Distance: 25 km

Vertical climb: 2,876m*

Highest point: 3,300m*

Race records: Daniel Antonioli 3h30’15” (2019); Johanna Aström 4h12’51” (2019)

Course description

The Matterhorn Ultraks «EXTREME» is arguably the most technical race of the series, designed expressly for the best Skyrunners of the world. It blends the pure values of Skyrunning with one of the most spectacular mountain scenery you can find. Designed by the Anthamatten brothers, the course features high altitude – 25% of the course is above 3’000m-, technical sections, glaciers and mountaineering segments.

Compared to all other races of the Matterhorn Ultraks, it starts the opposite way, towards the Hohbalm Plateau before passing by iconic locations such as Unter Gabelhorn, Rothornhütte, Furrghorn, Platthorn and Trift. Then it is a steep and fun downhill towards Zermatt.

Photo copyright ©SWS / Alexis Berg

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 52 km

Vertical climb: 4,200m*

Highest point: 2,950m*

Race record: Kilian Jornet (2018). 6h09’19”; Nuria Picas 7h36’21” (2012)

Course description

Trofeo Kima, the Italian biennial race, is back in the Skyrunner World Series. The famous 52 km course which runs over seven passes with a total 4,200m of vertical climb has been described by skyrunning star Kilian Jornet, as “the most spectacular race in the world.”.

The highly technical course features embrace the true spirit of skyrunning with demanding stretches both uphill and downhill, fixed ropes, exposed ledges and stony terrain. KIMA is the ultimate challenge that requires good physical preparation, adequate experience and extreme caution.

Photo copyright ©SWS / Albert Jorquera

*Data is approximate for profiles

DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Distance: 31.6 km

Vertical climb: 2,685m*

Highest point: 2,396m*

Race records: Mario Weiss 4h04’20” (2018); Seana Forbes 5h12’54” (2018)

Course description

Welcome to Austria’s mountain king. Starting in the picturesque town of Maria Alm, the alpine Hochkönig Skyrace^® course is simple, yet satisfying: a steep, never-ending uphill staircase leads to the summit of this unique limestone wall that towers above its surrounding peaks at 2,900m. After hot-footing over slippery rocks and in some place snow, the race plummets back down ending in a fast and technical 10km trail through the forest. Magic mountains, magic show and magic people.

Photo copyright: ©Hochkoenigman

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 38 km

Vertical climb: 3,300m*

Highest point: 2,907m*

Race record: New Course

Course description

The brand new Pirin Extreme is a short and technical course with 38 km and 3,300m of vertical climb introduced to replace the original Pirin Ultra course. Starting in the skiing town of Bansko Bulgaria, it’s been described as a race with a split personality.

The start and finish stretch is flat and fast but the middle section of the race is extreme and hardcore with steep climbs and narrow and exposed marble ridges in the heart of Pirin National park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. With 400m cliff drops on either side of the track, it requires stamina, experience and a great amount of sure-footedness.

Photo copyright ©Pirin Ultra

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 27 km

Vertical climb: 2,650m*

Highest point: 2,410m*

Race record: Jean-Baptiste Simukeka 2h49’21” (2019); Denisa Dragomir 3h12’50” (2019)

Course description

A classic Skyrace: hard, technical and intense with 27km and 2650m of vertical climb.

After a burning uphill with extremely steep sections equipped with fixed chains and ropes, the summit of the Northern Grigna (2410m) is reached after about 15 km and with 2300m of vertical gain in the legs. The energy of the spectators at the top combined with the incredible landscapes and breathtaking views from Lake Como to the Alps make the climb worth it. After the summit, a fast descent- perhaps the fastest of the series – runners back to the welcoming finish line in Pasturo.

Photo copyright ©SWS / Roger Salanova

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 31 km

Vertical climb: 2,400m*

Highest point: 1,477m*

Race records: Manuel Merillas 2h57’01” (2015); Laura Orgue 3h29’26” (2015)

Course description

The Skyrunner World Series is back in the Basque country. The challenging route with 31 km and 2,400m vertical gain begins in the town of Zeanuri, and takes runners through the unique Gorbeia Natural Park over the summits of Lekanda and Gorbeia. The buzzing atmosphere and enthusiasm of local spectators on the course make it a popular race for athletes and fans from all over the world.

Photo copyright: ©Gorbeia Suzien

*Data is approximate for profiles

DATE CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Distance: 74 km

Vertical climb: 4,350m*

Highest point: 2,420m*

Race records: Tim Freriks 7h02’03” (2017). Ida Nilsson 8h04’17” (2017)

Course description

The Transvulcania Ultramarathon is the stuff of legends: it’s an event at the top of every runner’s bucket list. The race starts before dawn at the Fuencaliente lighthouse on the ocean front. Over 4,000 headlights light up the sky above the volcanic island of La Palma, where runners race the sunrise to the highest point on the island, the Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,420m.

From here, a steep descent to Tazacorte beach is followed by a last climb along a canyon and through banana plantations to the world-famous finish line in Los Llanos de Aridane where finishers are welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic spectators. It is a beauty but it is also a beast.

Photo copyright: ©SWS / Alexis Berg

*Data is approximate for profiles

Distance: 27 km

Vertical climb: 2,600m*

Highest point: 1,621m*

Race record: Ruy Ueda 3h03’15” (2019); Denisa Dragomir 3h36’55” (2019)

Course description

22 km of pure skyrunning with a 2,100m vertical gain and the starting and finishing lines in the beautiful location of Lungolago Marconi in Limone sul Garda are the distinctive elements of this race. After a 2km stretch passing through the old and narrow streets of Limone, the course reaches Reamòl. This marks the beginning of the breath-taking, rugged ascent that heads to Punto Larici, proceeds to Passo Rocchetta and Cima Mughera. From here you run towards Baita Segala before beginning the steep ascent to the highest point of the race, Monte Carone (1.621m). After the summit it’s down again and back up to Traversole path, touching Corna Vecchia and reaching Dalco before the final stretch of the descent to the vibrant finish line on the shores of Limone Sul Garda.

Photo copyright ©SWS / Alexis Berg

*Data is approximate for profiles

DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Distance: 26 km

Vertical climb: 1,980m*

Highest point: 2,183m*

Race records: Bartlomiej Przedwojewski 2h35’10” (2019); Elena Rukhliada 2h57’05” (2019)

Course description

The unpredictable conditions of the French Alps make Skyrace^® des Matheysins a tough, intense and technical force of nature. The Devil’s Garden – a single track on the mountainside – leads the way to the highest point of the course which runs over a line of peaks for nearly 6km with several summits between 2,200 and 2,400m and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Then it’s straight back down through the forests dodging trees and boulders all the way to the finish line. A fun and thrilling skyrace.

Photo copyright: ©SWS / Roger Salanova

*Data is approximate for profiles