Medals for England at U18 mountain running World Youth Cup

The level of competition at this year’s U18 WMRA World Youth Cup in Italy was incredibly high. The atmosphere created by the local organising committee and the people of the host town Gagliano del Capo was outstanding, and certainly contributed to the fantastic results for the England mountain running team.

Clara McKee (Calder Valley Fell Runners, self-coached) claimed the individual title at the 19th running of the event with the England Athletics women's team taking a well-earned bronze.

The England athletes represented themselves exceptionally well and gave everything they had in the stifling heat, which saw many competitors requiring immediate treatment in medical tents and ambulances.

Alongside the impressive performances and medal-winning achievements, the England athletes gained valuable experience competing against some of the world’s best young athletes and learned about the unique demands of high-performance international competition. They can now take these experiences forward as they continue their athletic journeys.

Team Manager Chris Richards said:

"Amazing memories were made, and friendships were formed that will have a positive influence long into the future."

England results

U18 women

1st: Clara McKee (Calder Valley Fell Runners, self-coached)
20th: Isla Pastor (Warriors Pentathlon & AC, Ronan and Sarah Kearney)
21st: Polly Foxall (Dark Peak Fell Runners, Alex Wilson)
57th: Izzy Wright (Keighley & Craven AC, Billy Cartwright)

U18 men

6th: Jake Ireland (Macclesfield Harriers and AC, Alison Hartopp / Bev Hartigan)
31st: George Watkins (Macclesfield Harriers and AC, Alison Hartopp)
39th: Zeke Sumner (Ambleside AC, self-coached)
47th: Carl Sanderson (Settle Harriers, Alastair Scholey)