Strong team selected for International U18 Mountain Running Cup in Italy

The 2026 World Mountain Running Association International U18 Mountain Running Cup will take place on 21 June in Gagliano del Capo. Trial races were held in Sedbergh, Cumbria at the Fell Runners' Association Junior Championships to select a strong England team.

The event is hosted by a small town in the province of Lecce in southern Italy, located at the southern end of the Salento peninsula. England have a strong tradition in this event which is an excellent opportunity to race against some of the best age group mountain runners in the world and experience overseas competition in a stunning and testing location.

Over the years, numerous athletes who first appeared at the U18 Cup have gone on to become World Cup winners, World Championship medallists and leading figures in mountain and trail running, making the competition a true gateway to the sport’s highest levels.

Team

Jake Ireland (Macclesfield Harriers and AC, Alison Hartopp / Bev Hartigan)
Carl Sanderson (Settle Harriers, Alastair Scholey)
Zeke Sumner (Ambleside AC, self-coached)
George Watkins (Macclesfield Harriers and AC, Alison Hartopp)
Polly Foxall (Dark Peak Fell Runners, Alex Wilson)
Clara McKee (Calder Valley Fell Runners, self-coached)
Isla Pastor (Warriors Pentathlon & AC, Ronan and Sarah Kearney)
Izzy Wright (Keighley & Craven AC, Billy Cartwright)

Team Manager Emma Moran said:

"The International U18 Mountain Running Cup has long been recognised as a key development platform for young mountain runners. For many athletes, it represents their first opportunity to wear the national team colours and compete against the best runners of their age from around the world."

Team Manager Chris Richards added:

"This is a tremendous development experience and represents a great opportunity to step up and taste international mountain racing."