20 September 2026 in La Gomera, Spain at the Gomera Paradise Skyrunning.
World titles and 27 medals are at stake for Individuals and Official Teams, together with a Combined title based on the best results of the VERTICAL and SKY races.

    • All those wishing to participate in the 2026 Skyrunning World Championships must be selected by their National Member.

    • Every National Member can select a maximum of 18 participants per team, maximum 6 per discipline.

    • Teams can present up to 6 athletes per discipline, with maximum three athletes of the same gender.

    • Each athlete selected for the US Skyrunning World Championship team will need to purchase an ISF Card and US Skyrunning Membership.

    • September 18 - Vertical®

    • September 19 - SkyUltra®

    • September 20 - Sky - 29 km and 1,900 vertical climb

  • US Skyrunning is an emerging organization focused on generating revenue through memberships, merchandise, and events to support the expenses of US Skyrunning athletes.

    While we are optimistic about the sport’s growth, we maintain a realistic perspective.

    Therefore, athletes should be prepared to cover all race-related expenses, including travel, lodging, uniforms, the ISF card and US Skyrunning Membership. The host organization typically offers select discounted lodging options; however, details are not yet finalized. Many athletes choose to arrange their own accommodations independently.

    US Skyrunning will cover the ISF Voting Member fee (approximately €1,000) as well as all ISF License Fees for each athlete.

    We will provide financial updates as the event date approaches.

ISF Website for more details

Application:

(Due by April 1, 2026)

2025 Youth Skyrunning Team

August 1-3, 2025

Gran Sasso, Italy

VK News on skyrunning.com
Sky news on Skyrunning.com

  • Youth A Females:

    • Brooke Greenberg (UT)

    • Elliot Gielti (NJ/Portugal)

    • Josephine Smeets (AZ)

    • Lila Marchetti (NH)

    Youth A Males:

    • Eston Sutherland (CO/Spain)

    Youth B Females:

    • Ia Reistad (CO)

    • Sydney McIntosh (CA)

    Youth B Males:

    • Beckett Cote (ME)

    • Enzo Giampaolo (ME)

    • Lincoln Gage (VT)

    • Magnus McKisic (CO)

    Youth C Males:

    • Ezra Merrill-Triplet (VT)

    • Tuppelo Burdeau (MO/Italy)

  • Brooke Greenberg (UT) - Youth A

    • 1st Place - VK

    • 1st Place - Skyrace

    • 1st Place- Combined

    Josephine Smeets (AZ)

    • 4th Place - VK

    • 8th Place - Skyrace

    Elliot Gielty (NJ/Portugal)

    • 14th Place - VK

    • 14th Place - Skyrace

    Lila Marchetti (NH)

    • 7th Place - Skyrace

    Men:

    Eston Sutherland (CO/Spain)

    • 7th Place - VK

    • 13th Place - Skyrace

  • Women:

    Sydney McIntosh (CA)

    • 5th Place - VK

    • 3rd Place - Skyrace

    • 3rd Place - Combined

    Ia Reistad (CO)

    • 8th Place - VK

    • 6th Place - Skyrace

    Men:

    Enzo Giampaolo (ME)

    • 12th Place - VK

    Magnus McKisic (CO)

    • 22nd Place - VK

    • 24th Place - Skyrace

    Beckett Cote (ME)

    • 23rd Place - VK

    • 17th Place - Skyrace

    Lincoln Gage (VT)

    • 26th Place - VK

    • 27th Place - Skyrace

  • Men:

    Ezra Merrill-Triplett (VT)

    • 15th Place - VK

    • 10th Place - Skyrace

    Tupelo Burdeau (MO/Italy)

    • 16th Place - VK

    • 19th Place - Skyrace

Group of young athletes in red, white, and blue athletic uniforms posing on a mountainous trail with green hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Group of young athletes and their coaches on a stage, holding an American flag, at an outdoor event during daytime in front of a hotel building, with banners and flags related to national and emergency services.
Three young female athletes on a podium holding medals and wrapped in flags, with a man nearby during an award ceremony at a youth sports event.
Three female athletes on a winners' podium holding medals and American flags, celebrating their achievements at a sporting event.
Group of eleven people and one dog on a hillside, wearing matching shirts with red, white, and blue patterns, with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.
A girl in a sports outfit, climbing over a grassy terrain on a mountain trail under a bright blue sky.
A young woman with long blonde hair smiling, sitting at an outdoor event with people in the background. She is wearing a black jacket with stars on the sleeve and a pink shirt underneath.
A group of runners, mostly young people, running in a single file on a mountain trail with grassy slopes and rocks, on a partly cloudy day.
Group of young people sitting on the ground, engaged in conversation or listening to someone, outdoors during daytime.
A male trail runner wearing red shorts, a white cap, and sunglasses runs uphill on a rocky trail with grass, carrying trekking poles in a mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A man wearing a sleeveless shirt, shorts, and a cap is hiking uphill with trekking poles in a mountainous landscape with other hikers in the background.
Group of people trail running on a mountain trail with green grassy slopes and rocky terrain, mountains and a blue sky in the background.
A young man running on a mountain trail with tall grass, green hills, and mountains in the background under a bright blue sky.
Group of hikers standing on grassy hill, looking at fog rolling over mountain, one person pointing
Young mountain runners ascending a grassy trail on a clear, sunny day with mountains in the background.
A male trail runner in a red and white athletic outfit running on a mountain trail with green grass and rocky slopes, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Three young female athletes on a winners' podium celebrating on an outdoor stage, with medals around their necks and Japanese and American flags. The woman in the middle has curly hair, and the other two are holding flags, with a backdrop displaying
Group of trail runners navigating a rocky mountain trail surrounded by green grass and wildflowers in a mountainous area.
Two women wearing running gear and sunglasses hike up a grassy mountain trail with scenic mountains and sky in the background.
A male trail runner in athletic gear running on a rocky mountain trail with green grass, rolling hills, and mountains in the background under a blue sky.
A male trail runner dressed in athletic gear, including a blue hat and orange running shoes, running on a rocky mountain trail with scenic mountain views in the background.
Trail runners on a mountain trail, with hills and blue sky in the background.
A male runner in a red and white athletic outfit, with sunglasses, participating in a mountain trail race on a grassy hillside. Several other runners and spectators are visible in the background, with a scenic mountainous landscape and blue skies ove
Female runner wearing pink sunglasses and a USA track uniform, ascending a grassy hillside during a race.
Group of mountain climbers ascending a rocky trail on a steep mountain slope during daytime.
A male trail runner with bib number 44 running on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by green hills and rugged peaks under cloudy skies.
A male trail runner in athletic gear running on a rocky mountain trail with a mountain landscape and clouds in the background.
A person in athletic clothing and a white cap, running or hiking on a narrow mountain trail with grassy slopes on both sides, overlooking a valley with mountains in the background, and a red cable car tower visible in the distance.
Group of six young people running on a dirt trail in a green outdoor setting with trees and grass.
A young man standing outdoors on a sunny day, wearing a white athletic shirt with American flag and mountain designs, with other people partially visible around him.
A group of young runners in athletic gear, standing outdoors in a natural setting, possibly at a race or practice, with some adjusting their sunglasses and listening attentively.
Young woman in athletic gear standing outdoors with her hands on her hips, wearing sunglasses, with other people beside her, in a sunny natural setting.
Young woman with braided hair and colorful reflective sunglasses in pink T-shirt standing among other women outdoors.
A male runner in athletic gear and a blue cap is bent over, holding his knee, on a mountain trail with rocky peaks and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Three athletes running on a narrow rocky trail through a mountainous landscape with grassy slopes, distant buildings, and a blue sky.
A man running up a mountain trail with rocky terrain and large mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Young people celebrating outdoors under a tent, with some wearing USA-themed clothing, and a yellow Labrador retriever dog nearby.

2025 North & Central American Skyrunning Championships

October 11, 2025

Atzitzintla, Puebla, Mexico

  • Travis Lavin (NV) - Team Leader

    Callie Cooper (CO)

    Joseph Demoor (CO)

    Kasey Sutherlin (CO)

    Kieren Nay (CO)

  • Joseph Demoor - 1st Place

    Kieran Nay - 4th Place

    Travis Lavin - 10th Place

  • Callie Cooper - 2nd Place

    Kasey Sutherlin - 3rd Place

Read about it on Skyrunning.com

Special thank you to GoreWear for their generous uniform contribution to the 2025 US Skyrunning team in Mexico.

A smiling woman running in a race, giving a high five to someone in a black rain jacket, with other participants and race banners visible in the background.
Three women standing on winners' podiums after a race, holding hands raised in celebration. The woman in the middle is on the first-place podium, with medals and trophies around her. The background is a foggy outdoor landscape with hills and clouds.
A man wearing a black USA Skyrunning shirt and running bib 4531 participates in a trail race on a foggy forest trail, holding a water bottle, with another runner behind him.
A person trail running on a dirt path through a green forest with moss-covered trees.
A man smiling and raising his hands in celebration as he crosses the finish line of a race at the Rugged Reto Volcano Skyrunning event, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, with a banner and trees in the background.
A female marathon runner is being interviewed by a male commentator holding a microphone during a race. The woman wears a white cap, black running attire with USA logo, and appears tired. The man wears a colorful cap, a blue shirt, and blue shorts. H
Female runner wearing bib number 456 running on a trail surrounded by native vegetation with a smoky, burnt forest in the background.
A person running on a dirt trail through a foggy, lush green forest, wearing a black t-shirt, shorts, a white cap, and a race bib numbered 4536.
A woman hiking up a rocky trail in a cloudy, foggy landscape, wearing a black rain jacket, shorts, running shoes, a cap, and sunglasses.
A woman wearing a Skyrunner shirt and sunglasses on her cap looks emotional, covering her mouth with her hand, as she is being interviewed outdoors in rainy weather by a person in a raincoat holding a microphone.
A person running on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by grass and rocks with a cloudy sky and fog in the background.
A woman running on a dirt trail in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation, wearing a black T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, and a white cap.
A woman running on a dirt trail through a green field, wearing a black t-shirt with 'USA Skyrunning' written on it, black shorts, and a white cap, holding a water bottle.
A runner in black athletic clothing and a cap is participating in a trail race through a foggy, grassy landscape with trees in the background.
A female runner in athletic gear running on a rocky dirt trail in a mountainous landscape with cloudy, foggy sky.
A woman running in a race, wet from rain, wearing a black USA SKYRUNNING t-shirt, black shorts, and a white cap, with several flags with yellow and black colors in the background.
A woman running through a trail surrounded by burned trees and vegetation, with fire visible in the background.
Running shirt with
A woman in athletic gear running on a muddy trail through a foggy, forested area.
A man running on a narrow dirt trail through a green forest during a trail race, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, and a race bib with number 4531.
A woman running on a trail through a forest during a race, wearing black running clothes, a cap, and a race bib numbered 4567.
A group of runners participating in a race along a dirt trail surrounded by grass and trees, with the lead man wearing a black USA Skyrunning shirt, a cap, and a bib number 4533.
A male trail runner wearing a black shirt, black shorts, and a cap runs along a muddy, rocky forest trail surrounded by green moss and trees in foggy weather.
A male runner in black athletic attire running on a dirt trail through a forest, holding a water bottle, with sunlight filtering through green trees.
A hand holding a silver medal for SkyRunning Championships, featuring a runner graphic and the words 'SkyRunning Championships'. The medal is attached to a blue lanyard with white text that reads 'RETO A VALL'. The background shows a white bed with a
A woman in black athletic clothing and a white cap is being consoled by a man in a blue athletic shirt and colorful cap, holding a microphone, near a race timer showing 4:49:30. There are race banners and other spectators in the background.
A male runner wearing a black USA SkyRunning shirt, shorts, a white cap, and running shoes, running down a narrow dirt trail through a dense green forest.
A person running on a rugged, dirt trail through a mountainous landscape under cloudy, overcast skies.
A woman running on a dirt trail in a desert landscape during a race, wearing a race bib number 456, a black outfit, a light blue hat, and holding a water bottle.
A female trail runner in black athletic gear running on a foggy grassy hillside with trees in the background.
Three male runners standing on a winners' podium holding medals and prizes, with a yellow backdrop and scenic hills in the background. The first-place winner in the center is wearing a red jacket and black cap, the second-place winner on the left in
A male runner wearing a black headband and black shirt with 'USA Skyrunning' on it, running through a forest trail surrounded by green foliage and moss-covered ground.
A woman smiling in the rain, wearing a cap and a colorful jacket, with her hands on her thighs, outdoors in a grassy area with trees.
A man running on a narrow dirt trail through a lush green field bordered by tall trees and wildflowers, wearing a black athletic shirt, shorts, sunglasses, and a race bib.
A woman running along a nature trail surrounded by tall grass and trees in daytime.
A vertical banner featuring logos and text celebrating the 2025 North & Central American Skyrunning Championships, including sponsor La Sportiva, inside an indoor setting.
A man running outdoors on a trail in a foggy, grassy landscape during a race, wearing a black athletic outfit, a race bib, and a cap.
Group of five people standing together indoors at a sports event, with a stage and audience in the background.
Group of five people standing on a winners' podium celebrating at a sports event outdoors, with hills and cloudy sky in the background. The person in the center is in first place, flanked by second and third place winners.
Clothes and shoes hanging to dry on a balcony railing with a lush green hillside and a bright blue sky in the background.
A man running on a muddy trail in a misty forest with lush green vegetation.
Man running on a dirt trail next to green leafy plants, wearing a black USA Skyrunning shirt, black shorts, and running shoes, holding a water bottle and a small object, with a cloudy sky above.
A female trail runner wearing black shorts and a black T-shirt, running on a narrow dirt trail through a green forest, with a race bib number 4567.
A female marathon runner with a 'USA SkyRunning' shirt, running in the rain, receiving a high-five.