Team announced for Mountain Running International Youth Cup

A strong team have been selected to represent England at the 17th Annual International Youth Cup; being held in Palencia Spain - with the anticipation of podium performances. The race is over 5km with 220m of climb and descent on good trail surface, so should suit the athletes selected.

Team

• Ewan Busfield (Jerry Hall, Derby)
• Jack Sanderson ( Alistair Scholey, Settle)
• Tom Hooper (Alan Buckley, Wharfedale)
• Adam Bentham ( Dan Connolly, Mercia)
• Graihagh Turner (Richard Harris, Rotherham)
• Izzy Mai Wilson (John Wood, Dark Peak)
• Rose Gilldaley (Eden Runners)
• Ania Stobbart (Tynedale)

Team Leader: Neil Wilkinson
Team Manager: Emma Clayton

Ewan was first finisher in the trial race. This is his fourth England Mountain Running vest, also having honours for cross country. He finished a creditable fourth in this event last year, and is hoping to get on the rostrum this time. He was also second in last year's Junior Home International (JHI).

Jack has progressed well in the last 12 months coming second in the Youth Cup trial, as well as second in both the Uphill Only GB European trial, and the Up & Down Intercounties race; gaining him GB selection for the European Mountain Running Championships. He finished fourth in last year's JHI in Scotland.

Tom was third at the trial race, gaining his second England vest. He competed for England in the JHI in Ambleside in 2022, finishing ninth.

Adam claimed his first England vest with fourth place at the trial race. He finished 11th in last year's JHI, competing as an individual. He has improved significantly since taking up Mountain Running two years ago.

Izzy-Mai is just 15 years-old but earns her second England vest after a solid run to finish a close second in the Howgills FRA National Championship Fell Race. She made her England debut in 2023 at the JHI in Peebles Scotland where the England under-17 women won Team silver.

Ania secures her England debut after an excellent performance in the trial race. New to the fells this year, she comes from a strong cross country background, where she has represented both Northumberland and the North East. She is also a competitive rower and swimmer.

Rose finished third at the trial and this will be her third time running for England. Last year Rose represented England in the under-18 Mountain Cup in Annecy where they won team bronze. She then went on to represent England in the Junior Home International at Peebles where individually she got bronze and as a team they got silver. 

Graihagh plays cricket for her school and has played football for Penistone Church for the last seven years. Graihagh had an excellent run in the trial race finishing first overall. She has had some impressive results in recent years including fifth place at the JHI in Peebles in Scotland 2023. Graihagh has also represented England for cross country.