The second day of the 2026 Skyrunning World Championships on the island of La Gomera in Spain’s Canary Islands, saw Italian Cristian Minoggio and Norwegian Shangave Balendran take the gold.
The stunning wild terrain of the island was the perfect stage for the challenging 63 kilometres and 4,100m of vertical climb of the SKYULTRA where 87 athletes participated.
Minoggio, 2022 and 2024 SKYULTRA World Champion, crossed the finish line in 6h12’12” on the new, specially designed course. His race was well calculated and after taking the lead, he closed almost seven minutes ahead of second man, Spaniard Julen Calvo who led for most of the race.
“There were many sections that were runnable but also very tough, very variable, technical, where you were running on unstable ground,” said Minoggio. “After winning the CCC three weeks ago, I thought I would actually feel better today than I did, but at 46 kilometres there were some young runners two or three minutes off then I got this hunger to win which happens when I’m pushed. Today, I listened to my body, and my body wants to go on holiday!”
Samuel Ponce from Andorra placed third in 6h21’40”. 2023 and 2024 Masters World Champion, Spaniard Pere Aurell took fourth followed by Bartosz Ligas from Poland in fifth.
The women’s race saw new star, Norway’s Shangave Balendran, crush the competition, applying the same strategy that earned her the SKYULTRA European Champion title in 2025. Previously unknown on the international stage, she immediately rose to stardom – reaffirmed today with the SKYULTRA World Champion title. She led from the gun and closed in 7h27’16” – the only woman to finish in under eight hours.
“The race was wonderful, passing from forest to dry areas was spectacular, especially at dawn. I’m glad we started early as I can’t really stand the heat coming from the Lofoten islands! I knew I was in good shape and that my legs were good, so I decided to just go for it – and this medal is a great reward. The European Championship title was a surprise because I was coming back from an injury, but this time I knew I could give my all and try my best. This gold medal is the perfect celebration!” Balendran commented.
The silver medal went to Spaniard Mireia Pons who closed in 8h02’51”, a bronze medallist in the 2019 European Championships SKY discipline. American Careth Arnold, in her first World Championship, pulled off the bronze.
The race started in the small town of Vallehermoso in the north of the Island. The 5 am start before dawn had athletes wearing headlamps to light their way around the first 20 km loop back to the town, before heading south east over variable terrain to reach the finish in San Sebastian de la Gomera on the coast after a total of 63 km and 4,100m vertical climb.
World titles and 27 medals are at stake for Individuals and Official Teams, together with a Combined title based on the best results of the VERTICAL and SKY races.
Overall, 270 athletes from 38 countries across five continents are enjoying the spectacular environment – echoing the sea to sky concept – in a pure skyrunning context, ready for Sunday’s final with which will conclude with the SKY discipline.
Following ISF protocol, WADA antidoping tests will be carried out in the SKYULTRA and SKY disciplines.
SKYULTRA results
MEN
Gold – Cristian Minoggio (ITA) 6h12’12”
Silver – Julen Calvo (ESP) 6h19’02”
Bronze – Samuel Ponce (AND) 6h21’40”
WOMEN
Gold – Shangave Balendran (NOR) 7h27’16”
Silver – Mireia Pons (ESP) 8h02’51”
Bronze – Careth Arnold (USA) 8h03’00”
Medal count and country ranking
Course Certification + technical level
All athletes will be included in the ISF Ranking
