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2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships
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2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships
June 26 - June 28
The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is proud to announce that the 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships will be hosted in Janské Lázně, Czechia, from June 26 to 28, 2026.
Following the alpine heights of Canfranc 2024 and the Italian charm of Meduno 2025, the global masters mountain running community now looks eastward to the Krkonoše Mountains, where Czechia will welcome athletes from around the world for an unforgettable championship edition. The 2026 event will continue to raise the bar for international mountain competition, blending technical courses, breathtaking scenery, and true community spirit.
JANSKÉ LÁZNĚ: THE HEART OF THE KRKONOŠE MOUNTAINS
Just 150 kilometers from Prague, Janské Lázně is a picturesque spa town set at the foot of Černá hora. With a base elevation of 620 meters and access to some of the region’s most stunning alpine trails, it offers the ideal location for a world-class championship.
Steeped in tradition and surrounded by protected mountain landscapes, Janské Lázně combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure—ensuring both athletes and supporters enjoy a memorable stay in this mountain jewel.
A TRIO OF RACES FOR EVERY KIND OF MOUNTAIN RUNNER
The 2026 World Masters Mountain Running Championships will feature three exciting race formats:
- Uphill Race
Distance: 7.5 km | Ascent: 740 m | Descent: 100 m
Starting in Janské Lázně and finishing atop Černá hora at 1260 m, this race will reward climbers who thrive on vertical challenges.
https://tracedetrail.fr/en/trace/300320
- Long Distance Race
Distance: 21.0 km | Ascent & Descent: 1200 m
A challenging half-marathon distance with serious elevation change, showcasing the full variety of the local terrain.
https://tracedetrail.fr/en/trace/300323
- Up & Downhill Race
Distance: 9.0 km | Ascent & Descent: 550 m
A balanced and technical course that begins and ends in Janské Lázně, ideal for well-rounded mountain runners.
https://tracedetrail.fr/en/trace/300315
Each course has been designed to test different skills while offering fair, scenic, and rewarding racing experiences for masters athletes from all backgrounds.
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
The World Masters Mountain Running Championships are more than a competition—they are a celebration of the global mountain running family. Following the inspiring experiences in Canfranc and the anticipation surrounding Meduno, the 2026 edition in Janské Lázně will highlight what makes this community so special: shared effort, international friendship, and a love for the mountains.
Organizers, volunteers, and local supporters are preparing a warm welcome, ready to ensure that every athlete feels at home in the heart of Czechia.
Not sure where to start?
Take our full training & nutrition assessment — covering where you're starting from, what's missing, and your goals — to get a basic program built around you.
Question 1 of 9
Where are you starting from?
Question 2 of 9
What's your main event or discipline?
Question 3 of 9
What elements do you feel you're missing right now?
Select as many as apply.
Question 4 of 9
How many days a week can you realistically train?
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How would you describe your eating right now?
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Question 8 of 9
What are your goals?
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Short term (next 3 months)
Medium term (6–12 months)
Long term (1–3+ years)
Question 9 of 9
What's your age band?
Your Training & Nutrition Starting Point
A solid foundation to build from
Based on your answers, here's the shape of a basic program to get you moving in the right direction.
Training
2 quality sessions — technique and intensity work for your event
1–2 recovery sessions — easy movement, mobility, and rest
1 strength session — masters-specific conditioning
Nutrition
Session-day fuelling — eat with your training load, not against it
Recovery basics — hydration, protein timing, and sleep habits
This is just the outline. The full program — personalised to everything you told us, with session-by-session training, nutrition guidance, and coaching support — lives inside the app.
