Over-forties skyrunners are heading to Portugal for the final event of the 2026 Skyrunning Masters Championships. The SKYULTRA will be hosted at the Pisão Extreme on October 4, 2026, in São Pedro do Sul in the northern part of the country where the demanding terrain rolls out a massive 6,500m vertical climb on the 65 km course.
Overall, Masters’ titles and 75 medals are awarded at the championships. The VERTICAL and SKY disciplines were held at the Pierra Menta Été events in France in July, where the first 48 medals were awarded. To date, Portugal, Japan and the United Kingdom lead the country ranking.
At the SKYULTRA, 27 medals, individual world titles are at stake across four age categories – over 40, over 45, over 50, and over 55. Medals will also be awarded to top three countries in the final ranking*. The oldest male runner is Briton Barry Hale, 68, while the oldest woman is Spaniard Encarnacion Del Valle, 67.
The technical terrain with an average 20% uphill climb represents a tough challenge for the over-forties – especially the 16-hour time limit which underlines the ISF focus on athletes’ safety, introduced on the recommendation of the Medical Commission, principally to avoid sleep deprivation.
The course is defined as Technical Level 2 on the ISF Course Certificate.
The course records provide formidable benchmarks for the Masters. Site of the 2021 European Skyrunning Championships, the records are still standing, set by Spaniards Manuel Merillas in 8h31’14” and Sandra Sevillano in 10h37’28”.
Some 100 athletes will toe the start line, with runners coming from 15 countries.
The official teams represented are: Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Japan, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA and Venezuela (and AIN).
With the UK in third position in the country ranking, Woody Anderson, UK Team Captain, commented, “I captained the team at the Masters in Bulgaria last year and loved the experience. I came away thinking we needed to get a full UK team together. Since then, I’ve been recruiting hard and we’ve had nearly 60 athletes competing across the Masters this year.
“I think what’s really driven that growth is the chance to put on a GB vest, race internationally and be part of a team at an age when many thought that opportunity had passed them by. The feedback has been incredible, and it’s helped us build a real Masters Skyrunning community in the UK.
“We had a brilliant experience in France and now head to Portugal in the bronze medal position, hoping to push for silver. Next year, the goal is a full UK team across every distance.”
Returning Masters’ medallists include:
Americo Caldeira (POR), Leonardo Diogo (POR), Emoke Paal (HUN), Veradina Nacheva (BUL), Ann Andries (BEL), Ildiko Wermescher (HUN), Maarten Paulissen (BEL), Masataka Ohata (JPN), Martin Dameski (MKD), Yuya Okada (JPN), Maria Abreu (POR), Luis Angel Tejedor (ESP), Santiago Obaya Fernandez (ESP), Ana Duarte (POR).
“The Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation warmly welcomes all athletes, team officials, and accompanying guests to the Masters Skyrunning World Championships in São Pedro do Sul, Portugal,” commented Maria Roque, Vice-President of FCMP, ISF Member for Portugal.
“We hope this international event will be distinguished by sporting excellence, friendship among nations, and the unique spirit of the mountains. Beyond the competition, we invite everyone to discover the outstanding natural beauty of the São Pedro do Sul region, where majestic mountains, lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and a rich cultural heritage create a truly unforgettable setting.
“May your stay in Portugal be both rewarding and inspiring, and may this championship provide memorable experiences, new friendships, and remarkable sporting achievements.”
Portugal, as host of the Championships for the second time, looks like the clear favourite. In 2025, Portugal topped the country ranking. Again, Portugal is in the lead after the VERTICAL and SKY disciplines, followed by Japan and the UK.
Portugal will also be sending a large team of 21 athletes, but surprises may be in store with the new, 19-strong UK team. The battle is on.
*(Country ranking is based on the individual points accrued by the top three athletes in each age category in each discipline).
Medal count and country ranking after the VERTICAL and SKY
Course Certification + technical level
All athletes will be included in the ISF Ranking
Race website
