Canfranc 2025: A Spectacular Convergence of Mountain Running and Trail Triumphs
The Spanish Pyrenees delivered an unforgettable spectacle at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships (WMTRC 2025), held in Canfranc from September 25–28. With more than 70 countries and 1,600 athletes competing, the four-day event showcased the full spectrum of the sport — from explosive vertical climbs to ultra-distance endurance battles.
Day 1: Uphill (Vertical) — Bonnet & Engelhard Ascend
The championships began with the Vertical Uphill to Larraca’s summit, a brutal 6.4 km climb with nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain.
Men’s Champion: Switzerland’s Rémi Bonnet dominated from start to finish, clocking 37:50. “I knew this climb would be about rhythm. Once I found mine, I just pushed to the top,” Bonnet said. He was followed by Kenya’s Richard Omaya Atuya and Patrick Kipngeno.
Women’s Champion: Germany’s Nina Engelhard surged late to win in 45:33, ahead of Finland’s Susanna Saapunki and the USA’s Anna Gibson. “This was pure joy — I felt the mountain carrying me upward,” Engelhard reflected.
Day 2: Short Trail — Alexandersson & Tranchand Soar
The 45 km Short Trail offered 3,650 meters of punishing climbs.
Women’s Champion: Sweden’s Tove Alexandersson seized control early and never looked back, finishing in 5:04:20. “This course was wild and technical — exactly what I love,” she said. Spain’s Sara Alonso and Britain’s Naomi Lang completed the podium.
Men’s Champion: France’s Frédéric Tranchand attacked on the first descent and held strong to win in 4:42:10, ahead of Spaniards Manuel Merillas and Andreu Blanes. “I knew if I took risks downhill, I could make the difference. It worked,” Tranchand explained.
Spain earned men’s team gold, while Sweden triumphed in the women’s team standings.
Day 3: Long Trail — U.S. Double Delight
The 82 km Long Trail was the ultimate endurance test, and the United States swept both titles.
Men’s Champion: Jim Walmsley powered away on the final climbs to secure gold. “This was one of the hardest races of my life — but also one of the most beautiful,” Walmsley said.
Women’s Champion: Katie Schide ran a perfectly judged race, breaking away late for victory. “Patience was the key today. I trusted my plan and the mountains rewarded me,” she commented.
The American double marked a milestone for U.S. trail running on the world stage.
Day 4: Classic (Up & Down) — Engelhard’s Double, Kiriago’s Triumph
The championships closed with the Classic 14.3 km race — a mix of steep ascents and daring descents.
Women’s Champion: Nina Engelhard completed her golden double, winning in 1:11:00. Kenya’s Ruth Gitonga took silver and Switzerland’s Oria Liaci bronze. “I never imagined I’d win two world titles in one week. It feels like a dream,” Engelhard said.
Men’s Champion: Kenya’s Philemon Kiriago unleashed a downhill surge to win in 1:02:30, ahead of Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich and Kenya’s Paul Machoka. “I trusted my downhill legs — they carried me to gold,” Kiriago shared.
Team Kenya secured the men’s Classic team crown, underscoring their depth.
Highlights & Legacy
Germany celebrated Engelhard’s double gold.
Kenya reaffirmed its mountain dominance with Classic victories.
The United States claimed a historic Long Trail sweep.
Sweden and Spain shone in the Short Trail, with Alexandersson and Merillas leading the charge.
“Canfranc showed us the very essence of mountain and trail running — pure, raw, and global,” said one official from the WMRA.
With steep climbs, sharp descents, and passionate crowds, WMTRC 2025 will be remembered as one of the most iconic chapters in the sport’s history.
