On the island of La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, the VERTICAL event opened the 2026 World Skyrunning Championships, taking place from 18 to 20 September 2026. The race is presented as the starting point for the three disciplines scheduled at these Worlds, with world titles and 27 medals to be won among individuals and official teams.
The VERTICAL puts 270 athletes from 38 countries in the spotlight, including 109 in the men’s field. In this context, Lluis Puigvert, Spain, and Paola Stampanoni, Switzerland, win gold in their respective races, in the VERTICAL billed as “sea to sky”.
The VERTICAL race is described as covering a distance of 4.9 km with a positive elevation gain of 950 m, starting at around 300 m above sea level. After climbing through alternating cool sections under the palms, the finish is set at the summit at 1,279 m, announced with wind and light rain.
In the men’s race, the account highlights a tight battle with the top five separated by less than two minutes, and a decision in the final straight. With the last 400 metres to go, Lluis Puigvert accelerates and takes a few metres’ lead over his fellow countryman José Antonio Bellido and the Italian Luca Del Pero.
In the women’s race, Paola Stampanoni wins by managing a small margin in the final moments of the race, ahead of Everarda Van Dongen and Benedetta Broggi. The text notes that Stampanoni had finished second twice before going on to clinch gold, while Broggi confirms a level already seen on the podium in 2024 and 2025.
