The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup produced another memorable day of racing in Beijing Changping, where the season’s third event took athletes to the historic Silver Pagoda Forest for the Classic Up & Down, World Cup category powered by Turismo Centro de Portugal

Surrounded by ancient Buddhist pagodas, forest trails and steep mountain slopes, the venue offered a completely different challenge from the previous day’s race on the Great Wall. The Silver Pagoda Forest, also known as Yinshan Pagoda Forest, is one of northern China’s most important Buddhist heritage sites. Its pagodas were built across several dynasties, with many dating from the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) and later additions from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, making parts of the site more than 800 years old.

Supported by the Beijing Changping District Government, the event once again welcomed runners from across the world to compete in a place where sport, history and nature met in rare fashion.

CLASSIC UP & DOWN DISCIPLINE

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together a truly global calendar, spanning 10 events in 10 countries across four continents, and comprising 16 races across the three recognised mountain running disciplines: Uphill, Classic Up & Down, and Long Distance.

With 27 years of history, the World Cup has evolved from its origins as a European Grand Prix into today’s fully international competitive circuit, operating with the endorsement and support of World Athletics. Over nearly three decades, it has mirrored the evolution of mountain running itself — from its early European roots to a modern global series connecting cultures, landscapes and racing traditions.

The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 brings together a truly global calendar, spanning 10 events in 10 countries across four continents*, and comprising 16 races across the three recognised mountain running disciplines: Uphill, Classic Up & Down, and Long Distance.

With 27 years of history, the World Cup has evolved from its origins as a European Grand Prix into today’s fully international competitive circuit, operating with the endorsement and support of World Athletics. Over nearly three decades, it has mirrored the evolution of mountain running itself — from its early European roots to a modern global series connecting cultures, landscapes and racing traditions.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is proud to unveil the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026: a truly 10-out-of-10 season, featuring 10 events across 10 countries, with 16 races, spanning three continents, and introducing four completely new events to the circuit.

The 2026 calendar celebrates both tradition and innovation, marking the WMRA’s 42nd anniversary and the 27th edition of the World Cup (formerly the Grand Prix). It brings together iconic classics and exciting new venues, reflecting the global reach and rapid growth of mountain running.