It will be the first time the event is held in Africa
The 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships have been awarded to Cape Town, South Africa.
Following a successful joint application by Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa and Western Province Athletics, Cape Town’s Table Mountain will provide a stunning location for the championships, which will take place fromn October 6-10, 2027. It will be the first time the event is held in Africa.
Cape Town has a proven track record of staging major running events, including the Cape Town Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, one of the most scenic ultra-marathons in the world.
The organisers hope that this championship will not only highlight Africa’s immense potential in off-road running but also cement the continent’s status as a world-class host for endurance sports while also inspiring a new generation of African trail runners.
It will also provide the perfect opportunity for fans and runners from around the world to experience the continent’s natural beauty and rich culture, all from the vantage point of one of the most recognised natural wonders on Earth.
While Table Mountain boasts a unique flat-top peak, the trails around Cape Town feature significant elevation changes. Runners will face steep ascents and descents, particularly on Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, presenting a tough yet rewarding challenge.
There will also be a variety of terrains, from rugged, technical paths to fast descents, offering a diverse and challenging experience for runners of all levels. One of the biggest rewards will come in the form of the unparalleled panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
The World Mountain Running Championships began in 1985 and was an annual fixture, while 2007 saw the first World Trail Championships. The two events merged in 2021 to become the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and the event shifted to a biennial format with the first edition held in Chiang Mai, which was postponed by a year.
The 2023 edition was held in Innsbruck and Stubai, while this year’s championships will take place in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, between 25-28 September.
There are four senior championship races with individual and team medals awarded in each: classic (up and down), uphill, short trail and long trail. Along with an U20 championship race, there will also be mass participation and side events,…
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