Watch and share: Naomi Lang in focus via next brilliant short documentary ‘Head for the Hills’

Tuesday 10th March 2026

Naomi on her way to podium place at the Lindsays National XC at Falkirk (photo by Bobby Gavin)

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By Eilidh Miller, Digital Content Creator

scottishathletics are delighted to promote the release of a new short documentary by Calum McCready at Urbane Media.

This short film follows Scottish trail and mountain runner Naomi Lang – an athlete whose passion for the hills has taken her from local races to the global stage.

The latest video is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing documentary portfolio, shining a spotlight on trail running within our sport.

It sits proudly alongside our other short films which champion female coaches and share the powerful personal stories of athletes such as Eilidh Doyle, Tom McKean and Angela McAuslan-Kelly.

Our new film charts Naomi’s journey through the sport, exploring both her competitive achievements and her deep-rooted connection to the outdoors that continues to shape her career.

Naomi’s love for the hills began early.

‘I come from a really outdoorsy family, so we were always kind of like outside growing up. And I think just slowly, more and more, I wanted to be in the hills and not running around in circles on track,’ said Naomi.

That affinity with Scotland’s landscapes has become central to her identity as an athlete.

For Naomi, trail running presents a dynamic challenge that differs markedly from competition on the track. Changing terrain, technical underfoot conditions, and the demands of climbing and descending require a broad and adaptable skillset.

‘You’ve got like the elements and then also like the terrain. It’s just like a bit more varied and interesting. Every course is different. So you have to sort of be ready to like take on whatever is in front of you. You need the endurance.

‘But you do also need like the speed side of things as well. And I think that’s both uphill, downhill and on the flat . . . ‘

Naomi on way to Scottish Inter-District XC victory in January 2026 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Those attributes have helped her flourish within Scotland’s hill running community, a scene well known for its welcoming atmosphere alongside having a strong competitive standard.

The documentary captures this sentiment beautifully, highlighting through Naomi’s story that at the heart of hill running in Scotland is a close-knit and encouraging community where camaraderie sits naturally alongside high-level competition, underpinned by a shared love for getting outside and having fun.

‘I think the hill running scene in Scotland is such a nice scene,’ said Naomi.

‘It is so friendly, low key, but also really competitive. And I think you turn up to these races and you just know that you’re going to have a good day out.’

Photo by Jamie Rutherford

Naomi lands brilliant bronze in Short Trail at World Champs

Naomi’s progression through the sport has been reflected on the international stage.

In 2025, she delivered an outstanding performance at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain, securing bronze in the Short Trail event representing the GB and NI team.

The result marked a significant milestone in her career and underlined her growing presence as a force to be reckoned with in elite mountain racing.

Her development has also been recognised commercially, with Naomi joining the Salomon Trail Running Team. This is a testament to her continued progression and the increasing visibility of Scottish athletes within the global trail running community.

Calum’s documentary captures more than podium performances. From early family adventures in the Cairngorms to competing across international terrain, the film ultimately highlights the values that underpin the sport in Scotland: community, resilience, and a shared appreciation for the outdoors.

This short feature celebrates not only Naomi’s achievements, but also the wider spirit of trail and hill running in Scotland.

The documentary is now available to watch on the our YouTube channel.

With Scotland’s dramatic mountain scenery as its backdrop, this film may well leave you inspired to lace up your shoes and take to the hills immediately . . .

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