A few weeks ago, disagreements arose between the organisers of WMOC 2025 and some of the owners of the “Rupit” area, which was to be used as the venue for the Forest Long distance Final race on the last day of WMOC 2025. Despite prior confirmations and lengthy negotiations, unfortunately the organisers have not been able to resolve these issues. They have thus decided to change the venue for this race.
At the same time as negotiations were going on, the organisers found out that undergrowth clearing work was being carried out in the “Can Vilallonga” forest. This is an area where Catalan Middle distance and Night championships have both been held in the past. They have since spent time in the terrain, and confirmed that with the expansion of the “cleaned” areas the terrain could host a Long distance race. The most recent map of part of the area, and an auto-generated map that includes the whole area, can be seen on the WMOC 2025 website. The IOF Senior Event Adviser has also visited the forest, and agreed on the suitability of the change.Work on updating the map of the area and planning the courses is now beginning, and will push ahead rapidly.
The area is located in the municipality of Cassà de la Selva, just 14 km from the city centre of Girona (about 20 minutes’ drive), and around 45 km from Pals, where the Forest Qualification race and the Forest Middle distance Finals will be run. The change in venue will mean a saving of more than an hour of travel on mountain roads to reach the event from Girona. The arena spectator area has an extensive wooded zone near the finish line that can provide shade for all participants, which will be important in case the event experiences high temperatures.
The new terrain is a cork oak forest within the protected natural area of Les Gavarres. It combines interesting relief with elements typical of human activity, and has a complex network of paths. This will allow runners to choose between routes using these paths, or navigating with the compass. The longer courses will also offer some significant choices between climbing or contouring routes.
It is hoped that this change will turn out to be positive for everyone. The organisers nevertheless apologise unreservedly for any inconveniences that these unavoidable revised arrangements could cause.
Further information for anyone who has already entered the event is available on the WMOC 2025 website.