The 2026 Golden Trail World Series Final Heads to Muju
Photo: Golden Trail World Series / Koastal Forest
The world’s best short-distance trail runners have arrived in South Korea for a decisive weekend on one of the most demanding courses of the season.
After seven races across three continents, the 2026 Golden Trail World Series reaches its conclusion this weekend at the Muju Trail Grand Finale in South Korea.
The women will race on Saturday 24 October, before the men close the season on Sunday 25 October. Both overall titles remain open, with significantly more points available than at an ordinary round.
A course built to disrupt the standings
The decisive race takes place in Deogyusan National Park, where the athletes face approximately 28.65 kilometres and 2,313 metres of elevation gain.
Climbs reach gradients of up to 40 percent, while technical descents through forests, exposed ridgelines and rocky mountain terrain will test more than pure running speed. On a course this demanding, the strongest climber will not necessarily be the most complete runner.
The route also passes through a distinctly Korean landscape of autumn forests, high mountains and historic temples. It will be the first time South Korea has hosted the Golden Trail World Series Grand Final.
Florea in control – but not safe
Defending champion Madalina Florea enters the women’s final at the top of the standings with 872 points.
The Romanian has been one of the most consistent athletes of the season, but her 66-point advantage is far from decisive. Caroline Kimutai sits second with 806 points, while Ruth Gitonga remains within reach in third.
With 300 points awarded for victory – compared with 200 at a regular event – the final can rapidly reshape the overall standings.
Florea remains the favourite, but Muju’s combination of steep climbing and technical descending leaves little room for a conservative performance.
Three-way battle for the men’s title
The men’s championship is even tighter.
Philemon Kiriago leads with 870 points after the final regular-season races in Japan and China. His Kenyan teammate Patrick Kipngeno follows closely behind, while defending champion Elhousine Elazzaoui remains firmly in contention.
Only 46 points separate the top three before the final, creating a simple scenario: position on the mountain may ultimately decide the championship.
Kiriago carries the advantage, but Kipngeno’s climbing ability and Elazzaoui’s speed and technical confidence make this one of the most open men’s finals in recent GTWS history.
More than the championship is at stake
The winners in Muju receive 300 series points, with additional points available through designated climbing, descending and sprint segments.
The overall men’s and women’s champions will each earn €30,000, while €231,000 will be distributed across the top 20. Finishing inside the top 30 also secures logistical support for the 2027 Golden Trail World Series.
That means the battles further down the field could be every bit as consequential as the fight for the podium.
Photo: Golden Trail World Series / Koastal Forest
How to watch the Muju final
The races will be broadcast live through HBO Max, Eurosport and TNT Sports, with live timing also available through the official GTWS website.
Women’s final — Saturday, October 24
Europe
05:00 BST — United Kingdom
06:00 CEST — Central Europe
United States
12:00 a.m. EDT — East Coast
11:00 p.m. CDT — Friday, October 23
10:00 p.m. MDT — Friday, October 23
9:00 p.m. PDT — Friday, October 23
Men’s final — Sunday, October 25
Europe
04:00 GMT — United Kingdom
05:00 CET — Central Europe
United States
12:00 a.m. EDT — East Coast
11:00 p.m. CDT — Saturday, October 24
10:00 p.m. MDT — Saturday, October 24
9:00 p.m. PDT — Saturday, October 24
The European clocks change overnight before Sunday’s men’s race, which explains the different time-zone abbreviations. The complete races will be available through HBO Max, while Eurosport joins the women’s coverage at 07:30 CEST and the men’s coverage at 06:00 CET.
