World masters mountain running championships 2026

The World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Janské Lázně crossed the finish line!

On June 26 – 28, 2026, Janské Lázně hosted 25th World Masters Mountain Running Championships. Three days of incredible sports performances, almost a year of intensive preparations and the extraordinary commitment of hundreds of volunteers resulted in an event that will certainly rank among the largest athletic events of the year in the Czech Republic.

When the main initiator Karel Šklíba, the chairman of TJ Maratonstav Úpice, accepted the organizing responsibility for the world championship more than a year ago, it was clear from the beginning that it would be a demanding organizational challenge. In addition, the course of the championship was significantly affected  by the record-breaking warm weather that accompanied all three days of competition and meant an extraordinary burden for competitors, organizers, paramedics and volunteers.

Nevertheless, the entire program was managed without major organizational complications and dignified conditions were created for all participants.

In the end, competitors from 32 countries of the world arrived in Janské Lázně, who completed a total of 1,433 starts during the three championship races. Of these, 974 starts went to men and 459 starts to women. Despite the extreme climatic conditions, 1,419 runners finished their races, only 14 competitors were forced to withdraw.

The organizers are especially pleased with the responses of the participants. The vast majority of reactions from competitors, national teams and representatives of international federations evaluate the event very positively. The awards were mainly aimed at well-prepared tracks, the work of volunteers, safety, facilities and the friendly atmosphere of the championship.

The Organizing Committee would like to thank all competitors, their colleagues and visitors for their considerate behavior in the Krkonoše National Park, respecting the organizational instructions and adhering to the spirit of fair play. It is mutual respect, sporting honour and respect for the mountain environment that have defined hill running for a long time.

A big thank you also goes to the international organizations WMRA (World Mountain Running Association) and WMA (World Masters Athletics) for their trust in entrusting the organization of the world championships to the Czech Republic and Janské Lázně. We would also like to thank the Czech Athletic Association, the Hradec Králové Region, the towns of Janské Lázně and Úpice, the State Medical Spa of Janské Lázně, the SkiResort ČERNÁ HORA – PEC, all partners, sponsors, volunteers, paramedics, security forces and residents of the region. Without their support and understanding, it would not have been possible to successfully complete an event of such magnitude.

During the championship, thousands of photos were taken, which capture not only the sports performances, but also the unique atmosphere of the entire event. Photo galleries are continuously updated on the official website of the championship and on the WMRA website (wmra.info).

The symbolic end to this year's championship was the ceremonial handing over of the WMRA flag to the organizers of the next World Championship, which will take place in Klosters, Switzerland in June 2027.

For TJ Maratonstav Úpice, this year's World Championship had another extraordinary dimension. After forty years of organizing running races at all levels – from regional smaller races through the Czech Republic and European Championships to the World Championships – this event represents a symbolic culmination of many years of work by the organizing team. "I believe that this is a dignified end to four decades of our work and pure enthusiasm that we have devoted to hill running and at the same time saying goodbye to a large international mountain running family, which has become a natural part of the club's life over the years," concludes the tireless matador Karel Šklíba.

The organizers would like to thank everyone who participated in creating an atmosphere that will be remembered for a long time, not only by Janské Lázně.

Karel Šklíba

LOC president

TJ Maratonstav Úpice, z.s.

PRESS RELEASE PDF

Results of all WMMRC 2026 races - Women’s Overall / Men’s Overall; Women’s / Men’s by Category; Women’s Teams / Men’s Teams

Results 28.6.2026

Results 27.6.2026

Results 26.6.2026

Be sure to visit the foodtruck Mlsná zastávka.