Discussions in Kathmandu open opportunities for skyrunning development and cooperation on safety, training and youth participation.
The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) represented by Pavlos Georgiades, ISF Secretary General, presented its strategic direction and explored opportunities for closer cooperation with national mountaineering federations at the UIAA General Assembly, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 29–31 October, 2026.
The assembly was hosted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), with a total of 95 delegates from 45 countries present.
Georgiades, also on the UIAA Management Board, outlined how skyrunning combines endurance, mountain knowledge and technical skills, highlighting its close connection with the expertise and values of the international mountaineering community.
His presentation, “Skyrunning and Mountain Sports”, encouraged federations and experienced event organisers to work together to develop the sport.
The cooperation between FEDME and the Gomera Paradise organisers at the 2026 Skyrunning World Championships in La Gomera illustrated how their complementary strengths can support successful competition.
“Federations contribute sporting governance, athlete development and national representation, while organisers bring event expertise, local course knowledge and established relationships with runners,” stated Georgiades.
Opportunities presented to the Assembly included establishing skyrunning committees with organiser and athlete participation, coordinating national competition calendars, developing national championships and introducing clear national team selection procedures. Supporting young athletes and seeking appropriate recognition from national sporting authorities were also highlighted.
The ISF emphasised that development discussions in countries with an existing ISF member should begin through dialogue with that member and respect established responsibilities.
Interest from national federations
Discussions following the presentation included representatives of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Nepal, BMU members and other federations.
BMC and Nepalese representatives expressed interest in exploring skyrunning within their national mountaineering structures. Other federation representatives will consider opportunities within their organisations.
Shared priorities for the future
The ISF also presented covered the restructured Statutes, the new Strategic Plan and leadership elections scheduled for 16 December 2026. The presentation acknowledged the contributions of Marino Giacometti, Lauri van Houten and colleagues, alongside Alexander Keim’s work on the Strategic Plan and preparations for the FSA–ISF transition.
Youth development was a particular focus, including the proposed use of expected finishing time as the principal parameter in the 2027 youth competition framework.
The meetings identified common interests in mountain safety, medical education, training, youth participation and environmental responsibility. UIAA commission work offers a basis for exploring exchanges of expertise in areas such as altitude-related illness, emergency preparation, mountain skills and responsible event practices.
The ISF will now follow up with interested federations, review existing national representation and explore practical cooperation with the relevant UIAA commissions.
The Kathmandu meetings strengthened awareness of skyrunning’s development and opened promising discussions across the mountain-sport community. The next step is to turn that interest into concrete proposals supporting athletes, federations and organisers.
