Event organiser APEX Running has announced that the Mourne Skyline – first hosted in 2014 – will join the Merrell Skyrunner World Series in 2025.
Next October, many of the world’s best skyrunners will descend on the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland and do battle along this route’s 35km and 2,700m+ of elevation. They will be targeting a €6,000 prize pool, as well as world series ranking points.
Mourne Skyline Race Director Mike Jones said “After a two-year hiatus and following this year’s grand return of this classic event, I’m thrilled to be bringing the Skyrunner World Series back to the UK next year.
“First hosted in 2014 and with a rich history in skyrunning, the Mourne Skyline is a real beast and a worthy addition to the world series. I can’t wait to showcase the stunning Mourne Mountains to the skyrunning world with this race next October.
“The Skyrunner World Series last visited UK shores in 2021 at APEX Running’s Snowdon SkyRace, so we’re delighted to once again be elevating the status of skyrunning across the nation, with another race that now also boasts an international profile.”
Ryan Maxell, co-founder of the Mourne Skyline, said “We are absolutely delighted to hear the exciting news that the Mourne Skyline will be part of the Skyrunner World Series in 2025.
“It was always our ambition to have the Mourne Skyline in the world series. It’s incredible for our sport and for Northern Ireland, both in terms of competition opportunities and for raising the profile of Northern Ireland and our incredible running scene. I feel that the Northern Irish welcome, our amazing terrain and stunning scenery will add immense value to the Skyrunner World Series.”
Starting on the coastal town of Newcastle – situated between Belfast and Dublin – the Mourne Skyline route has remained relatively unchanged since inception in 2014. It encompasses many of the notable peaks of the northern Mourne Mountains, traversing technical and rocky trails.
In other news, APEX Running has confirmed that the inaugural 20km and 1,300m+ Mourne SkyTrail, which takes in the highlights of the eastern Mourne Mountains (and much of the Skyline route) will be part of the world series’ U23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero ranking, and will also be the final race of the Skyrunning UK U23 Series.
www.apexrunning.co
www.skyrunnerworldseries.com
