Distance: 29 km

Vertical climb: 2,345m*

Highest point: 4,664m*

Race records: Oscar Casal Mir 3h06’26” (2018); Megan Kimmel 3h20’39” (2016)

Course description

A flattish start is made less than straightforward with an altitude of 2,900m. After crossing the Chitu River the crux of the race begins. Passing by a small charming village, runners hit single track which hugs the glacier-fed river for 12 km.

After 1 km the first glimpse of the Chonggu Temple appears at 4,000m altitude which will host the finish on the runners’ return.

Dirt trail climbs through colourful forest for 1 km before revealing the most technical section of the race. Four tough kilometres climb are rewarded with the fantastic col at the top of the race strewn with mulit-coloured Buddhist prayer flags. Here runners will have hit an altitude of almost 4,700m, the highest race on the Series. From here, the fun descent back to the Chonggu Temple finish line.

Photo copyright: ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 42 km

Vertical climb: 2,736m*

Highest point: 1,558m*

Race record: Stian Angermund 3h45’08” (2017). Maite Maiora 4h34’27” (2017)

Course description

Every year, since 2002, the small Basque town of Zegama comes to life with the now legendary Zegama-Aizkorri Marathon. On the Skyrunner^® World Series since 2004, the 42 km race, with a tough 2,736m vertical climb, attracts a consistently deep field. Part of the challenge lies in the difficult conditions, often a muddy course thanks to the influence of the nearby Atlantic, but the main challenge lies in the extremely tough competition from the world’s best runners.

Another factor that has runners lining up year after year is the support from local spectators who flock in their thousands, rain or shine, to cheer each and every participant along the course. The race is set in the Aratz-Aizkorri Natural Park, 50 km inland from the coastal town of San Sebastian.

Photo copyright: ©Quim Farrero / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 34 km

Vertical climb: 2,700m*

Highest point: 3,047m*

Race record: Tadei Pivk 3h55’27” (2016); Elisa Desco 4h48’54” (2016)

*Data is approximate and is being updated with a new course

Course description

Widely known as popular Italian ski resort Livigno is hosting a world-class skyrunning SkyMarathon^® for the third year in a row.

Livigno, or ‘Little Tibet’, as it’s known, is the location of the third race, 34 km long with 2,700m vertical climb. The route weaves through untamed nature in the Stelvio National Park traversing the Swiss/Italian border. There are technical sections on ridges and sections above 3,000m altitude – all in true skyrunning style.

An extra 50% points are awarded in this race for the ranking

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 44 km

Vertical climb: 3,200m*

Highest point: 2,780m*

Race records: Aritz Egea 4h24’26” (2017), Ragna Debats 5h18’20” (2017)

Course description

The race start is right in the heart of the archaeological site of Dion, three metres above sea level near the foothills of Mount Olympus. The course climbs the mountain with views extending to the surrounding higher peaks with the ‘Throne of Zeus’ dominating the Mousses Plateau with its prominent outline. The trail climbs to pass below the ‘Throne’ and reaches the highest point at 2,780m. The downhill to the finish line seems endless but after a visit to the home of the Gods, inspiration goes a long way.

Copyright ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 42 km

Vertical climb: 3,325m*

Highest point: 2,618m*

Race records: Marc Pinsach (ESP) – 4h23’32” (2018). Holly Page (GBR) – 5h03’40”(2018)

Course description

The BUFF^® Epic Trail 42KM is a technical and spectacular course with a demanding 3,325m vertical climb. It starts and finishes in Barruera, in the Vall de Boí, a historic site of Romanesque art and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici National Park is one of the fourteen national parks in Spain and the only one within Catalonia. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, it constitutes an excellent example of the typical ecosystems found in these high mountain areas.

Overlooked by peaks more than three thousand meters tall, rivers, ravines, waterfalls and marshes are set among more than 200 mountain lakes of varying in shape and colour.  A great diversity of animal and vegetal species struggle to survive in the harsh environment giving life to this protected natural area, unique in the South of Europe.

Photo copyright ©Joao M Faria

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 22 km

Vertical climb: 1,750m*

Highest point: 3,152m*

Race record: Kilian Jornet 2h00’11” (2013). Megan Kimmel 2h25’57” (2015)

Course description

This spectacular race embodies the skyrunning concept to perfection: the quickest way from a town to the summit of a mountain and back. The 20-year-old event is a long-time favourite among the world’s top runners who come back year after year for the deep field and demanding technical challenge.

The 22 km course starts and finishes in the centre of Canazei and climbs very steeply to the summit of the Piz Boè, at 3,152m, often snow-covered, it dominates the entire landscape. The equally steep descent back in a loop, passes through a gorge, with scrambling sections for 12 km.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 21 km

Vertical climb: 2,280m*

Highest point: 2,942m*

Race records: Kilian Jornet (ESP) – 2h33’18” (2018). Lina El Kott (SWE) – 3h03’04” (2018)

Course description

In a lost valley in the majestic Andorran mountains, this extremely demanding race summits the highest point of the Principality, the Comapedrosa at 2,942m.

The start and finish is in Arinsal. Once on the trail, the first steep ascent reaches 1,958m at the Coll de les Cases through woodland. From here, the landscape opens up to follow a ridge with scarce vegetation leading to the Pic de les Fonts (2,748m). The descent is via the traditional route through the Estany Negre and the Comapedrosa hut returning to Arinsal.

With this tough 21 km loop, the ascent involves a 1,000m vertical wall over just 2 km – a challenge to satisfy the most demanding skyrunner.

An extra 50% points are awarded in this race for the ranking

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 49 km

Vertical climb: 3,600m*

Highest point: 3,130m*

Race records: Marco De Gasperi 4h42’31” (2017). Ragna Debats 5h52’05” (2017)

Course description

In 2018, the flagship race of the Matterhorn Ultraks in Zermatt is getting a new name. Originally named along the distances, it has now been changed to <<SKY>> expressing the attachment of the organisers to the Skyrunner World® Series and because with a max altitude set at 3,130m the <<SKY>> course is virtually touching the sky.

Five editions have featured five different winners for both women and men showing the race is well anchored in the circuit and always offer strong competition at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn.

Alongside the showpiece event, three other races over shorter distances give everyone a chance to get the feel of and enjoy skyrunning.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 28 km

Vertical climb: 2,375m*

Highest point: 3,403m*

Race record: Hassan Ait Chaou 3h06’39” (2016). Megan Kimmel 3h36’23” (2016)

Course description

The Rut 28K is part of the 2018 Migu Run Skyrunner^® World Series for the fifth consecutive year.

The Rut 28K which counts 2,286m of vertical climb, is an extremely challenging mountain race which includes steep technical sections, exposure and potential rockfall hazard. Participants will find themselves covering all types of terrain including jeep roads, forested single track trails, alpine ridge lines to the iconic summit of Lone Peak at 3,403m altitude.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 29 km

Vertical climb: 2,500m*

Highest point: 1,265m*

Race records: Davide Magnini 2h59’24” (2018). Tove Alexandersson 3h31’36” (2018)

Course description

Again, the Limone Extreme SkyRace^® will represent the Skyrunner^® World Series’ weekend finals.

The Limone Extreme SkyRace^® after four years on the Series, the slightly modified course is made to be even more challenging and technically demanding – 29 km long with 2,500m vertical climb.

The start and finish are lakeside. A two-kilometre stretch passes through the old town of Limone and ascends through olive groves. From here, the course climbs up a rocky limestone path, zig-zagging it’s way up the Passo Rocchetta, to Cima Mughera and, touching on the final stretch of the Vertical, the descent back down to the lake begins.

An extra 50% points are awarded in this race for the ranking

Photo copyright: ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 74 km

Vertical climb: 4,350m*

Highest point: 2,420m*

Race records: Tim Freriks 7h02’03” (2017). Ida Nilsson 8h04’17” (2017)

Course description

Starting before dawn at the Fuencaliente lighthouse on the ocean front, the course follows in part the “Gran Recorrido” trail GR 131, ascending over the black slippery volcanic sand, through Los Canarios to Refugio El Pilar.

From here, the race opens out to climb along the crest outlining the skyline to the highest point on the island, the Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,420m. From here, a steep descent to Tazacorte beach is followed by a last climb along a canyon and through banana plantations to the finish line in Los Llanos de Aridane where the runners are welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

Transvulcania is considered one of the toughest trail running races in the world, with 74 km and 4,350m of positive climb and 4,057m downhill.

Photo copyright: ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 56 km

Vertical climb: 4,100m*

Highest point: 1,861m*

Race records: Jonathan Albon 5h47’57” (2018); Ragna Debats 6h45’09” (2018)

Course description

The Madeira Ultra SkyMarathon^® is a technical mountain race over steep slopes and trails that perfectly embody the skyrunning sea-to sky concept.

The race, 56 km long with 4,100m vertical climb, includes some passages that require technical grade II climbing expertise. Set in mountain scenery on the island of Madeira, Portugal, the distinct natural environment, combined with the diversified biodiversity and geodiversity resources make it one of the most spectacular locations for this kind of sporting event. The race includes a via Ferrata section below the island’s highest point at 1,861m and traverses a Laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

An extra 50% points are awarded in this race for the ranking

Photo copyright: ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 70 km

Vertical climb: 5,400m*

Highest point: 3,653m*

Race record: Luis Alberto Hernando 8h17’05” (2017). Megan Kimmel 9h46’05” (2017)

Course description

The High Trail Vanoise^® is set in one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, Val d’Isère, France, a location for twenty years close to the heart of skyrunning which hosts the Face de Bellevarde Vertical Kilometer^® the same weekend.

The race travels through the Haute Tarentaise and Maurienne Valley, touching the renowned Col de Iseran at 2,764m and summiting the Grande Motte glacier, 3,653m. It is 70 km long with a gruelling 5,400m vertical climb.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless / SWS

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 50 km

Vertical climb: 4,600m*

Highest point: 1,404m*

Race record: Jonathan Albon 7h0’01” (2017); Hillary Gerardi – 8h1409” (2018)

Course description

Tromsø SkyRace^® at 69 degrees North takes you on an arctic trip from the city of Tromsø to the most scenic wilderness area. The first ascent is over Tromsdalstind mountain, down a wild valley crossing rivers and up to the very technical Hamperokken ridge.

An exposed and sometimes narrow ridge leads to the summit of Hamperrokken at 1,404m altitude. A technical downhill to an alpine lake is followed by a wild open valley leading back to the last big climb up Tromsdalstind. The final section of the race includes another technical downhill and a smooth trail to finish back to an enthusiastic welcome in Tromsø.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 52 km

Vertical climb: 4,200m*

Highest point: 2,950m*

Race record: Kilian Jornet (2018). 6h09’19”. Nuria Picas 7h36’21” (2012)

Course description

For over 20 years the Kima Trophy has represented a landmark event for skyrunners thanks to the challenging highly technical 52 km course over seven passes counting a massive 4,200m vertical climb.

Moraine, snowfields and exposed crests feature largely on the course, with fixed ropes for safety at key points.

A biennial race since 2008, the race was conceived in 1994 by organiser Ilde Marchetti to commemorate her brother and, with the help of skyrunning pioneers Marino Giacometti, Adriano Greco and Fabio Meraldi, it became not only a reality in 1995, but grew to be a legend.

To ensure the runners’ safety and for the protection of the rugged mountain environment, the extremely technical course is capped at 250 with tight cut-off times.

An extra 50% points are awarded in this race for the ranking

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 52 km

Vertical climb: 4,750m*

Highest point: 1,150m*

Race record: Kilian Jornet 6h25’39” (2017). Emelie Forsberg 7h53’30” (2017)

Course description

The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline™ follows in the finest tradition of the most prestigious skyrunning races, fusing mountain running and alpinism in a pure test of speed, endurance and skill on an uncompromising, world-class course.

The 55 km route with 4,746m vertical climb features long and sustained sections of scrambling terrain, which is roughly equivalent to moderate standard rock climbing. In addition, the race traverses high and remote mountainous landscape, which is at times impossible to retreat from and may be subject to severe and rapidly changing weather.

The event is only suitable for highly experienced competitors and all entrants are vetted for experience.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 110 km

Vertical climb: 6,800m*

Highest point: 2,531m*

Race record: Kilian Jornet 12h03’27” (2015); Emelie Forsberg 13h39’33” (2015)

Course description

The Salomon Ultra Pirineu yet again features as part of the Skunner^® World Series. Held in the Spanish Pyrenees’ magnificent Cadí Moixeró Natural Park, the 110 km race is characterised by a colossal 6,800m vertical climb, linking eight mountain huts.

One thousand athletes will toe the start line in the small town of Bagà, where the race starts and finishes.  It combines high mountain passes with urban areas, easily accessible to spectators following the race. The setting is spectacular with breath-taking scenery and magical sunsets.

Photo copyright ©Ian Corless

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 66 km

Vertical climb: 4,400m*

Highest point: 2,686m*

Race record: Dimitar Jelqzkov – 10h39’15” (2017); Desislava Hristova – 11h16’39” (2017)

Course description

Pirin Ultra takes place in the heart of Pirin National park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The route weaves through untamed nature in the wild Pirin Mountains and the start and finish are  in Bansko – an old town, filled with history, traditions, nestled at the foot of the mountain. From Bansko, the route attacks the demanding Pirin trails. There are technical sections on ridges and  above 2,500m altitude which lead to the highest point of the race – Kuklite Peak at 2,686m.

Photo copyright ©Pirin Ultra

*Data is approximate for profiles