| Based on athlete feedback sessions, the circuit recently unveiled its global 24-race calendar for next season and made various adaptations to the rules and regulations for next year’s season. These changes reflect the circuit’s ongoing commitment to athlete safety, fair competition, and the continued growth of skyrunning as a world-class sport. Key Updates for the 2025 Season OVERALL RANKING: Revised Ranking System: Athletes must participate in a minimum of four Skyraces and the SkyMasters to be included in the final overall ranking and be eligible for the end-of-season prize money pool—a total of five races. While only 4 SkyRaces are required in order to gain an invite to the SkyMasters, the overall ranking will be determined by an athletes’ 6 best to their overall points (SkyMasters inclusive) – in other words, points from up to 5 Skyraces and points from the SkyMasters. This means that athletes are only required to participate in five races (SkyMasters inclusive); however, should an athlete choose to participate in an additional Skyrace, these points will be counted toward the overall ranking. SkyMasters Qualification Criteria: To qualify for the SkyMasters, athletes must compete and complete at least four (4) SkyRaces, finishing in the top 20 in at least one. The criteria for an invite is outlined below:Be in the top-20 (man or woman) of a SkyRace andComplete at least 4 Skyrunner® World Series races from the 2025 seasonORBe in the top-3 (man or woman) of a nominated race in a Skyrunner® National Series countryBe in the top-3 (man or woman) of the final ranking of a Skyrunner® National SeriesFinish top-3 (man or woman) in a Skyrunning Continental ChampionshipFinish top-3 (man or woman) in a Skyrunning World Championship. Points Attribution: At each race, points will be attributed to the finishers. A different number of points will be awarded for SkyRaces and the SkyMasters. At each race points will only be attributed to the top 30 finishers. The maximum number of points an athlete can receive in a regular season SkyRace is 100 (first place). Second place will receive 85 points – or 15% fewer points than first. Places 3 through 16 are awarded 10% fewer points than the person ranked above them. For example, 3rd place is awarded 77 points, 4th place is awarded 69 points, and this continues to 16th place, who is awarded 19 points. 17th place through to 20th place receive 2 points fewer than the position ahead of them. 21st (receiving 10 points) to 30th place (receiving 1 point) will receive 1 point fewer than the position ahead of them. All points are rounded to the nearest whole number. The SkyMasters is identical to this, except that it awards 1.5 times the number of points compared to a SkyRace. Again, all points are rounded to the nearest whole number.  |
| Adapted Overall Ranking Prize Money Distribution: The top 10 male and female athletes in the overall ranking who have participated in a minimum of four races and the final race will be eligible to receive a portion of the €93,500.00 prize money allocated for the season. The prize money will be distributed as follows for both men and women: 1. €15,000 2. €12,000 3. €7,500 4. €5,000 5. €3,000 6. €1,500 7. €1,000 8. €750 9. €500 10. €500 The 2025 season will distribute a total of €250,000 in prize money, including the prize money of each stage and the final ranking prize pool. This represents a significant increase from the 2024 season, and it reflects the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series’ commitment to rewarding its athletes for their hard work and dedication. Synchronized Aid and Equipment Rules: In 2025, the MSWS and all official MSWS races will adhere to a standardized set of rules, subject to necessary adaptations for safety reasons at specific races. These rules will encompass the use of poles, external aid, mandatory GPX, and pacing. Non-compliance with these rules will result in penalties or disqualification. BRAND NEW Uphill Segment Ranking: Perhaps the most exciting update to the 2025 season will be the NEW uphill segment ranking. More information on the new ranking will be released in early 2025. CHANGES MADE TO THE U23 TROFEO ESTEBAN OLIVERO Following a successful first year, the U23 ranking will be back for 2025, also with an updated set of rules. Revised Ranking System: In 2025, U23 athletes must complete a minimum of THREE youth-selected Skyraces plus the SkyMasters. Final Qualification Criteria: In 2025, U23 athletes must complete a minimum of THREE youth-selected Skyraces to qualify for the final U23 race, Sobrescobio Skyrace. Prize Money: The €6,500 prize money pot will be distributed equally amongst the top five male and female athletes of the season. The Prize money will be distributed as follows: 1. €1,000 2. €700 3. €500 4. €350 5. €200 What Athletes and Fans Can Expect: Get ready for an epic 2025 season! We’re talking insane races, jaw-dropping views, and memories that’ll last a lifetime – for both the athletes pushing their limits and the fans cheering them on. With these rule changes, the Merrell Skyrunner World Series is all about taking skyrunning to the next level while keeping things real and respecting the roots of the sport and everyone who’s part of it. Quotes from the Skyrunner World Series Leadership: ”The Merrell Skyrunner World Series is gearing up for the 2025 season with some exciting changes! These changes are all about keeping the heart of skyrunning alive while making things even better for athletes and fans”. Etienne Rodriguez, MSWS Managing Director, mentioned that the series has been in regular contact with athletes, organizers, and the whole community and using this feedback to make sure the upcoming circuit is awesome, fun, and something athletes can be proud of. The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series believes these tweaks will make the sport more exciting and sustainable, setting the stage for a bright future that everyone in the skyrunning community is stoked about. “We want to create a space where athletes can shine, fans can go wild for the competition, and the sport can keep growing. As the 2025 season gets closer, everyone’s getting pumped for another epic chapter in the skyrunning story!”, Rodriguez adds. |
