After almost a year of intensive preparations, the Masters World Hill Running Championships are approaching, which will take place on June 26–28, 2026 in Janské Lázně. It is already clear that this will be one of the most important mountaineering events of this season. The interest of the competitors has exceeded the expectations of the organizers. Almost 1,000 runners from 37 countries around the world, from the youngest Masters categories to competitors aged 75-80. More than 600 competitors will take part in Friday's Uphill race with the finish on Černá hora. Saturday's Long Distance will welcome almost 550 runners and Sunday's Up & Down will again welcome more than 600 participants, said Karel Šklíba, chairman of the organizing team of TJ Maratonstav Úpice.
Dozens of volunteers, technical staff, health workers and security forces will be involved in organizing the championship. The goal is to ensure a safe and high-quality sports experience for competitors and spectators. Visitors can look forward not only to top-notch sports performances, but also to a rich accompanying program - live music, the Saturday Buď fit! race, meetings with sports personalities, presentations of partners and regional gastronomy. Thanks go to the city of Janské Lázně, the State Spa Spa of Janské Lázně, SkiResort Černá hora - Pec and all partners, sponsors, volunteers and residents of the city who are involved in the preparation of this extraordinary event.
Friday: Race up W/M
Start: Freedom Square (colonnade in the middle)
Destination: the peak of Montenegro
Gradually:
13:00 a.m. Category M 35, M 40, M 45, M 50
13:30 Category M 55, M 60, M 65, M 70, M 75
14:00 Category W 35 – W 75
Saturday: Long Distance W/M race
Start and finish: Freedom Square (colonnade in the middle)
Mass start:
8:30 category W/M 35 – 75
Sunday: Up/Down Race W/M
Start and finish: Freedom Square (colonnade in the middle)
Gradually:
9:00 a.m. Category M 35, M 40, M 45, M 50
9:30 Category M 55, M 60, M 65, M 70, M 75
10:00 Category W 35 – W 75
12.3.1.
WARNING: will be closed to traffic combined closures of road III/2961 in Janské Lázně including the bus turntable.
Date of the requested transfer of the Janské Lázně,,colonnade stop:
Friday 26.6. from 12:00 to Sunday 28.6.2026 until 17:00
The stop will be moved to the ski bus turntable at the parking lot by the cable car (just like in
past years).
During the closure period, the Svoboda nad Úpou stop will also be moved to the stop
Svoboda nad Upou, hotel PROM.
On Friday, the last train to the colonnade will be 691410/8 (departure 11:46).
Next connection
169223/102 (arrival 12:02) will now be directed to an alternative stop in the parking lot by the cable car.
On Sunday, the last service will be operated from the relocated stop 691410/112 (departure 16:47).
The next bus 790803/22 (departure 17:22) will leave from the colonnade.
