Phoenix 24
Two generations conquer the mountains of La Gomera.
La Gomera, Spain.
Spanish mountain runner Lluís Puigvert has won the 2026 Vertical Skyrunning World Championship, delivering a remarkable performance on the volcanic slopes of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. The 21-year-old completed the demanding 4.9-kilometer course, featuring 950 meters of elevation gain, in 36 minutes and 37 seconds. His compatriot José Antonio Bellido secured the silver medal just 13 seconds behind, giving Spain the first two positions in the opening event of the championships. The result establishes an important early achievement for the host nation in a competition bringing together elite mountain runners from around the world.
Puigvert’s victory represents another milestone in a career characterized by rapid progression through international youth competitions. The athlete from Girona won the Spanish cadet championship in 2021 before claiming world youth titles in Vertical, Sky and Combined disciplines in 2023. His achievements continued through the under-23 category, where he accumulated additional international medals and established himself among Spain’s emerging mountain-running talents. In April 2026, he captured the Spanish senior Vertical Kilometer championship, providing an indication of his readiness for competition at the highest level.
The silver medal earned by Bellido introduces a different dimension to Spain’s success. At 45, the Madrid-born athlete demonstrated that extensive competitive experience can remain relevant in a discipline requiring exceptional cardiovascular endurance and sustained climbing efficiency. He crossed the finish line in 36 minutes and 50 seconds, ahead of Italian runner Luca Del Pero, who secured bronze in 37 minutes and eight seconds. Spain’s Marcos Villamuera finished fourth, reinforcing the national team’s performance in the men’s competition.
The women’s race produced an equally competitive contest. Switzerland’s Paola Stampanoni claimed the world title in 44 minutes and 34 seconds, followed by Dutch athlete Everarda Van Dongen, who finished nine seconds later. Italy’s Benedetta Broggi completed the podium in 45 minutes and 21 seconds, while Spain’s Naiara Irigoyen narrowly missed a medal with fourth place. Three Spanish women finished among the top eleven, contributing valuable points to the national team’s overall classification.
The championship’s location adds a distinctive geographical challenge. La Gomera’s steep volcanic terrain requires athletes to maintain climbing efficiency across a course that rises from approximately 300 meters above sea level to an altitude of 1,279 meters. Unlike conventional road running, the Vertical discipline combines endurance with the ability to sustain demanding uphill efforts over an extended ascent. Success depends on pacing, physical conditioning and adaptation to the mountain environment.
The opening race forms part of a three-day championship featuring approximately 270 athletes representing 38 countries. Competition continues with the SkyUltra, covering 63 kilometers and 4,100 meters of elevation gain, before concluding with the 29-kilometer Sky Race. Spain enters the remaining events following a successful opening day, although the final team classification will depend on results across the championship.
Puigvert’s gold medal and Bellido’s silver capture two different stages of athletic development within a single result. Their achievement highlights the combination of emerging talent and sustained experience in Spanish mountain running, while providing La Gomera with a memorable opening to its world championship.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.
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