Among the Brits in action in Portugal this weekend are Scout Adkin, Elle Twentyman, Andrew Douglas, Thomas Hilton and Matthew Knowles.
The 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup kicks off this weekend, kicking off what promises to be the most spectacular season in the competition’s 27-year history. There are a total of 16 races in 10 countries, four continents and months of thrilling racing ahead.
From the mountains of central Portugal to the peaks of Austria, Switzerland and beyond, the world’s best mountain runners will tackle some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. China, Spain, North America, Italy, Poland and Canada are all featured in a calendar that spans the globe and showcases the full, exciting range of sports.
But before all this, Portugal. The curtain rises this Sunday with the São Brás Cross in the Castro Daire region and the 2026 season will begin in style, fittingly supported by Turismo Centro de Portugal – “MOVE CENTRO DE PORTUGAL – THE SPORTS REGION”, official sponsor of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup 2026 World Cup Classic Up & Down.
WMRA MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP COMPETITION
The WMRA Mountain Running World Cup features three distinct race categories: Uphill (3–9km), Classic Up and Down (10–21km) and Long Mountain (22–50km), each a unique test of speed, climbing strength or descent skill.
Each race carries equal weight in the overall World Cup classification, with the athletes’ best results throughout the season used to determine the final ranking. Racers also compete within their own individual category, adding another layer of competition and another title to chase. The World Cup is administered by the WMRA on behalf of World Athletics to support off-road racing and as such, anti-doping controls are implemented at every World Cup race to ensure fair competition in the sport.
From the lung-breaking climbs to the brutal demands of the Long Mountain events, no two races are the same, and with every place important for points, we’ll see explosive competition in every race.
The São Brás Cross is the classic up-and-down first race, one of five in this year’s competition. It will be the celebration of the 2026 World Cup and will be the first big race of the year for many athletes.
SÃO BRÁS CROSS RACE
The São Brás Cross is a race with deep roots in the Castro Deirre region. Now in its 19th edition, the race has grown thanks to the enthusiasm of the local running community and the support of local government. The race runs through the rugged terrain of the Serra de Montemurro in a classic up-and-down mountain format, with a technical course set against a landscape of granite ridges, wooded valleys and open meadows. The event has long been considered one of Portugal’s national mountain running classics, and its inclusion in this year’s World Cup now pushes it onto the world stage. Proof that a small, passionate community in a spectacular mountain landscape can host a truly world-class race.
At 10.9km with an ascent of 628m, the São Brás Cross is no mild season opener. The course has three shorter climbs, but one bigger climb around the 3km mark that can sort out the field early and ruthlessly.
But the climbs don’t tell the whole story. The long downhill section between kilometers four and six can be equally crucial, requiring confidence and quick feet in the technical terrain. And the course offers one final twist, a brutal climb that will test fitness and settle for par. This should be a good early season test for these world class athletes. There is no hiding place in this course.
WORLD FIELDS WILL BE LIGHTED UPON OPENING
The start list for Sunday’s race looks like a who’s who of international mountain running, with world-class athletes from around the world converging on the village of Granja in what promises to be a fiercely competitive opening to the 2026 season.
In the women’s race, all eyes will be on the World Cup title Scout Adkin (GBR, HOKA EU). He has proven capable of competing at the highest level in all three race categories and arrives in Portugal as one of the favourites. It won’t be easy for him. Nellie Cleman (FRA, Gap Hautes Alpes Athlétisme) won the classic up-and-down Vauban last season and backed it up with two top ten finishes at the Mountain and Trail World Championships. Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga (KEN, Run2gether On Trail) announced himself on the world stage with a memorable silver medal in the World Championship Classic Up and Down race. Benedetta Broggi (ITA, La Recastello – Fuga Mountain Club), Camilla Magliano (IRA, Kailas Fuga), Marie Nivett (FRA, Nike ACG) and Elle Twentyman (GBR, New Balance) completes a women’s field of considerable depth and quality.
The men’s race is no less competitive. Michael Crying Saoli (KEN, Run2gether On Trail) comes in as a strong favorite having claimed two Classic Up & Down wins on his way to third overall in last year’s World Cup. Alberto Sell (ITA, New Balance) has been a model of consistency on the World Cup circuit while Zac Hanna (N. Ireland, New Balance) brings a wealth of international experience to the starting line. Theodore Klein (FRA, Entente Haute Alsace) had an impressive campaign in 2025 and will look to build on that momentum, and Matthew Knowles (GBR, Salomon UK) – The 2019 World Junior Champion has been showing some more competitive results at senior level in recent seasons. Thomas Hilton (GBR, Salomon) can also be viewed. Former world champion Andrew Douglas (GBR, Westerlands CCC) also lines up as the local favourite Marcelo Gonsalves (POR, GDR Granja – Trutas do Mau), who will carry the hopes of the host nation on home soil.
Follow WMRA channels for live broadcasts and updates, as well as online coverage AW: site as the winners of the first race are determined.
