What Is Skyrunning?
Skyrunning is a discipline of mountain running characterised by high altitude, steep gradients, and technical terrain. Unlike traditional running formats, skyrunning classifications are based not only on distance, but also on vertical ascent and technical difficulty.
The sport is structured around three main disciplines:
SKY – Technical mountain races with significant elevation gain
SKY ULTRA – Long-distance skyrunning with extreme vertical and terrain demands
VERTICAL – Short, intense uphill-only races focused on vertical ascent
The Role of the International Skyrunning Federation
Since its founding in 2008, the ISF has worked to establish skyrunning as a globally recognised and regulated sport. Its core responsibilities include:
Defining and maintaining official skyrunning regulations
Sanctioning and coordinating international and national race calendars
Supporting athlete development and competition pathways
Managing research, safety standards, and anti-doping initiatives
Promoting environmental responsibility in mountain racing
The Federation is a Unit Member of the UIAA and remains the only discipline in the outdoor running sector with its own dedicated international federation.
ISF Championships and Sanctioned Events
The International Skyrunning Federation sanctions and coordinates a wide range of elite competitions across the globe, including:
Youth Skyrunning World Championships
Masters Skyrunning World Championships
VK OPEN World Cup
Stairclimbing World Championships
Skyrunning World Championships (biennial – even years)
SkySnow World Championships (biennial – even years)
Skyrunning Continental Championships (odd years)
Events sanctioned by the ISF include the Skyrunner World Series and the Vertical World Circuit® (stairclimbing).
In addition, Skyrunner® National Series are sanctioned and managed directly by the ISF.
Race Standards, Rankings, and the CC Label
All official skyrunning races must carry the CC Label, which confirms that the event meets ISF technical, safety, and organisational standards. Athletes participating in CC-labelled races are automatically included in the ISF Ranking, providing a consistent global performance benchmark.
Skyrunning by the Numbers
Despite the logistical and physical challenges of high-altitude mountain racing, skyrunning has grown into a truly global sport:
2,000+ races worldwide
450,000+ athletes competing annually
Participants from 90+ countries
Research, Safety, and Athlete Welfare
Skyrunning has been supported by scientific research since its inception in 1992. In collaboration with the FSA (Federation for Sport at Altitude), universities, and research institutes, the ISF has contributed to unique physiological and psychological studies conducted both in the field and in laboratory environments.
ISF commissions continue to focus on:
Athlete and organiser regulations
Safety and risk management
Anti-doping policy
Environmental impact and sustainability
International communication and governance
Skyrunning Disciplines and Regulations
The International Skyrunning Federation defines the official rules and classifications that govern skyrunning disciplines worldwide, ensuring consistency across races, series, and championships while preserving the spirit and challenge of mountain running.
