Four Scots selected for World ultra trail champs

Tuesday 30th January 2018

Four Scots have been selected in a 12-strong team to represent Britain at the IAU/ITRA World Trail Championships over the 50 mile/ 80km course in the Spanish region of Penyagolosa on May 12.

Tom Owens has been part of medal winning teams at these championships in the past so will bring that experience to the table at the 2018 edition.

Owens was fourth individually back in 2015 as he led the team to a bronze medal and has been one of the British teams most consistent performers over the last few years.

On this occasion, he will be joined by Rob Sinclair, who earns his first international cap after a string of outstanding results last year when he recorded course records across a number of established trail races in the UK.

Ryan Smith is a Scot who was born in Dundee and was once captain of Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds but now lives in Boulder in the United States. Rachel Campbell is the fourth Scottish selection.

Rob Sinclair – lands GB selection after series of superb ultra performances

Team Leader for GB and NI is Adrian Stott (of Run and Become in Edinburgh). Adrian said: ‘Selection for this event was very difficult, reflecting the real strength in depth we have in ultra-trail running in this country at the moment.

‘We have a talented mix of established names and some new faces earning their debuts on the back of some very impressive performances in 2017.

‘So we feel we have individuals capable of high placings, and solid teams that are able to mix it with the Spanish, French and Americans who traditionally do well in the team competition, which is a key element of the championship.’

The British Athletics team for the IAU/ITRA World Trail Championships in Penyagolosa, Spain on 12 May 2018:

Women: Rachel Campbell; Sally Fawcett; Katie Kaars Sijpersteijn; Holly Page; Beth Pascall; Sarah Moorwood

Men: Jon Albon; Tom Evans; Tom Owens; Rob Sinclair; Ryan Smith; Andy Symonds *(subject to fitness)