The CanfrancPirineos 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) has concluded with the event organisers reporting a significant economic impact on the Pyrenees region of Spain, alongside achieving a record athletic standard. The championships took place across four days, from September 25–28, 2025.
Initial estimates suggest the event generated a substantial economic impact in the Aragón region, with 100% hotel occupancy during the week of competition. This resulted in a direct effect on sectors such as transport, hospitality, and retail.
The corridor formed by Jaca and Canfranc served as the area’s economic engine for two weeks, with the arrival of thousands of visitors, athletes, and staff. This spending further strengthened the CanfrancPirineos brand internationally, according to the event organising team.
A key factor bolstering the event was the strong international viewership of the live-streamed races in English, French, and Spanish. One of the organisers’ main objectives was to position the Pyrenees as an international destination for trail running, an aim largely met by the daily race broadcasts.
Fernando Sánchez, Mayor of Canfranc, said “Our challenge was to host a World Championship tailored to the size of our town, but without limiting the capacity of the organisation, the well-being of the athletes, or the international reach of the event.
We can say we achieved everything we set out to do, and more – we’ve made this a more human, more personal championship, and that’s something the athletes have recognised and appreciated.”
Sarah Rowell, President of the WMRA (World Mountain Running Association), said that “thirteen nations have won medals, including some such as Nepal and Canada for the first time, which demonstrates the international reach and growing depth of trail and mountain running.”
Rowell described the event, held on the challenging terrain of the Aragón region in Spain, as having hosted an “outstandingly successful WMTRC25.” She added, “Reading the messages of thanks from so many member federations as their teams travel back home around the world shows just how much their work has been appreciated.”
Alex Varela, Director of the World Championships, also emphasised the feedback from participating athletes. He said “Everyone praised the excellence of the Pyrenean mountains, the spectacular race routes, and the beauty of our landscapes.
“The level of competition has been the highest in history – we witnessed a sporting spectacle each day thanks to the effort, sacrifice, and dedication of athletes from all over the world.”
Attention now turns to Cape Town, South Africa, which will host the World Championships in 2027.
On the closing day in Canfranc, Bertha Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa, said “As we accept the responsibility of hosting the 2027 World Championships, we do so with humility, passion, and purpose.
“We are learning from the best – and having been part of the observer programme here in Canfranc, we have gained insights that will guide us in delivering an event that honours this legacy.”
www.canfrancpirineos2025wmtrc.com
