World Masters Mountain Running Championship 2026 Report

The 25th World Masters Mountain Running Championships took place from 26–28 June 2026 in Janské Lázně, a small spa town in the Krkonoše Mountains of the Czech Republic. NIMRA members joined the 114-strong Team Ireland squad, alongside a smaller GB team. Across the three championship races, competitors from 32 countries recorded 1,433 starts, made up of 974 men and 459 women. The programme included the Uphill Race on Friday, covering approximately 5 km with 740 metres of climbing; the Long Distance Race on Saturday, covering about 21 km with 1,200 metres of ascent; and the Up & Downhill Race on Sunday, covering approximately 9 km with 550 metres of elevation. Despite extreme weather, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 36 degrees Celsius, 1,419 runners finished and only 14 were forced to withdraw.

Janské Lázně is best known as a spa resort and mountain recreation centre, forming part of the Černá hora ski area. The town’s modern spa facilities offer pools, treatments and wellness services, specialising in musculoskeletal care, neurological conditions and post-operative rehabilitation. The mix of spa visitors using mobility scooters and walking aids alongside 1,500 mountain runners, organisers and supporters created a striking contrast during three days of outstanding sporting performances in record-breaking local temperatures.

The fair-skinned Northern Irish competitors, more used to cooler, wetter conditions, were pushed well beyond their comfort zone. They drew on every bit of mountain-running experience not only to compete, but to finish in medal-winning positions. There were too many heroic performances to list without risking unintended omissions. Simply earning a finisher’s medal was a major achievement, and every podium success was celebrated by all. That said, a few medal celebrations deserve special mention.

After 20 years of competing at the World Mountain Running Championships without an individual medal, Shileen O’Kane, racing for Ireland in the Female V55 category, won two: silver in the Uphill race and bronze in the Uphill/Downhill Classic. Karen Wilton drove 1,300 miles to the event with a cat and dog in tow, competed in all three races for Team GB, and helped secure team silver in the Female V50 Uphill/Downhill Classic.

Thanks to IMRA for subsiding the celebratory meal and entertainment in Sunday night. We are very grateful to all who encouraged and supported us in participating in this wonderful event. Mountain running skills and comradery were well and truly celebrated. Klosters in Switzerland offers the perfect stage for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships 2027. Athletes from all over the world will compete here in the disciplines of uphill, long distance and up-downhill on varied trails. You too could be on the start line!!