WMTRC Day One Recap: Irish Team Conquers the Uphill Climb

The World Mountain & Trail Running Championships opened in Canfranc, Spain, with a brutal vertical test: 6.4 km of steep trail packing 990 metres of climb. Eight Irish athletes lined up for the uphill-only race and all made it to the summit.

Women’s Race
Sarah McCormack led the Irish quartet, powering home in 52:47 for 41st place in a field of 107. Lisa Hegarty followed in 56:03 (64th), just ahead of Kate McDonald in 56:25 (67th) and Edel Monaghan in 57:44 (70th).

Men’s Race
Zak Hanna was first Irishman across the line, clocking 43:48 for 44th among 132 finishers. Matthew McConnell and Aaron McGrady crossed almost together in 46:27 and 46:30 (67th and 68th), with Jared Martin rounding out the squad in 47:58 for 84th.

Images: IMRA