The Canadian Rockies are ready to host the first-ever Continental Championships dedicated to the Youth category at the Minotaur SkyRace, presented by Arc’teryx on 26-28 June 2026.
The perfect location for true skyrunning, the events will attract a new field of athletes from across the continent to enjoy the demanding, wild terrain.
Athletes aged 15 to 23 will compete in these first Youth Skyrunning North & Central American Championships where 21 medals are at stake and Continental, individual, combined titles and national team rankings will be awarded.
Marino Giacometti, ISF President and skyrunning founder, stated, “With these new Youth Championships, dedicated to the North & Central American continent, we aim to showcase the truly inspiring and pure skyrunning terrain of the Canadian Rockies, where the Minotaur races are held. The initiative reflects our commitment to developing the sport across the region and creating new opportunities for young athletes.”
Among the youngest athletes, 16-year-old Scottorn McMillen representing the USA, is fresh from his first international skyrunning experience at the Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Croatia in May.
“Going into Croatia, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect,” commented McMillen. “I had a good VK race on Friday but was wiped out by Sunday for the SKY race. Since Canada is six weeks out from Croatia, I’ve been able to prepare accordingly – I know mentally what to expect and I think that I’ll be able to perform much better because of that. I’m so excited!”
Two skyrunning disciplines will be disputed – the VERTICAL and the SKY. The brand new Minotaur VK, specifically designed for the Youth Championships, reaches the highest altitude of the events topping out at 2,380m altitude and the Mini-Taur 10 km is already known as Canada’s hardest 10 km race.
Mexico will be participating with a strong team including twenty-two year-old Miguel Ángel López Carranza, who stated, “On June 26 and 28 I will be competing in the YNCAC Skyrunning Championships and I’m excited to have the opportunity to represent my country on this occasion and to give my very best performance.”
VERTICAL
Minotaur VK – Castle Mountain Resort, AB – June 26, 2026
Distance: 4 km – Vertical climb: 970m
SKY
Mini-Taur 10 km – Crowsnest Pass, AB – June 28, 2026
Distance: 10.5 km – Vertical climb: 950m
The four age categories are: Youth A (15-16), Youth B (17-18), Youth C (19-20) and U23 (21-23).
A new destination and a fresh adventure await young skyrunners and aspiring athletes from across the continent. Beyond the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Crowsnest Pass, participants will experience a region rich in heritage, situated on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot people, whose enduring culture and deep connection to the landscape continue to shape the area today.
No stranger to skyrunning, the Minotaur SkyRace® presented by Arc’teryx, joined the Skyrunner® World Series for three editions, presenting the race and the breathtaking environment to runners from across the world.
In 2026, the Minotaur SkyRace® – 33.5 km long with 2,900m elevation gain – will also host the Canadian National Skyrunning Championships.
Hugo Gravel, Minotaur Race Director, stated, “The community of Crowsnest Pass and the Minotaur team is pleased to welcome athletes to the southern Canadian Rockies, the stage for the Youth Continental Championships and VK Open!”
Check out the full details of the Minotaur races in the ISF Certified Course list where the technical level is included giving participants an indication of the difficulty of the courses.
All athletes participating in Certified Course races are included in the ISF performance-based Ranking – whatever their age.
More info
CC – Course Certified details
Ranking
Race website
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