Junior hill runners all set for International races in Italy

Thursday 23rd June 2022

Isla Hedley of Fife AC

Scotland’s junior hill runners are heading to Saluzzo in Italy this weekend to compete in the U18 International Mountain Running Cup.

The athletes race on Sunday 26 June over two laps, covering 4.35km with 155m ascent and descent.

In typical Italian style, the runners complete a short lap of the historic centre of Saluzzo before heading out onto the open hillside to compete the longer lap.

Mountain running is a hugely popular sport in Italy so our athletes should experience great support on the course. After a recent heatwave, the team will be hoping for slightly cooler conditions on race day.

It will be the first time the junior hill runners have competed for Scotland abroad.

Last year’s event was cancelled and ran as a Nations Cup event for the home countries in Ambleside, where Isla Hedley (Fife AC) won the girls event.

Angus Wright (Team East Lothian), Harris Pagett (Strathearn Harriers) and Isla have all previously represented Scotland in the junior home internationals.

Jonathan Downey (Kilmarnock Harriers), Esme Dougall (Giffnock North) and Natasha Phillips (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) are all looking forward to their first Scottish hill running vests.

Mike Pearson and Jane Robertson will be managing the team.

Everyone at scottishathletics and our hill running community wish the team the very best of luck for Italy.