The circuit returns to the Andes for the final two races of the 2026 South American season. The first stop is the Ibarra Skyrace®, which consolidates northern Ecuador as a fixed and privileged destination for pure skyrunning. Next week, the calendar continues in Peru with the Merrell Cordillera Skyrace Extreme.
@aquicorresponga
Stage 10 of the season marks the second visit of the MSWS
to San Miguel de Ibarra, “The White City”, “The City One Always Returns To”. A place full of history and tradition, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, in a valley shaped by the Tahuando and Chota rivers and the Yahuarcocha lagoon. A natural spectacle that leaves no visitor indifferent, supported by a deeply involved local community that warmly welcomes runners and visitors.
The initial plan maintained the philosophy of extreme altitude: starting at 2,150 m and summiting the Taita Imbabura volcano at 4,640 m. An OUT-BACK course, climbing and descending on the same trail, ensuring that all skyrunners cross paths at some point.
With 2,000 m of vertical gain over 21 km, the course is demanding on its own: technical terrain, endless slopes, abrupt temperature changes and altitude as a decisive factor.
Elite runners may not have much time to enjoy the scenery, but the race unfolds in a magical environment, with breathtaking views of valleys, lagoons and infinite Andean peaks — a natural spectacle that inspires any mountain lover.
The event spans the entire weekend with races for different levels:
- Km Vertical – 4,9 km +975 m
- Guayabillas Sky 9 km – 8,5 km +545 m
- Yaguarcocha Sky 19 km – 18,5 km +1450 m
- Angochagua Sky 55 km – 53 km +3510 m
- Imbabura Sky 22 km – 21,4 km +2050 m
When a race exceeds 4,000 m of altitude, local athletes —fully acclimatized— must always be considered. To challenge them, international runners must push beyond their limits, and the Ibarra Skyrace® was no exception.
Course shortened for safety
After three days of competition, on Sunday the Skyrace® closed the weekend. Weather predictions were unfavorable at the Imbabura summit at the time of the start from San Clemente stadium: winds over 100 km/h, cold and dense fog. The race direction had to make the always difficult decision to prioritize safety for runners and volunteers.
Taita Imabura willl have to wait for another edition. The race was shortened to 16 km, 8km up and 8km down, +/-1600m, making it impossible to reach the top.
Men’s Race
On the first steep of the long ascent, José Manuel Quispe (PER/Merrell CIVA) took control, followed by Joaquín López (ECU/Kailas Fuga) and Fran Muñoz (PER/Huk Skyrunning). Despite minimal gaps between chasers, Quispe was a solid and dominant leader both uphill and downhill.
The descent defined the final positions, Dani Izquierdo (ESP/OS2O), climbed back to finish second, and Joaquín López completed the podium, even though it is not his preferred distance.
The British U23 duo, Finlay Grant (Scarpa, 4th) and Tom Spencer (Inov-8, 6th), continue to impress. They not only lead the U23 Esteban Olivero Trophy, but also compete strongly in the overall standings and already hold their Skymasters qualification.
Within the top 10 —all finishing within just over 18 minutes— notable results include 5th Fran Muñoz (PER) and 7th Pascal Egli (SWZ/Cimalp)
Quispe confirms that in high‑mountain races across South America, at least in 2026, he has no rival: three wins in three appearances (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador). Peru may be next.
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Women’s race
Amanda Nilsson (SWE/Hoka), Blanca Llumiquinga (ECU/Kailas Fuga), Rosalia Zegarra (PER/Merrell Civa) and Ohiana Zubillaga (ESP/Domusa Teknik Lana) led the ascent, passing the km 5 checkpoint in that order.
Amanda dominated the race. Altitude did not hinder her performance, and her pursuers —especially Rosalia and Blanca, fully acclimatized— never threatened her victory.
The descent confirmed the standings, Blanca Llumiquinga, second at 4 minutes and Rosalia Zegarra, third one minute later.
Ohiana Zubillaga achieved a commendable fourth place, very close to the podium.
The rest of the top 9: 5th Tania Beatriz Lumbi (ECU) 6th Paola Morales (COL/Track & Mountain) 7th Ana María Pineda (COL/Merrell) 8th Kayla Casaletto (USA) 9th Yasmil López (PER/Salomon)
Karina Andersen (USA/Merrell) withdrew.
Overall MSWS
There is a change of leader in the women’s overall: Amanda Nilsson strengthens her position as a firm contender for the final victory. Rosalia Zegarra, although not yet qualified for the Skymasters, could secure her spot next week in Peru.
In the men’s category, José Manuel Quispe consolidates second place and is expected to regain the lead at the UT Cordillera Blanca, securing his Skymasters ticket.
The British duo Finlay Grant and Tom Spencer, despite not scoring U23 points in Ibarra (non‑scoring race), already hold their qualification for the Eslida/Aín final with four completed races each.
Ohiana Zubillaga (ESP/Domusa Teknik Euskal Selekzioa) qualify for the Skymasters by completing two red and two white races.
Skymasters 2026 Qualified
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Next Stop: Merrell Cordillera Skyrace® Extreme
We move from Ecuador’s inter‑Andean region to the heart of the Peruvian Andes, to Huaraz, at an average altitude of 3,050 m. The Cordillera Blanca Skyrace® will take runners up to 4,510 m, starting at 3,228 m.
With 23 km and ±1450 m, it may seem moderate, but conditions and terrain will make it a tough and truly sky‑style race.
It will also be a scoring event for the U23 Andrés Olivero Trophy.
@SWS
Many protagonists from the Ibarra Skyrace will return, joined by high‑level athletes. The race promises excitement.
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