Green, Grit, and Glory: Ireland Shines at Meduno World Masters Mountain Running Championships 2025

World Masters Mountain Running Championships, Meduno 2025
Race Reports and Summary of Irish Team Results

ONE DIRECTION: UPHILL - Mud, Smiles & Community at Meduno, Italy WMMRC 2025

The Championships opened on Friday, 29 August, with the Uphill Race: a demanding 5 km course with 800 m of ascent from Meduno’s historic town centre to the summit crest of Monte Valinis.

Forecasts threatened heavy rain, but instead the athletes faced high humidity (96%) and temperatures ranging from 23°C at the start to 18°C near the summit. Conditions were sticky, energy-sapping, and required precise pacing and hydration strategies.

The route began on tarmac before switching quickly to steep, rain-slicked trails. Athletes battled greasy surfaces and sustained gradients, with the final kilometre packing nearly 300 m of vertical gain. The summit finish on Monte Valinis was alive with crowds, cowbells, and a festival atmosphere, setting the tone for the weekend.

What stood out throughout was the strength of Irish support. Along the streets of Meduno, at aid points on the climbs, and especially at the summit finish, Irish voices were loudest - green flags waving, families and clubmates lining the course. This encouragement created an unmistakable lift for the Irish athletes, many of whom credited the atmosphere as a decisive factor in their medal-winning performances.

Team Ireland Results – Uphill

Total: 9 team podiums
🥇 x2 🥈 x2 🥉 x5

Individual Results – Uphill

LONG DISTANCE, LONG SMILES - Storm-Quickened Trails at Meduno

Saturday, 30 August, brought the Long Distance Race: 34 km with 1,850 m of climb, traversing Meduno’s lanes, villages, and the slopes of Monte Valinis.

After overnight rain, the course was slick and technical. Athletes navigated demanding downhills and warm 20°C temperatures before being met by storm showers in the final kilometres. The bursts of rain proved more refreshing than disruptive, sharpening focus and energy in the closing stages.

Irish supporters once again made themselves felt. Positioned at strategic points along the course, they brought colour, noise, and encouragement that lifted spirits even in the toughest climbs. As the storm broke in the final kilometres, Irish flags and shouts of encouragement became a welcome beacon for tired legs.

Team Ireland Results – Long Distance

Total: 4 team podiums
🥇 x1 🥈 x2 🥉 x1

Individual Results – Long Distance

CLASSIC DISTANCE CLOSES MEDUNO WMMRC 2025

The Championships concluded on Sunday, 31 August, with the Classic Distance event. Originally set at 14.1 km with 735 m of climb, the course was adjusted to 16 km and 800 m of climb due to storm damage from Saturday’s rain.

Clear skies and rising temperatures presented a final challenge. Athletes ran through narrow cobbled streets, flag-draped hamlets, and forest trails, cheered on by locals at every turn.

Among these cheers, the Irish contingent once again stood out, making Meduno feel like home turf. Whether gathered at the start line in town squares, cheering from shaded forest paths, or celebrating at the finish, the Irish support provided both energy and pride. The closing day became as much a celebration of community as competition.

Team Ireland Results – Classic Distance

Total: 9 team podiums
🥇 x1 🥈 x4 🥉 x4

Individual Results – Classic Distance

The Triple Crown Challenge

Eight Irish athletes took on the ultimate test of endurance and resilience at Meduno: the Triple Crown, completing all three Championship races - Uphill, Long Distance, and Classic - across the weekend.

Their achievement reflects not only exceptional fitness and determination but also the spirit of commitment that characterised Ireland’s presence at the Championships. Competing day after day, in shifting conditions and against the world’s best, this group embodied the grit and camaraderie of the Irish team.

Overall Summary

Across three days of competition, Ireland secured 22 team podiums and multiple standout individual performances.

The Irish team delivered one of its strongest World Masters Mountain Running Championship performances to date. Results were built not only on athletic ability, but also on the remarkable backing of Irish supporters who travelled in numbers to Meduno. Their presence - flags, banners, cheers, and constant encouragement - created a sense of home advantage and community pride, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation for spirit, camaraderie, and excellence on the international mountain running stage.