Kiriago to defend mountain running World Cup title

Philemon Kiriago in action during the World Mountain and Trail Running championships in Spain/ANGWENYI GICHANA

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup champion Philemon Kiriago has declared his intention to defend his title.

Speaking after the unveiling of the 2026 World Cup calendar, Kiriago, who is also the World Mountain and Trail Running champion, said he has begun intense preparations to retain his title.

The 2026 season will feature 16 races in 10 events across 10 countries, spanning three continents and introducing four new events to the circuit.

On Sunday, Kiriago said, “I will defend my title. I have reviewed the calendar, and the races are well-spaced. Looking forward to the season.”

“After a one-month break, I have started my training alongside Paul Machoka and eight other athletes I’m introducing to mountain running. Our first stop will be the Tinderet Nandi Mountain Run race in Nandi on January 17,” noted Kiriago.

Valentine Rutto, who finished second overall last year, says she is gunning for the overall title. “Last year, I blundered by running the Eldoret City Marathon before the season started. This time, I don’t want to make that mistake,” she said.

“I want to start my season in Portugal, then head to China, where I will defend both the uphill and downhill races. With the help of my manager, I want to carefully select the races I will participate in and ensure I finish on the podium. ”

The 2026 calendar travels from central Portugal to Asia, across the Atlantic, into the Alps, and finally to Canada for a spectacular finale.

The series begins in central Portugal, near Granja, Castro Daire, where São Brás Cross – one of the new entries – opens the season with fast, technical, and authentic Portuguese mountain terrain, perfect for early-season form-testing.

One weekend later, the circuit moves to Asia, where China hosts an uphill and an up-and-down race among the dramatic ridgelines and the Great Wall.

Next is a classic, with a double weekend in Transvulcania and La Isla de La Palma. Set among the island’s spectacular volcanic landscapes, this iconic island will offer an uphill and long-distance race.

The World Cup then crosses the Atlantic to the Sierra Nevada for another new addition, the Broken Arrow Skyrace, before travelling back to Europe – and into the Alps – as Austria hosts the legendary uphill race to the foot of the Grossglockner glacier.

The Vauban Mountain Trail is set in the alpine corridors and historic fortifications of Briançon, and features an uphill and an up-and-down race, combining technical ridges with big views and a vibrant mountain sports culture.

Then it’s on to Sierre-Zinal, where the finest athletes in the world gather to chase fast times through the heart of the Valais.

Italy hosts a classic season-defining weekend with Vertical Nasego (uphill) and Trofeo Nasego (long-distance). The combination of steep climbs, fast descents and passionate local support makes this a pivotal block in the race for overall and category standings.

The Maraton Trzech Jezior is a new long-distance entry into the calendar and hosts the long-distance final of the World Cup. Set among the lakes and rolling landscapes of western Poland, this flowing, forested course adds both speed and scenic beauty to the late season.

 The World Cup season concludes at the Défi des Couleurs in Canada with a spectacular finals weekend offering both an uphill and the classic up & downhill final race. Autumn colours, technical forest trails and a festival-like atmosphere will create a world-class environment for the final fights for podiums and points.

The WMRA is introducing new category prize money for each of the World Cup disciplines in 2026: uphill, classic up & downhill, and long-distance. This complements the overall WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 prize money available to the top 10 men and top 10 women. Across all races, total prize money will reach approximately €250,000.

The WMRA also maintains its long-standing commitment to clean sport. Up to 30 per cent of every race’s registration fees is reinvested into anti-doping controls, ensuring that every single race undergoes testing.

WMRA for World Athletics

WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026

April 19: São Brás Cross, up & down (POR)

April 25-26: uphill and up & down (CHN)

May 7-9: Transvulcania, uphill and long-distance (ESP)

June 19-21: Broken Arrow, uphill and long-distance (USA)

July 5: Grossglockner Mountain Run, up & down (AUT)

July 18-19: Vauban Mountain Trail, uphill and up & down  (FRA)

August 8: Sierre-Zinal, long-distance (SUI)

September 5-6: Vertical Nasego and Trofeo Nasego, uphill and long-distance (ITA)

September 19: Maraton Trzech Jezior, long-distance final (POL)

October 10-11: Défi des Couleurs, uphill and up & down finals (CAN)