It’s show-time for the world’s most technical running circuit. The 24-race calendar starts this weekend with Acantilados del Norte on the island of La Palma, Spain, which boasts an incredibly strong field with world-class athletes ready to tackle the challenging terrain.
With 24 breathtaking races across 16 countries and four continents, this year’s circuit promises to be a celebration of skyrunning at its finest. From March to November, elite athletes and passionate runners will take on the ultimate challenge, conquering technical trails and soaring to new heights.
The calendar includes 14 races in Europe, 2 in North America, 3 in South America, and 5 in Asia. New events in Japan, Malaysia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Poland, France, and Northern Ireland bring fresh challenges and stunning backdrops, cementing the series as a true worldwide celebration of skyrunning.
The U23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero is set to return this year also, bigger and better than ever with 13 exciting races, ranging from 13 to 27 kilometers, and a host of fresh faces and new, young stars stepping up to the start line.
Acantilados del Norte, the first race of the season, takes place on March 22, 2025, along the rugged and dramatic coastline of northern Spain. Known for its stunning cliffs, technical terrain, and fierce coastal winds, Acantilados del Norte promises to set the tone for an intense and competitive season of high-altitude racing.
The 29-kilometer race route, with over 2000 meters of climbing and descending, runs along ancient trails etched into the northern cliffs of the island. The overall elevation profile significantly impacts race strategy, requiring runners to manage their energy and pace effectively across the varying terrain.
Jairo Ponce, Acantilados race director comments: “For us as an organization, it’s a dream that came true two years ago when we joined the Merrell Skyrunner World Series, and we want to continue living it.
As for the elite community that will be attending the race, we are very surprised and at the same time very happy that the race has such a large number of elites, amongst the highest of the circuit, joining us on La Palma. It also benefits us to be the first of the series, but we believe it has a lot to do with the impressive natural course that is Los Acantilados del Norte.”
Seana Forbes, Head of Operations for the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series comments: “This race embodies the true spirit of skyrunning – rugged terrain, steep climbs, and a deep connection to nature. The combination of elite competition and breathtaking scenery will create an unforgettable start to the season and we are very much looking forward to kicking off 2025.”
Top skyrunners from around the globe, including reigning champions and new challengers, are expected to compete, making the opening race a highly anticipated showdown.
Last year’s winners Roberto De Lorenzi and Lide Urrestarazu both set new course records of 2:32:41 in the men’s and 03:04:39 for the women’s. Both defending champions will face off against a talented international field eager to claim early-season points and set the pace for the year.
The elite men’s field includes: Luca Del Pero of Italy (team Scarpa); Spain’s Manuel Merillas (team New Balance), Alain Santamaría (Open Team), Alejandro Forcades (team Nnormal), Dimas Pereira (team Asics); Lorenzo Beltrami of Italy (Rock Experience/Scarpa); the Basques, Aitor Ajuria and Aitor Blanco (both team Basque EMF) and Morgan Elliot of the USA (team Merrell).
The elite women’s field includes: Denisa Dragomir of Romania (team Merrell/Redbull); Iris Pessey of France (team Scott); Spain’s Oihana Kortazar (team Salomon), Laia Montoya (Team NEW BALANCE/FEEC), Naiara Irigoyen (Open Team) and Marta Martínez (La Sportiva); Ariadna Fenes of Andorra (FAM), and Kalie McCrystal of Canada.
Acantilados del Norte is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of skyrunning’s raw and untamed spirit. Spectators and fans can expect dramatic head-to-head battles on the course, with key sections such as the “Cliffside Traverse” and the “Atlantic Descent” testing the runners’ technical ability and mental strength.
For more information and to follow the latest updates on Acantilados del Norte and the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, visit www.skyrunnerworldseries.com or follow @skyrunning on social media.
More information on Acantilados here: https://acantiladosdelnorte.com/
