Inaugurated in 2002, it is organised by the European Athletic Association (EAA) in July each year.

The history of the competition lies in the European Mountain Running Trophy, which was first held in 1994 in Quantin, Belluno, Italy.

It was officially sanctioned by the World Mountain Running Association in 1995 and continued until 2001, at which point the EAA introduced the official European Mountain Running Championships.

Medals are awarded on an individual and national team basis.

[6] All results at European Athletic Association web site.