Based on previous figures, some 7,000 participants from at least 37 countries will take part in this unique high-altitude circuit uniting the most prestigious mountain races under the auspices of the International Skyrunning Federation.

For the first time, Russia enters the World Series as a Trial and launches the season on May 8th with a Vertical Kilometer®  on Mount Elbrus.  The race is part of the Red Fox Festival from May 7-12, a multi sport event all on snow including running, snow-shoeing and ski mountaineering competitions – enough to keep the hungriest adventure addict on a week-long high.  The snow and the altitude recall the early skyrunning races of the 90’s in the Alps, Mexico and Rockies.

The first main World Series race follows on May 16 with the highly competitive and popular race in Zegama in Spain, a classic marathon with 5,472m ascent and descent, this demanding course is much favoured by the world’s top runners.

The scenario shifts from Spain to France with the Chaberton Marathon, 6,032m ascent and descent in the shadow of Europe’s highest fort;  the American Rockies beckon with the famous Pikes Peak Marathon to the 4,200m summit;  Italy’s technical Sentiero Grigne,and, to finish, the spectacular final to the summit of South East Asia’s second highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu,  with theInternational Climbathon where athletes gain an extra 20% on their ranking points.

Standing World Champions, Italy’s Emanuela Brizio and Spain’s Kilian Jornet are set to defend their titles  where the best of four out of the five principal races plus one trials will crown the winners. Easy!

Vibram®, the world’s leading outsole manufacturer, accompanies the 2010 Skyrunner® World Series as main sponsor.

2010 Skyrunner® World Series Races

SPAIN:  Maratòn Alpina Zegama-Aizkorri, Basque Country – May 16
FRANCE:  Chaberton Marathon, Montgènevre – August 1
USA:  *Pikes Peak Marathon, Colorado Springs – August 22
ITALY:  Sentiero delle Grigne SkyMarathon® – Pasturo, Lecco – September 19
MALAYSIA: Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, Borneo – October 23/24

2010 Skyrunner® World Series Trials

RUSSIA:  Vertical Kilometer® – Mt Elbrus – May 8
ANDORRA:   Vertical SkyRace® – Canillo – June 5
PORTUGAL:  Circuito dos 3 Cântaros SkyRace® – Parque Nat. da Serra da Estrela – June 13
SWITZERLAND: Course de Sierre-Zinal, Zinal – August 8 
ITALY:  Red Rock SkyMarathon® – Vezza d’Oglio, Brescia – August 22
JAPAN: Mt Ontake SkyRace® – Nagano – August 29
UK:  *The Ben Nevis Race, Fort William, Scotland – September 4
SPAIN:  Carrera de La Sagra, Puebla de Don Fadrique, Granada – September 11
VENEZUELA:  Ávila SkyRace® – Caracas, September 12