Started in 1999, the World Mountain Running Association’s (WMRA) World Cup has been a proving ground for elite level off-road runners preparing themselves for the annual World Mountain Running Championships. Featuring up to seven European events per year, this series travelled to America for the first time last year, adding the American Trail Running Association member Broken Arrow Skyrace. Until the coronavirus pandemic forced its cancellation, Broken Arrow had been scheduled to be on the World Cup again in 2020.
The following statement was released by the WMRA:
It is with much regret that the World Mountain Running Association has decided that the Mountain Running World Cup in 2020 should be cancelled. This is a very difficult decision but in the end we feel it is the right one to ensure that our Mountain Running athletes, race organisers and all volunteers and spectators stay safe in these uncertain times. WMRA always want a fair and exciting competition and we have seen that many runners would not be able to attend World Cup events and we would not want to put any of our Mountain Running community at risk.
We do have ideas to keep athletes and organisers excited about mountain running competitions in 2020 in whatever format Mountain Races will be able to be run as the Coronavirus situation develops.
WMRA offers Associate Membership to all Mountain Running competitions (HERE). We will work directly with these Associate Member races to inspire them to work locally together and bring an exciting element to this year’s Mountain Races when it is safe to start up again.
Please stay safe and when running outside, respect the guidelines and rules within your communities and give other people space.
Jonathan Wyatt, WMRA President
Jonathan Wyatt at the 29th Memorial Partigiani Stellina 5th WMRA World Cup Race in Susa, Torino, Italy. August, 27th, 2017. Held since 1989, the Memorial Partigiani Stellina is a 11 km 1.415 D+ mountain race is from Susa Arco di Augusto (530 meters) to Costa Rossa plateau (1.945 meters). Photo: Damiano Benedetto/ Staff photographer.
Editor’s Note: Be safe as we continue to navigate the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to follow the recommendations and updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including proper hygiene practices. Also consider reading iRunFar’s COVID-19: A Trail Running and Ultrarunning Community Guide.
