After a short pause in the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, the series returned in spectacular fashion at the Broken Arrow Ascent, delivering two of the closest contests of the season so far. The depth and quality of the fields promised high-calibre racing, but few could have anticipated just how close both races would be.

The 5.8km course packs 865m of vertical gain into a relentless climb, offering only fleeting moments of respite on short flatter and slightly downhill sections. The challenge builds towards a brutal finale, where runners tackle a technical upper section before confronting the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” ladder. In the days leading up to the race, much attention had focused on the ladder’s recent replacement. As events unfolded, that feature would prove to be far more than a talking point - playing a decisive role in the outcome of the women’s race.

Following a short break in the calendar, the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup resumes in the United States for rounds six and seven of the series at Broken Arrow Skyrace in Palisades Tahoe, California.

Competition gets underway on Friday 19th June with the Ascent Race, the next uphill contest on this year’s circuit, before athletes return to the trails on Sunday 21st June for the 23K, the next long-distance challenge of the World Cup season.