THE ROLE OF AIU AND WADA IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), operating independently on behalf of World Athletics, is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of athletics worldwide. Its role includes:

• Managing anti-doping testing programmes
  • Conducting results management and disciplinary procedures
  • Delivering education to athletes and stakeholders

In alignment with WADA, the global authority setting anti-doping rules and standards, the AIU ensures that mountain running adheres fully to the World Anti-Doping Code, guaranteeing fairness, transparency, and consistency across all competitions.

FAIR PLAY AT THE CORE OF WMRA

For over 42 years, WMRA has built mountain running on the fundamental principle of fair play. From its origins in 1984, the sport has been defined not only by athletic performance but by respect for rules, competitors, and the natural environment. But this commitment to integrity is not only philosophical — it is embedded in the competition rules that govern every race.

Clear regulations ensure that all athletes compete under equal conditions, protecting both performance and safety:

• Race Conduct (57.6):
  Athletes who leave the marked course, receive unauthorized assistance (such as pacing or external refreshments), or fail to comply with race regulations may face disqualification or penalties.
• Race Finish (57.7):
  Transparency is ensured at the finish line, with athletes informed in advance whether ties are permitted, safeguarding fairness in race outcomes.
• Race Interference (57.8):
  Race organisers must guarantee that media, camera runners, and the public do not interfere or provide any competitive advantage. All accredited personnel must remain clearly identifiable and positioned appropriately to preserve race integrity.

These rules reflect a broader principle: performance must always be the result of the athlete alone.

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Furthermore, the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup reinvests 30% of each race’s fee directly into anti-doping efforts, supporting testing programmes at every event and reinforcing a clean and credible competition environment.

A NEW ERA OF EDUCATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

This joint WMRA–AIU initiative represents a proactive approach: not only enforcing rules, but educating athletes to make informed and responsible decisions.

By addressing topics such as supplement risks, medication compliance, and testing procedures, the programme empowers athletes to protect both their careers and the integrity of the sport.

Jonathan Wyatt, WMRA World Cup Manager "Mountain running is unique in its spirit, but the standards we uphold must be as strong as any global sport. Investing significantly in anti-doping and now delivering tailored education through the AIU ensures that every athlete competes on equal terms, from the first race of the season in Portugal to the finals in Canada."

IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING WE TRUST

With this initiative, WMRA reinforces its alignment with World Athletics and WADA protocols, ensuring that mountain running continues to evolve as a credible, transparent, and globally respected discipline.

The launch of this dedicated education programme is not just a milestone — it is a clear statement: clean sport is not optional; it is the foundation of mountain running.