Headed for Italy: Scottish hill runners ready for relays event

Friday 24th October 2025

Four Scottish relay teams are heading to Morbegno in Italy to compete in the 68^th edition of the Trofeo Vanoni relays this Sunday.

Teams from all over Europe compete in this hotly contested event. The relay starts in the village centre, running through narrow cobbled streets to the hillside to join forest trails.

The race climbs and descends 435m over 7.25km. It’s short and sharp, with the lead runners covering the distance in around 30 minutes.

This year Scotland are sending two U20 teams and two Senior teams.

The U20 teams are funded by the Ben Chonzie Hill Race who donated a sum to help develop junior hill running in Scotland. Thanks to the race organisers and Strathearn Harriers.

The men’s teams comprise of three athletes and the females two athletes. The Senior teams are used as development opportunity giving athletes the chance to experience international competition on the continent; it is a very different experience to home.

Good luck on Sunday to those athletes selected and to their families, coaches and to the clubs involved in their development over many years.

There are ten athletes selected and ten different clubs represented:

U20 Men

Alex Dunlop (Central AC); Thomas Hilton (Moorfoot); Rowan Taylor (Lasswade AC)

U20 Women

Isla Paterson (Gala Harriers); Jessica Taylor (Edinburgh AC)

Senior Men

Harris Pagett (Strathearn Harriers); Moray Pryde (Lothian RC); Angus Wright (Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds)

Senior Women

Emily McNicol (Law and District); Kirsty Oldham