The Grand Finale of the VK OPEN Championships – the only circuit celebrating the Vertical Kilometer® – took place on the island of Madeira, Portugal on Sunday, 13 October, 2024. The new world champions are Louis Dumas from France and Corinna Ghirardi from Italy. Both also took the win in the Km Vertical do Fanal, the host venue.
The fourth edition of these unique championships counts nine races in eight countries across two continents and yesterday, saw a record participation of 15 countries where World Champion titles and trophies were awarded.
Inspired by the classic ‘sea to sky’ skyrunning concept, the Km Vertical do Fanal course is just four kilometres long with 1,000m vertical climb summiting at 1,078m altitude overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After the recent rainfall on the island, mud represented an extra challenge the athletes had to face and despite the high level, the standing record 37’34” was not broken. Dumas closed in an excellent 38’49” followed by Andorran Arnau Soldevila, one minute–six seconds later, and 2023 VK OPEN Champion, Italian Matteo Lora, third in 41’31”.
“I’m extremely glad I could win both the KV do Fanal and the VK OPEN Champion title,” commented Dumas. “It was incredible to enjoy the feeling of pushing my limits while having fun.” With an individual timed start in place, athletes had to depend on their own performance and Dumas confirmed, “I could only rely on my sensations. The finish line brought me a lot of relief. Even without the slippery conditions, I’m not sure I could have beaten the record, but it shows me there is still a long way to go!
“I feel I accomplished what I’ve been dreaming of for months and I’d like to thank the organisers of this wonderful event, as well as the ISF who gave us the opportunity to run here, and all those strong competitors who were there to push each other and themselves to their limits. I’m looking forward to new challenges next season, but first I will enjoy Madeira for few days before going back to the Skyrunner World Series.”
Ghirardi took the race victory and the VK OPEN Champion title, closing in 45’30”. Second, was Silvia Lara from Spain in 46’40’, and third, course record holder Joana Soares from Portugal in 47’35”. The race confirmed the first two rungs of the VK OPEN podium, while the third was clinched by Belgium’s Charlotte Cotton, who finished in fourth thanks to her ranking.
“The course was really tough, very wet and demanding. The atmosphere in the woods was magical, amazing!” said Ghirardi. “As soon as I started, I felt good. My legs were rolling, and I tried to push as hard as possible. I tried the course a couple of days before and for sure that helped me manage the ascent better. The organisation was excellent, very welcoming and warm and I’m very proud and satisfied to have won the race and the championships in Madeira!” she concluded.
The 2024 VK OPEN Championships closed with the Grand Finale after nine races in eight countries: Andorra, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Italy, Portugal and Spain. In the final ranking 317 athletes from 22 countries took points.
João Paulo Queirós, representing the International Skyrunning Federation and the FCMP, the Member for Portugal, stated, “It was a pleasure to welcome the amazing international athletes fighting for the podium of the VK OPEN Grand Finale in Madeira.
The FCMP must congratulate all the hard work done by the Clube de Montanha do Funchal, the local organiser, the volunteers, the Porto Moniz council, and the Madeira authorities.
“The slippery conditions didn’t help beating the course records, but all the athletes fought against the mist, mud and themselves for the best results.
“The VK do Fanal, immersed in the Laurissilva forest, the primary natural forest of Madeira, showcased this scenic site with the VK. I would like to thank all the athletes who chose to be part of the record number of participants. It was the first time live streaming was used in a VK in Portugal – something we have to congratulate the organisers for. I really hope this event will attract more athletes to the skyrunning competitions Madeira and Portugal have to offer.”
Indeed, Portugal has a lot to offer, not only to VK specialists. The VK OPEN venue in Madeira, set in the Northwest of the island, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean offering spectacular views of cliffs and coves, black sand beaches, lava pools and forests in a natural park, a UNESCO world heritage site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity – an open invitation to both athletes and nature lovers.
Looking forward to the 2025 VK OPEN Championships which will be announced in the near future.
*World Champion titles were awarded based on a maximum three races – two plus the Grand Finale where double points were assigned.
VK OPEN Championships final ranking
Men
1. Louis Dumas (FRA) 400 points
2. Matteo Lora (ITA) 344 points
3. Arnau Soldevila (AND) 304 points
4. Iain Best (AUS) 282 points
5. Ian Conroy (IRL) 254 points
Women
1. Corinna Ghirardi (ITA) 393 points
2. Silvia Lara (ESP) 364 points
3. Charlotte Cotton (BEL) 322 points
4. Linabel Iramaia (BRA) 293 points
5. Sara Rodrigues (POR) 232 points
Km Vertical do Fanal race results
Men
1. Louis Dumas (FRA) 38’49”
2. Arnau Soldevila (AND) 39’55”
3. Matteo Lora (ITA) 41’31”
4. Iain Best (AUS) 42’11”
5. Vitor Faria (POR) 42’21”
Women
1. Corinna Ghirardi (ITA) 45’30”
2. Silvia Lara (ESP) 46’40”
3. Joana Soares (POR) 47’35”
4. Charlotte Cotton (BEL) 48’05”
5. Laureen Teixeira (POR) 55’30”
VK OPEN Championships
VK OPEN Championships ranking
Race website
Full Race results
