World masters mountain running championships 2026

Nestled in the heart of the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), just 150 kilometers from Prague, Janské Lázně is a historic spa town perched at 620 meters of elevation with direct access to some of Czechia's most spectacular alpine terrain. For three days in late June 2026, this charming setting becomes the world stage for masters athletes who have spent decades honing their craft on mountain trails.

The championship program features three complementary races. The Uphill (approximately 5 km, 740 meters of climbing) is a pure vertical test from the colonnade area to the summit of Černá hora. The Up and Down (approximately 3 km, 550 meters of elevation change) demands explosive power on both the climbs and the descents. The Long Distance race (21 km, 1,200 meters of elevation gain and loss) is a demanding half marathon through the ridges and valleys of the Krkonoše range, blending endurance with technical mountain running.

Organized by TJ Maratonstav Úpice with the support of Czech Athletics and the Hradec Králové Region, this championship is a tribute to the enduring passion of mountain runners worldwide. The Krkonoše landscape, with its subalpine meadows, windswept ridges, and panoramic vistas stretching across Bohemia, provides a fitting arena for athletes who prove that age only sharpens the competitive fire.