Skyrunning, or high-altitude mountain running is quickly becoming a more popular sport in the US. In 2014, US Skyrunners will have a tantalizing selection of events over 6,600 ft to choose from, with the inclusion of three races in the Skyrunner World Series as well as a separate US Skyrunner Series.

The three US skyrunning races included in the 2014 World Series are the Speedgoat 50k, The Rut 50K and the Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer.

This is the largest number of US events to be included in the Skyrunner World Series since it began, growing from one race in 2012 and two in 2013.

A new national-level Skyrunning series has also been announced, directed by British Ultrarunner Ian Sharman.

Although the finer details are still to be finalized, the inaugural US Skyrunner Series will feature 14 races across three disciplines – Sky, Ultra and Vertical.

Speaking on the launch of the new series, Sharman commented: “Ever since I first saw Skyrunning at Transvulcania, it captured my imagination with the audacity and beauty of the courses and sheer difficulty of the races.”

“The events are some of the toughest around but leave runners wanting more, from the leaders to the back of the pack. So I’m really pumped and honored to bring the original Skyrunning concept to the US on a wider scale with some of the most exciting races around.”

The concept of Skyrunning in the US is nothing new, having formed a major part of the Fila Skyrunning circuit in the 1990s. However, the format disappeared in the 2000s as Skyrunning predominantly turned back to its roots in Europe.

Start training now with Merrell’s lightweight hiking shoes , like the Proterra Sport, or the All Out trail running shoes. Designed to give you speed and responsive control, they’re perfect for racing over diverse terrain.

For more details on Skyrunning opportunities in the US this year, visit the US Skyrunning Series and Skyrunning World Series websites.