THE DESTINATION — TRADITION IN THE KRKONOŠE, MOMENTUM FROM MEDUNO 2025

Set beneath Černá hora, Janské Lázně blends spa-town heritage with steep, forested slopes that have shaped generations of Czech mountain runners. The 2026 hosts take the baton after Meduno 2025, where the masters community demonstrated everything special about this championship: deep age-group fields, passionate national teams, and a village that rallied behind the athletes.

Meduno’s organisers delivered compact logistics, spectator-friendly courses, and warm hospitality—proof that small mountain towns can stage world-class competitions. That spirit now continues in Czechia, with an emphasis on clear race operations, athlete services in the heart of town, and routes that honour the sport’s uphill DNA.

Website live & registrations open — plan your start no

The official WMMRC 2026 website is live with race details, schedules, maps/GPX, accommodation tips, and local guidance: https://wmmrc2026.maratonstav.cz/en

Registration is open with a tiered fee calendar—early entry is recommended to secure preferred pricing and team planning. A continually updated start-list/entry section will keep participants and managers informed as national delegations submit their rosters.

https://registrace2.onlinesystem.cz/detail/event/068ad46d-c1cb-4a45-b5e4-084ef55e363c

The races — three championship formats, one mountain hub

• Uphill: approx. 7.5 km with ~740 m of climbing, Friday 26 June 2026, 13:00. A sharp ascent from the colonnade area up to Černá hora, designed for pure vertical specialists.
• Long Distance: approx. 21 km with ~1,200 m of ascent, Saturday 27 June 2026, 08:30. A classic mountain half-marathon profile on varied terrain, starting and finishing by the town colonnade.
• Up & Downhill: approx. 9 km with ~550 m of elevation, Sunday 28 June 2026, 09:00. A fast, technical circuit that rewards smart pacing and confident descending.

All three races are centred around the town core to simplify transfers, support team logistics, and maximise the championship atmosphere for athletes and supporters.

Photo Credit: WMRA- Marco Gulberti

THE WORLD MASTERS MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The World Masters Mountain Running Championships unite athletes from masters age groups around the globe in a celebration of uphill running, national pride, and lifelong sport. After the success of Meduno 2025, the 2026 edition in Janské Lázně builds on a proven formula: welcoming host communities, clear race formats, and courses that showcase the character of the mountains.

WMRA PHOTO USAGE POLICY

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All images are free of rights only for the intended purpose described above. Any use of the photographs for commercial purposes, advertising, or unrelated editorial content is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the WMRA.

Reproduction, alteration, or redistribution of the images outside the defined scope may constitute a violation of copyright law and could result in legal action.

For any additional usage or licensing inquiries, please contact: hector.rubio@wmra.info

About the WMRA:

Formed in 1984, the World Mountain Running Association is the global governing body for mountain running and has the goal of promoting mountain running for all ages and abilities.

As well as the World Cup, the WMRA organizes Masters, U18 and area championships and in partnership with the World Athletics, ITRA and IAU to deliver the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, with the last event held in CanfrancPirineos Spain in 2025. The WMRA also maintains the Mountain Running World Ranking, a system of points allocated to athletes based on the results in designated races.