WHAT MAKES A GREAT DOWNHILL RUNNER?
Integrating Vision, Vestibular, Proprioception, and Muscular Strength for Elite Performance Downhill running in skyrunning, often characterized by extreme gradients, unstable terrain, and technical descents, demands far more than just strong legs. It challenges the entire neuromuscular system, requiring athletes to integrate vision, balance (vestibular), proprioception, eccentric strength, elasticity, and coordination in real time. Understanding what […]
SHARPENING THE EDGE: VISION TRAINING FOR SKYRUNNING PERFORMANCE AT ULTRAKS AND BEYOND
As the skyrunning world turns its attention toward the Ultraks race, one of the most technical and demanding courses on the global circuit, athletes are refining every aspect of performance. While VO2 max, lactate threshold, and joint durability often dominate training conversations, one of the most overlooked yet critical systems in skyrunning is vision. Not […]
NILSSON AND AMARIEI SHINE BRIGHT DESPITE BAD WEATHER AT TATRA SKYMARATHON
⚠️ Weather Forces Mid-Race Halt of Tatra SkyMarathon – Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Round 15. Today’s Tatra SkyMarathon, part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series held in the Tatra Mountains, was stopped mid-way through the race due to dangerous lightning and thunderstorm conditions. Although the weather forecast appeared to be clear for the morning, the […]
THE MERRELL SKYRUNNER® WORLD SERIES HITS POLAND FOR THE TATRA SKYMARATHON
Elite Skyrunners to Conquer Tatra Peaks This Weekend at Tatra SkyMarathon – Round 15 of the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. The Skyrunner® World Series returns to Europe this weekend with its 15th stage: the Tatra SkyMarathon. Set in the dramatic Tatra Mountains, this iconic event marks the first-ever Polish stage in the prestigious Merrell […]
PERUVIANS DOMINATE CORDILLERA BLANCA SKYRACE
This weekend, the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series went above and beyond at the Cordillera Blanca Skyrace in Huaraz, Peru. Fans were treated to altitude, ice and all-out effort today for the 14th race of the 2025 circuit. The high-altitude race, topping out at 4,450 meters, covered 22km with a total elevation gain of 1,500m in […]
DOUBLE WINS FOR OPEN TEAM AT IBARRA SKYRACE
This weekend the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series went high into the mountains of Ecuador for the 13th race of the 2025 circuit – Ibarra Skyrace. With 21km and 2,000 meters of elevation, reaching the highest point at 4,560 meters above sea level, the Ibarra Skyrace was set to challenge the world’s best. Perfect weather and […]
MINOTAUR SKYRACE: CANCELLED
It is with deep disappointment that the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series has today announced the cancellation of the Minotaur SkyRace, originally scheduled for Saturday 21st of June, due to an official extreme weather warning issued for the area. Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall and snow, creating hazardous conditions on the course and surrounding access roads. After monitoring the weather forecast […]
BEATING JET LAG: TRAVEL STRATEGIES TO OPTIMISE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE ON RACE DAY
Traveling across time zones for a competition can be a double-edged sword, while it opens the door to new racing opportunities, it can wreak havoc on an athlete’s physiology. Jet lag, disrupted sleep, altered digestion, and stiffness can compromise performance if not managed with intention. The good news is with strategic planning around movement, hydration, […]
MINOTAUR SKYRACE: THE BEAST AWAITS IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Minotaur Skyrace Returns as the 12th Stop of the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. The legendary Minotaur Skyrace is set to challenge the world’s toughest skyrunners as it returns this Saturday, 21st of June, as the 12th race in the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series. Known for its raw terrain, brutal elevation gains, and unmatched […]
NEURO-FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING FOR SKYRUNNING: BUILDING RESILIENT, UNBREAKABLE MOUNTAIN ATHLETES
Skyrunning challenges the athlete in ways few endurance sports do, steep vertical gain, unstable terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather test every facet of human performance. Beyond cardiovascular endurance and muscular power, skyrunners require elite levels of proprioception, reactive strength, vision, breath control, and tissue resilience. A traditional gym program doesn’t cut it so adding […]
