Discussions in Kathmandu pave the way for advancements in skyrunning, safety protocols, training initiatives, and youth engagement.
The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), represented by Pavlos Georgiades, ISF Secretary General, showcased its strategic vision and sought to enhance collaboration with national mountaineering federations during the UIAA General Assembly held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 29 to 31, 2026.
The event was organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and saw participation from 95 delegates across 45 countries.
Georgiades, who also serves on the UIAA Management Board, emphasized how skyrunning merges endurance, mountain expertise, and technical skills, underscoring its alignment with the values and knowledge of the global mountaineering sector.
In his presentation titled “Skyrunning and Mountain Sports” he urged federations and seasoned event organizers to collaborate in advancing the sport.
The partnership between FEDME and the Gomera Paradise organizers at the 2026 Skyrunning World Championships in La Gomera demonstrated how their unique strengths can foster successful competitions.
“Federations contribute sporting governance, athlete development and national representation, while organisers bring event expertise, local course knowledge and established relationships with runners,” Georgiades stated.
Proposals for Development
Among the proposals discussed at the Assembly were the establishment of skyrunning committees with the involvement of both organizers and athletes, coordination of national competition calendars, development of national championships, and the introduction of transparent national team selection processes. The importance of supporting young athletes and gaining appropriate recognition from national sporting bodies was also emphasized.
The ISF reiterated that development discussions in countries that have an existing ISF member should initiate through communication with that member and adhere to established responsibilities.
Interest from National Federations
Post-presentation discussions included representatives from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Nepal, BMU members, and other federations.
Representatives from the BMC and Nepal expressed enthusiasm for exploring the integration of skyrunning within their national mountaineering frameworks. Other federation representatives indicated potential opportunities within their own organizations.
Shared Priorities for the Future
The ISF also covered updates on the restructured Statutes, the new Strategic Plan, and leadership elections scheduled for December 16, 2026. The presentation recognized the contributions of Marino Giacometti, Lauri van Houten, and colleagues, alongside Alexander Keim’s efforts on the Strategic Plan and preparations for the FSA–ISF transition.
The focus on youth development was pronounced, including the suggestion to utilize expected finishing time as a primary parameter in the 2027 youth competition framework.
The meetings identified mutual interests in areas such as mountain safety, medical training, youth participation, and environmental responsibility. The work of the UIAA commissions provides a foundation for exchanging expertise in topics like altitude sickness, emergency preparedness, mountain skills, and responsible event management.
The ISF plans to follow up with interested federations, assess existing national representation, and explore practical collaboration with the relevant UIAA commissions.
The discussions in Kathmandu enhanced awareness of skyrunning’s growth and fostered promising dialogues within the mountain sports community. The subsequent goal is to transform this interest into actionable proposals that support athletes, federations, and event organizers.