The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series (MSWS) is managed by SkyMan SA. MSWS is sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF).
In 2024, the SWS will be made up of 21 races in 13 countries on 4 continents.
Its objective is to establish who is the best Skyrunner in the World; a Skyrunner can face any mountain with technicality, speed, and intensity.
Sky Races are characterized by distance, elevation, altitude, climbing difficulty, and running all terrain including snow and glaciers.
The Series is officially sanctioned by the ISF.
As such, the SWS follows the ISF rules, with certain additional requirements as outlined below.
For the 2024 season, SWS shall feature two race statuses: SkyRace and the SkyMasters.
At each race, points will be attributed to the finishers. A different number of points will be awarded for SkyRaces and the SkyMasters.
The maximum number of points an athlete can get in a regular season SkyRace is 5,000 (first place) – this includes a 25% bonus compared with second place (4,000). Places 3 through 20 are awarded 10% fewer points than the person ranked above them. For example, 3rd place is awarded 3,600, 4th place is awarded, and this continues to 20th place, who is awarded 600 points.
From 21st place to the final finisher, receives points based on time. For each minute after 20th place, points are reduced by 5. If someone finishes between 5 and 6 minutes after the 20th-placed runner, they would score 25 points less (or 575 points). From 20th place on, only time is considered, not rank – so multiple finishers could receive the same number of points if they finish within the same minute.
The SkyMasters is identical to this, except that it awards double the number of points.
4.1. Overall
Athletes scoring points in any race will enter the Overall Ranking. Their best five results will count for the final ranking – this includes the SkyMasters. To qualify for the Overall Prize Money, athletes must have completed at least four (4) SkyRaces + the SkyMasters.
The maximum number of races that count towards an athlete’s overall ranking is four SkyRaces®, plus the SkyMasters. The overall score of an athlete is made up of the highest number of points obtained from four (4) SkyRaces® and the SkyMasters.
4.2. Tie Break rules
If at the end of the season two athletes are tied, the following rules will apply until the tie is broken:
The ranking will take into consideration the athlete’s best two race results plus the final. Athletes can only score points for the U23 category at selected YOUTH RACES. These races are official MSWS races, selected because they have less distance and elevation. The races awarding points for the U23 category are as follows:
The Final which will take place on the same weekend as the SkyMasters, will be a separate race with less distance than the SkyMasters.
At the conclusion of the Series, the first male and female competitors with the highest score will be declared: “2024 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Champion”.
SkyMan shall distribute an “End of Season Bonus Pool”. This will be a total of €93,500 for the Overall Category, and an additional €6,500 for the youth category.
6.2. Eligibility
The End of Season Bonus Pool will only be distributed to athletes who fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
The athlete must have competed in and completed at least four races, and the SkyMasters (five races in total).
Prize money will be distributed within 90 days of the SkyMasters Final, following drug testing. In the event of a positive test, the athlete will not be eligible for prize money.
To receive the end-of-season Bonus Pool prize money, all eligible athletes are required to be physically present at the prize-giving ceremony of the final race (SkyMasters).
Every race can have only one male and one female winner. Any perceived tie will be determined by a photo finish or other control system. If the photo finish shows a perfect tie, then the SkyMan Jury, and organization will make a final decision.
9.1. Finish line photo
The first two athletes must wait at the finish line area for the top five finishers for the “finish line photo”.
9.1.1. Winners’ obligation
The winner will be requested to wear an “SWS Winner Cap” supplied and branded by a sportswear manufacturer and/or wear an “SWS Winner Jersey”.
9.2. Official Podium
The top ten athletes of each race must attend the official podium / prize-giving ceremony.
Their presence is compulsory to receive the prize money.
To qualify for the SkyMasters, athletes must compete in and complete at least four (4) SkyRaces, finishing in the top 20 in at least one. The criteria for an invite is outlined below:
SkyMan communicates directly with athletes via email. Athletes may also contact the Athlete Manager at SkyMan (athletes@skmn.ch) at any time.
11.1. Individual event
All races of the Skyrunner® World Series are individual races.
11.2. Minimum age
It is open to any man or woman at least 18 years of age at their first SWS race of 2024.
12.1. Limited entries
The organizers are entitled to limit the number of entries including Elite athletes.
12.2. Seeding
12.2.1. Eligibility
12.2.2. Benefits
12.2.3. Obligations
Seeded athletes receive these benefits in return for providing the following:
12.3. Disengagement and no show
12.3.1. Disengagement
If after having registered, an athlete is unable to attend the race, they will have to immediately inform SkyMan via the Athlete Manager.
If the cancellation takes place less than two weeks before the event, the athlete is required to provide a medical certificate justifying their withdrawal from the race.
12.3.2. No Show
Not showing up at the start for any reason without informing the organizer and SkyMan via the Athletes Manager will automatically result in a sanction.
12.3.3. Sanction
Unjustified withdrawals and no-shows will result in non-eligibility for the End of Season Bonus Pool.
13.1. Equipment
Athletes competing in SWS will be required at all times during the race to carry:
Any equipment required by the race organizer
Failure to respect this rule will result in a penalty of 20 points in all rankings.
13.2. Obligation to wear a shirt
It is compulsory to wear a shirt (or similar) and shorts for the duration of the race.
Failure to respect this rule will result in a penalty.
13.3. Poles
The use of poles is subject to each organizer’s local rules.
14.1. Starting a race
An athlete that crosses the start line is reputed to have participated in the race.
14.2. Elite Start Box
Official SWS registered athletes will be entitled to start in the first wave.
Athletes can only receive aid from third parties in the zone around the official aid stations.
No other external aid will be accepted.
Failure to respect this rule will result in a penalty each time it occurs.
16.1. Withdrawal from the race
Competitors may withdraw on their own initiative or be forced to retire by the Race Director or one of the medical staff present.
16.2. Disqualification
Athletes shall be disqualified for:
Attention is drawn by the organizers to respect the integrity and ethics of the sport. Competitors shall abstain from any doping practice.
The list of forbidden substances and methods (in competition) is according to WADA in force at the time of the competition.
The organisers reserve the right to conduct anti-doping tests. Competitors must accept to submit to such tests.
18.1. Series Management
The SWS is managed by SkyMan SA and is responsible for:
18.2. Final Decision
Any decision made by SkyMan in relations to these rules shall be final.
Each competitor must have personal insurance against accidents and any damage.
SkyMan SA is an independent entity from any organiser.
Gorbeia Suzien Skyrace® is being livestreamed. Watch online at the link below!