Skyrunning

The International Skyrunning Federation, a Unit Member of the UIAA since 2016, represents the governing authority of skyrunning – mountain running above 2,000m over extremely technical terrain. Three disciplines define the sport which are not just based on distance, but vertical climb and technical difficulty: Sky, SkyUltra and Vertical.

The principal aims of the Federation are the direction, regulation, promotion, and development of skyrunning on a worldwide basis.

Among the events sanctioned and coordinated by the ISF are the annual Skyrunner® World Series; Skyrunner® National Series; the Youth Skyrunning World Championships; the VK OPEN Championships; the biennial World Championships, Continental Championships and SkySnow World Championships.

Bearing in mind the geographical, logistical and physical limitations of such a challenging sport, the following figures illustrate the dimension in numbers:

1
ISF become a Unit Member of the UIAA
1
Skyrunning races a year
1
Countries hosting skyrunning events
1
Athletes competing annually
1
Countries represented by athletes

An important research project has accompanied the sport since its inception in 1992. Unique physiological and psychological studies were carried out by the FSA (Federation for Sport at Altitude) in collaboration with universities and institutes on athletes in the field and in the laboratory.

The work of the ISF commissions includes laying down regulations for both athletes and organisers: selecting and coordinating races for the calendar; research and anti-doping; giving a voice to athletes; international communication and addressing environment issues. The Technical Commission is active in developing product to the highest safety standards with manufacturers and in collaboration with the UIAA.

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The International Skyrunning Federation has its own dedicated website.