🏔️ We’re counting down to Spain, and we’re genuinely excited.
Every two years our sport comes together for the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships (WMTRC). Four disciplines on real mountain terrain: Uphill, Classic Up & Down (senior and U20), Short Trail (~35–45 km), and Long Trail (~75–85 km). Each race crowns individual world champions, and national team titles are on the line.
From September 25 to 28, 2025, the action is in Canfranc-Pirineos in the Spanish Pyrenees, with more than 1,700 athletes from 70+ countries expected. This event has grown with every edition, and 2025 truly feels like the best version yet.
Quick look back to Innsbruck–Stubai 2023
Individual champions:
- Uphill: Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) and Andrea Mayr (AUT)
- Short Trail: Stian Angermund (NOR) and Clémentine Geoffray (FRA)
- Long Trail: Benjamin Roubiol (FRA) and Marion Delespierre (FRA)
- Classic Up & Down: Leonard Chemutai (UGA) and Grayson Murphy (USA).
Team champions by country (2023)
- Men: Uphill: Kenya. Short Trail: Great Britain. Long Trail: France. Classic Up & Down: Kenya.
- Women: Uphill: Kenya. Short Trail: France. Long Trail: France. Classic Up & Down: Kenya.U20 Classic: Women: Great Britain. Men: Switzerland.
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What’s on in Canfranc
Race schedule:
- Uphill 6K: Sept 25
- Short Trail 45K: Sept 26
- Long Trail 82K: Sept 27
- Classic 14K: Sept 28
- U20 8K: Sept 28
Who to watch at this year’s edition
- Uphill 6K: Patrick Kipngeno (KEN), Andrea Mayr (AUT), Allie McLaughlin (USA), Joyce Muthoni (KEN).
- Classic 14K: Andreu Blanes and Alex García (ESP), Scout Adkin (GBR), Philemon Kiriago (KEN).
- Short Trail 45K: Manuel Merillas (ESP), Seth Rueling (US), Martyna Młynarczyk (POL), Sara Alonso and Oihana Kortázar (ESP).
- Long Trail 82K: Francesco Puppi (ITA), Jim Walmsley (USA), Katie Schide (USA) and Caleb Olson (USA). 
Who’s most likely to make the podium (team picture)
Short list, based on depth, 2023 results, and current rosters:
- United States: The long-trail squad looks particularly strong, with Walmsley, Adam Peterman, Olson, Zach Miller and Tyler Green reported for the men, and a competitive women’s group headlined by Katie Schide. On paper this is the most potent U.S. contingent in years.
- France: Defending men’s and women’s Long Trail team champions. Depth is real across trail distances.
- Spain: Host-nation advantage, big roster, and recent domestic champions in Short Trail and Classic. Expect medals with the Pyrenees in their backyard.
- Italy: Consistent podiums in the Short Trail scene, including men’s team silver in 2023. Also dangerous in Classic with seasoned climbers.
- Great Britain: Won men’s Short Trail team gold in 2023 and brings balanced squads again.
- Kenya and Uganda: Top-end speed for Uphill and Classic, and proven team strength, especially Kenya.
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Calendar crunch
This year WMTRC sits only a few weeks after UTMB week. UTMB finals ran August 25–31 with the UTMB 100-mile and OCC/CCC clustered that week, so some elites chose one peak race while others aligned with federation guidance. We’re fans of a busy calendar, but we hope future editions land with a little more breathing room. 
📺 Where to follow
Official channels: WMTRC Canfranc-Pirineos 2025, World Athletics, WMRA, ITRA. National federations will share selections and updates. Trail media outlets will bring live coverage, previews, and analysis.
⛰️ With steep ascents, technical descents, and punchy elevation profiles, the Pyrenees are a perfect filter. They reward strength and smart pacing. We can’t wait to see who rises.
Let’s talk about the routes (and the Mountain Index)
Uphill 6K
Point-to-summit from the Santa Cristina Hotel up to Larraca through black-pine forest. Official course is 6.5 km with ~986 m D+, which puts the MI ≈ 151.7 m+/km.
Short Trail 45K
A rugged 44.5 km with ~3,657 m D+. Big features include the 1,500 m haul to La Moleta, the Larraca climb, Loma Verde on the French border, and the 122-switchback Estiviellas descent. MI ≈ 82.2 m+/km.
That MI is wild. If you want to replicate the feel, think of a 10 km (6 miles) run with ~800 m of elevation gain (≈2,600 ft of vert).
Long Trail 82K
High-mountain loop of 82 km with ~5,413 m D+. Expect La Moleta, the Izas valley and pass, Pico Royo, the Portalet crossing, a stretch in France around the Ayous lakes, then a fast run back toward Canfranc via Estiviellas. MI ≈ 66.0 m+/km.
Classic 14K
Two fast loops from the Canfranc station through the Epifanio ravine. The official spec is 15 km with ~820 m D+ split across two main climbs. MI ≈ 54.7 m+/km.
Train smarter for only $19/month with VertPro—unlock unlimited adaptive plans, daily advice, and progress tracking! 📊🔥
How our Mountain Index® helps you prepare
Not all kilometers are created equal. Canfranc proves it. A 45K here can feel harder than a flat 80K elsewhere.
The Mountain Index (MI) is our simple way to gauge true difficulty:
MI = total elevation gain ÷ total distance (m+/km).
For training: If your goal race has MI ~50, choose routes and workouts that land in the same band so your legs and lungs adapt to the real demand.
For race comparison: MI makes it obvious why a short Pyrenees course can outrank a much longer flat race on “hardness.”
For goal setting: Step up gradually. Bump your target MI as you get stronger instead of only chasing distance.
👉 Use the Mountain Index to make your prep match the terrain and stress of your goal race. Always available on the Vert.run app
Start with a plan that adapts weekly and get coach guidance when you need it.
