The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Races Kicks Off

A person running through a rugged terrain.

Some races test endurance. Others test elevation. The Skyrunner® World Series tests both — and then some. 

In 2026, Merrell is proud to sponsor this global circuit of high-altitude racing, where the world’s top mountain athletes run steep, technical routes across some of the planet’s most dramatic terrain. From the Andes to the Alps to the Rockies here at home, the series celebrates a style of running that pushes athletes higher, farther, and deeper into the mountains — and this year’s season has already begun. 

People running through a rugged terrain.
Unlike traditional races, skyrunning courses climb aggressively into alpine environments.” 

The Skyrunner® World Series 

Organized by the International Skyrunning Federation, the Skyrunner® World Series is an international race circuit dedicated to skyrunning — a form of mountain running held at high altitude on steep, technical terrain.  

Unlike traditional races, skyrunning courses climb aggressively into alpine environments where runners encounter loose rock, narrow ridgelines, exposed climbs, and relentless elevation gain. These are races where strength, agility, and mountain awareness matter as much as speed. 

The series spans continents bringing international athletes to iconic mountain landscapes around the world and challenging them to move quickly through terrain that most people would (not so) simply hike. 

A man running through a rugged terrain.

Merrell Athletes Take on the Peaks 

A huge congratulations goes out to all athletes who conquered the demanding Carrera 4 Refugios course on February 22. Among them were several standout performances from Merrell athletes pushing the pace in some of the toughest terrain in the series. 

Races like 4 Refugios require footwear that can handle extreme terrain without slowing runners down. This year’s Merrell athletes showed up ready. 

People posing for a picture at the finish line of a race.

1st Place 

Jose Manuel Quispe (Peru) 

Shoes: MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx 

3rd Place  

Morgan Elliott (USA)  

Shoes: Agility Peak 6 

4th Place  

Weston Hill (New Zealand) 

Shoes: MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx 

5th Place

Lina El Kott (Sweden)

Shoes: MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx 

Follow the Series 

With the season officially underway, the Skyrunner® World Series will continue to take athletes to mountain ranges across the globe, each race offering a new test of elevation, endurance, and technical skill. 

You can follow upcoming races and results throughout the season on the official World Series race calendar .