Young Scottish hill runners impress in the Slovakian sunshine

Saturday 14th June 2025

From Phil Mestecky in Slovakia

Young Scottish hill runners performed well in the Slovakia sunshine at the International Youth Cup.

The challenges included 5.3km, 600m of climb, 17 other nations and temperatures in the low 20s over an uphill only course at Donovaly.

Athletes aged U18 compete with the International Youth Cup held under the auspices of the World Mountain Running Association.

Our Scotland women’s team found the conditions tough but showed real grit and determination to finish as seventh team overall with Nancy Corrie finishing 19th, Kirsty Rankine 23rd, Hania Czebreszuk in 28th and Cerys Wright in 33rd.

The men’s quartet went one better with a sixth place team effort and only six points off winning a medal.

This performance equals our best men’s team finish at these championships since 2009.

Joel Gillan led the men home in 12th with Billy Sutherland one place and just seven seconds back. Lachlan Thomas was 19th and Ben Hodson finished in 32nd

Well done to the athletes selected and to their families, coaches and clubs.

Thanks to Jane Robertson and Phil Mestecky in team manager roles for this event.