![](https://vkworldcircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Hilde-Aders.©iancorless.comVKWC_TromsoVK2017.jpg)
Hilde Aders climbing at Blåmann Vertical, Norway. ©iancorless.com/VKWC
After launching last year, the 2018 Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit now takes shape. From sea to sky, up cliff faces, volcanoes, mountain summits and ski runs, this gravity-defying sport is becoming increasingly popular.
Defined as “uphill mountain running races that climb for 1,000m over less than 5 km”, the 2018 circuit features 11 races in six countries. It includes the world’s shortest and fastest races, the only triple VK and some 20-year-old classics.
![](https://vkworldcircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Red-Bull-K3.-©Damiano-Levati.jpg)
The Red Bull K3, the world’s only triple Vertical Kilometer®, Italy. ©Damiano Levati
The novelty this year is that four races will award 50% bonus points for the final ranking which takes into account a maximum of the best six results. Top specialists will line up to score points for the Vertical Kilometer® male and female champion titles as well as the end of season bonus pool awarding €10,000.
The 2018 Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit is set to attract VK specialists from across the globe together with all those runners who want to get a high – from just touching the sky!
![](https://vkworldcircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Laura-Orgué.©iancorless.comVKWC_RUT2017.jpg)
Laura Orgué at Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer®. ©iancorless.com/VKWC