TheMerrell Skyrunner World Series is thrilled to unveil the official 2026 race calendar, introducing an exciting season designed to elevate competition, increase global visibility, and offer athletes their most dynamic racing experience yet.
The 2026 season will begin on 22 February with a brand-new addition to the series: Cuatro Refugios, a spectacular high-altitude challenge set in the rugged landscapes of Argentina. The season will then travel across the globe, highlighting 17 of the world’s most technical and iconic skyraces, before concluding on 7 November at the highly anticipated SkyMasters, hosted by Marató dels Dements in Spain.
A CALENDAR DESIGNED FOR GLOBAL IMPACT
The 2026 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series is set to span the globe, bringing world-class skyrunning to new territories while honoring the iconic events that have shaped the sport. Next year’s calendar features 19 races across 12 countries and 4 continents, showcasing both innovation and tradition.
New additions to the series include Argentina’s Cuatro Refugios and the Beast of Big Creek in the United States. China’s Yading Skyrace will also make its long-awaited return after its last appearance in 2019. The legendary biennial KIMA is back as well, joining renowned classics such as Skyrace des Matheysins, Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme, and the Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon.
Fan favorites—Calamorro, Gorbeia, Sobrescobio, and Acantilados del Norte—continue to hold their place, while 2025 newcomers Ueda, Andes Mountain Race, and Ibarra have secured their spots for 2026 following strong debuts and will join the rest of the other incredible races next season. As in recent years, the season will conclude in Eslida, Spain, where the Marato Dels Dements will once again serve as the final SkyMasters.
NEW RULES
Guided by athlete feedback, the series introduces refined rules and a more balanced points system for 2026. To appear in the overall ranking, athletes must complete four races plus the SkyMasters (five races in total). They may run additional events, but only their top four results—along with the SkyMasters—will count toward the final standings.
Qualification for the SkyMasters requires athletes to finish at least four races and secure a top-20 placing in one of them.
INTRODUCING RED RACES
A total of seven races have been designated as RED races, each awarding 1.5x points. All other races will be known as WHITE races. At least one RED race is mandatory and a maximum of two can count towards the overall ranking. RED races will play a strategic role in the overall ranking, with the following combinations eligible:
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2 RED + 2 WHITE + SkyMasters
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1 RED + 3 WHITE + SkyMasters
The following races have been selected as RED races:
- Cuatro Refugios – 22nd Feb – Argentina
- Acantilados Del Norte – 14th March – Spain
- Skyrace des Matheysins – 3rd May – France
- Ueda Skyrace – 4th May – Japan
- Yading Skyrace – 20th June – China
- Beast of Big Creek – 1st – 2nd August – USA
- Gorbeia Suzien – 27th September – Spain
The following races have been selected as WHITE races:
- Merrell Andes Mountain Skyrace – 7th March – Chile
- Calamorro Skrace – 11th April – Spain
- Penang Skyrace – 26th April – Malaysia
- Skyrace des Gorges du Tarn – 23rd May – France
- Ibarra Skyrace – 28th June – Ecuador
- Cordillera Blanca Skyrace – 5th July – Peru
- Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme – 22nd August – Switzerland
- Trofeo KIMA – 23rd August – Italy
- Maga SkyMarathon – 5th September – Italy
- Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon – 18th October – Malaysia
- Sobrescobio Skyrace – 24 – 25 October – Spain
- Marato dels Dements – 7th November – Spain
Participation and finishing the SkyMasters remains mandatory for all athletes competing in the overall ranking. The SkyMasters will award 2x points.
PRIZE MONEY
Over €250,000 is on offer for the entire season, including individual race prize money. The Merrell Skryunner® World Series will again offer a huge €100,000 prize money pool for the best of the year. To celebrate achievement throughout the season, an additional prize will be awarded to the top three m/f of the overall ranking before the SkyMasters. As with this year, the final prize pool will be awarded based on the final ranking after the final.
U23 TROFEO ESTEBAN OLIVERO
After going from strength to strength, the U23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero will return to the circuit in 2026 to provide a stage for the young and upcoming next generation of skyrunning superstars.
More information on the 2026 U23 calendar, including rules and prize money, will follow in the coming weeks.
With an expanded global footprint, new competitive formats, and the return of legendary races, the 2026 season promises to elevate skyrunning to new heights. Athletes, fans, and organizers alike can look forward to a year that pushes boundaries, celebrates excellence, and continues to shape the future of the sport.
2026 MERRELL SKYRUNNER WORLD SERIES CALENDAR
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Cuatro Refugios (NEW) – 22nd Feb – Argentina – RED
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Merrell Andes Mountain Skyrace – 7th March – Chile – WHITE
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Acantilados Del Norte – 14th March – Spain – RED
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Calamorro Skrace – 11th April – Spain – WHITE
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Penang Skyrace – 26th April – Malaysia – WHITE
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Skyrace des Matheysins – 3rd May – France – RED
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Ueda Skyrace – 4th May – Japan – RED
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Skyrace des Gorges du Tarn – 7th June – South Korea – WHITE
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Yading Skyrace – 20th June – China – RED
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Ibarra Skyrace – 28th June – Ecuador – WHITE
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Cordillera Blanca Skyrace – 5th July – Peru – WHITE
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Beast of Big Creek (NEW) – 1st – 2nd August – USA – RED
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Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme – 22nd August – Switzerland – WHITE
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Trofeo KIMA – 23rd August – Italy – WHITE
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Maga SkyMarathon – 5th September – Italy – WHITE
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Gorbeia Suzien – 27th September – Spain – RED
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Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon – 18th October – Malaysia – WHITE
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Sobrescobio Skyrace – 24 – 25 October – Spain – WHITE (U23 FINAL)
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Marato dels Dements – 7th November – Spain – WHITE SkyMasters
INFO: Merrell Skyrunner World Series
