#RoadToDements26: Ueda Skyrace®

4 de May de 2026

The seventh race of the circuit and the second Asian stop of the MSWS 2026, Ueda Skyrace®

us to Nagano Prefecture, Japan, closing a double‑race weekend. The event coincides with one of the most symbolic periods in the country: Golden Week, celebrated from April 29 to May 6. Four holidays filled with cultural significance:

April 29 – Showa Day, commemorating the birth of Emperor Shōwa.
May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day, celebrating the 1947 Japanese Constitution.
May 5 – Children’s Day, dedicated to the health and happiness of children.

And on Monday, May 4, race day, Japan celebrates Greenery Day, a tribute to nature and the environment. There could hardly be a better moment to host a race like the Ueda Skyrace®, running through the spectacular Japanese Alps — a landscape of unique beauty and, without question, The Home of Skyrunning in Japan.

In Japan, mountain running is a true collective passion. The following weekend offered events for all levels:

Three vertical race formats
Three main distances:
- 19 km (+/- 2050 m)
- 3 km (+/- 300 m)
- 26 km (+/- 3050 m), the Skyrace, featuring extremely technical terrain, steep climbs and dizzying descents.

Taking advantage of Greenery Day, huge crowds lined the course, cheering every athlete — especially the Japanese contingent. Even without a massive international presence, competing on home soil always elevates their performance.

The previous night’s rain left the terrain wet, slippery and muddy. The downhill sections produced spectacular images: runners sliding over leaves and mud on slopes that bordered on the impossible. The more than 3000 meters of elevation gain in just over 27 km were felt at every step.

Men’s race: Another victory for Nico Molina

Spanish dominance with Nico Molina (ESP/Scott) and Marcos Villamuera (ESP/Scarpa) taking first and second place. Japan’s Shoma Otagiri (JPN/Merrell) completed a high‑level podium.

As usual in sky races, the opening pace was fierce. Nico and Marcos pulled away from Edgar Dumas (FRA/Lurbel), Morgan Elliott (USA/Merrell) and Otagiri. On the second climb, Nico managed to drop Marcos and extended his lead along the ridge, still wet from the night’s rain. On the descents — almost skiing on his Scotts — he widened the gap even further.

The top 5 was completed by Edgar Dumas and Filipino runner John Rai Onifa (PHI/T8).
Morgan Elliott, still recovering from issues the previous week in Malaysia, finished sixth, while Weston Hill (NZL/Merrell), brilliant in Penang, could only manage 13th.

Nico Molina is proving that this season marks a turning point: two victories and a sixth place at Calamorro Skyrace. No longer a rising talent — he is now a fully established contender.

Women’s race: Amanda Nilsson, unstoppable

Amanda Nilsson (SWE/Hoka) had no rival. She dominated from start to finish, showing a superior level compared to both Japanese and international competitors. Solid pace, absolute control and remarkable composure on such a demanding course.

Japanese skyrunners Moeka Saegusa (2nd) and Takako Takamura (3rd), the latter not racing at full health, completed a well‑deserved podium.

The top 5 was rounded out by Kanako Edamoto (JPN) and Russian athlete Svetlana Nurmukhametova, winner of the Penang Skyrace.
International athletes chasing Skymasters qualification also earned valuable points:

7th Lina El Kott (SWE/Merrell)
8th Karina Andersen (USA/Joma)
9th Marcela Vasinova (CZE)

RACE RESULTS

Overall

Després de les dues proves del cap de setmana, hi ha canvis importants a l’overall, amb relleu de líders tant en categoria masculina com femenina.

Cal destacar que Weston Hill i Morgan Elliott ja han completat les quatre curses requerides per classificar-se per a la Skymasters. Tot i això, encara tenen marge per millorar puntuacions.

Morgan ja coneix Dements i, pel que sabem, té intenció de tornar a la Serra d’Espadà per millorar el resultat del 2025. Weston, esperem que també vulga descobrir les nostres muntanyes: potser no tenen l’espectacularitat de Nova Zelanda, però assegurem que no el deixaran indiferent.

Young talent continues to shine in Asia, repeating last week’s victories in Malaysia: Jan Ballbé and Nikola Matkova head to the U23 final in Sobrecobio with a strong overall score.

Men’s category: