Skyrunning is returning to the U.S. in 2026 with the newly launched U.S. Skyrunner USA national series of mountain running races.
The discipline of Skyrunning, which is overseen by the International Skyrunning Federation, is defined by race courses with steep, technical climbs and high-altitude exposure. These rugged routes often require athletes to use helmets, fixed ropes, and cables to navigate the most extreme, exposed sections of terrain.
Skyrunnning races have been held in the U.S. for decades and peaked in 2019 with 10 events. But the series has been absent since the postponement of the 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To address the gap in Skyrunning opportunities and connect with the growing trail running community in the U.S., Merrell is helping elevate the Beast of Big Creek, a 22K race with 5,250 feet of vert in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, to be part of the 2026 Skyrunner World Series as well as part of the new four-race Skyrunner USA national series.
The inaugural U.S. Skyrunner USA national series will consist of four U.S.-based races: Whiteface SkyRace (July 4, Wilmington, New York), Beast of Big Creek (August 1-2, Hoodsport, WA), Skeetawk Skyline Scramble (August 28, Palmer, AK) and the Kismet Cliff Run (September 13, North Conway, NH)
The 2026 U.S. series will run alongside 10 other skyrunner national series, including in Austria, Portugal, Spain, the U.K., and Ireland, as well as the 19-race SkyRunner World Series. The top three men and women in the U.S. series will qualify for the SkyMasters Final held at the Marató dels Dements on November 7 in Spain.
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