England Team announced for Trofeo Vanoni mountain running relays
Following a successful debut last year, England Athletics is pleased to announce the selection of senior and U23 development teams to compete in Italy this October at the prestigious Trofeo Vanoni relay-format mountain running race.
The race takes place over a tough up and down lap that starts in the town and includes cobbled sections, grassy slopes and a wall jump as it descends back down.
The Trofeo Vanoni event is steeped in history and tradition and is the spectacle of the entire town of Morbegno and the Province of Sondrio. The focus for England's athletes is to develop experience of races abroad and to use this to help step up their own performance levels looking towards the 2026 season.
Last year's Team Manager Sarah Tunstall said,
"Last year served as a fantastic opportunity for our up-and-coming athletes to experience mountain racing abroad, especially in Italy where the local support is extensive and creates a very special race atmosphere."
Two men who competed in the 2024 edition have gone on to GB vests this year, and another is a reserve for the upcoming World Championships in Spain. Hopefully this year's athletes, who are all knocking on the door of GB vests, will be able to build similar successes from this fantastic development opportunity. This year's Team Managers are Emma Moran and George Foster who are both very experienced mountain runners themselves.
Team
Jack Cummings (Ilkley Harriers): Jack has been enjoying success over the summer trail running, including a 2nd place at Wharfedale Trail half marathon. He says it is a dream come true to represent England at Trofeo Vanoni and it has been an aim he has been working towards for years.
Ben Sharrock (Ambleside AC, Sarah McCormack): After focusing on improving his road times earlier in the season, Ben returned to the hills in July finishing 10th at Tebay, in the English Fell Championship race and then performed strongly at the world trial in Whinlatter in August. He raced at Vanoni last year, having a storming descent to help the team to 5th place overall. He can’t wait to return to the race after an incredible experience last year.
Tim Lamont (Helm Hill Runners, Sarah McCormack): Tim has just finished 3rd in this year's hotly contested English Fell Running Championship. Recently becoming a new Dad, he has been juggling training with adjusting to a new routine. He has already represented England at the Senior Home International and narrowly missed a GB vest at the mountain running trial in August. Tim competed at another Italian classic race, Trofeo Nasego last season (pictured) and he is looking forward to returning to Italy and sampling Trofeo Vanoni, especially as part of a relay team.
Jake Collier (Keswick AC): Jake is representing England for the first time. He has raced in Italy during the summer at Fletta Trail, finishing 15th amongst a stellar field. He has focused on developing speed for the GB trial held in Whinlatter in August, and he looks forward to using this to his advantage against a high standard of competition at Trofeo Vanoni.
Luke Fisher (Carnethy Hill Racing Club): Luke has previously represented GB in the discipline of orienteering up to World Championship standard. He is looking forward to racing at Vanoni and the opportunity to run in a beautiful part of the Alps.
Max Walker (Milocarian AC): After clocking a 2:21 marathon at London in April, Max has only just started out on his mountain and trail running journey. He is looking forward to pitching himself against some of the best mountain runners at Vanoni and gaining vital experience from the trip.
Celia Powell (Ambleside AC, Sarah McCormack): Celia has had a strong summer competing in the English Fell Running Championships, placing 7th overall despite not being able to attend the final two races. Celia has heard all about Vanoni from fellow athletes and has been working hard towards a strong performance in her first England vest.
Hannah Havelock-Allan (Keswick AC, Billy Cartwright): Trofeo Vanoni will cap Hannah’s first fell running season which has seen her finish as high as 4th in the English Championship race at Edale. She also finished in the top 10 at Scafell Sky Race but is looking forward to a faster and punchier race in Italy.
Emilia Platt (Salford Harriers, Duncan Mason): In 2024, Emilia ran at Vanoni for her first England vest. She also clocked the third fastest U23 leg of the day. After her first mountain race experience she has spent the 2025 season building on her experience by competing in mountain races abroad including the World Cup race at Trofeo Nasego in May and targeting the GB trial in August. She is looking forward to returning to Morbegno as the whole town comes out to support, making a very special atmosphere.
Evie Warren (Guildford and Godalming AC, Dany Wallis): Evie started her season with a half marathon and on the track at the BUCS outdoor championships. Her focus in the latter half of the summer season turned to mountain running, which has paid off in achieving her first England vest for Vanoni. She is thrilled and hoping to use the race to gain more experience in mountain running at a high level.