After an incredible season for the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, it’s time for the grand finale at Sky Gran Canaria.

The final event has three gold label races spread across three days (13-15) and will decide the 2023 World Cup champions.

The event, which started in 2018, was originally devised to link up the southwest and northwest part of the island, passing through the highest point along the way. As the event has grown, more races have been added, including the new course which provides the long distance race for the World Cup.

The vertical uphill race will start at Agaete and the classic race will finish there, right on the coast, an area boasting beautiful beaches and huge cliffs. The vertical uphill race climbs from the coast at 42m up to Fuente del Cuervo at 860m over the course of 6.6km. It takes place on Friday (13) at 4:30pm.

The classic race starts up at Artenara at 1240m and then takes in several minor climbs over the first 8k before reaching Tamadaba at the 9k point, then beginning a long descent down towards the finish at Puerto de Las Nieves. It starts at 9:30am on Sunday (15).

Kenyan duo Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Philemon Kiriago lead the women’s and men’s standings with 280 and 250 points respectively.

Muthoni Njeru will contest the classic race and the vertical uphill race in Gran Canaria. With wins under her belt from classic races at Fletta Trail, La Montee du Nid d’Aigle and Canfranc, as well as a win at Canfranc vertical race, she will be a favourite to win here.