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 blue skies set the scene for the showdown and as soon as the line was crossed, the race was on.
In the men’s race, Peruvians Jose Manuel Quipe (team Merrell / CIVA) and Joel Montoya set the pace for the first climb but once at the summit, it was Alain Santamaria of Spain (Open team) who took control. Santamaria had the Peruvians hot on his heels for the remainder of the race but the Spaniard managed to outpace his opponents and delivered a stunning victory with a winning time of 2:36:44 – his second of the season. Second place went to Marcelo Olivo of Ecuador with a time of 2:38:53 and Jose Manuel Quispe closed the podium in 2:40:21.
Naiara Irigoyen of Spain (Open Team) controlled the women’s race from start to finish and crossed the finish line untouchable with a time of 3:13:42. Second place went to Blanca Llumiquinga of Ecuador (team Kailas) who finished six minutes after, and Rosalia Zegarra of Peru (team Wild Mate) closed the women’s podium with a time of 3:31:04.
Due to changing weather conditions and safety warnings, the high route was closed half way through the race, therefore only the first seven women were able to make the cut off and finish the full course.
The circuit continues on the 6th of July with the next high altitude race, Cordillera Blanca Skyrace in Peru.
