The World Mountain & Trail Running Championships kick off tomorrow in the Pyrenean town of Canfranc, Spain, and Ireland is sending a powerful squad to take on the peaks. Over 30 athletes will pull on the green vest across five demanding races, with hopes of strong finishes against a field of nearly 1,700 runners from 70 nations.
This is the first time the Championships have been staged in Spain, and the dramatic mountain backdrop of Canfranc, famous for its grand railway station, will set the scene for a packed four-day schedule. The programme covers everything from lung-busting vertical climbs to an 82-kilometre ultra that spills across the French border.
Ireland’s travelling party is a mix of seasoned internationals and hungry newcomers. Training miles have been stacking up for months, with some athletes logging well over 100 kilometres a week and others heading abroad to chase altitude and rugged trails. Among the most experienced is Sarah McCormack, lining up for her 25th Irish cap.
The team will be backed by a dedicated management and support crew handling everything from race entries to last-minute physio. Athletics Ireland has provided the official kit, while coaches and selectors have kept preparations tight since early-season trials.
Races to Watch
• Uphill: 6.5 km with nearly 1,000 m of vertical gain
• Classic Up & Down: 15 km, two loops, roughly 820 m of climbing
• U20 Classic: 7.5 km with 400 m climb
• Short Trail: 44.5 km with about 3,700 m of ascent, including the famous La Moleta climb
• Long Trail: 82 km and 5,700 m of ascent through the high Pyrenees and into France
Irish Team
Uphill – Sarah McCormack, Kate McDonald, Lisa Hegarty, Edel Monaghan; Zak Hanna, Aaron McGrady, Jared Martin, Matthew McConnell
Classic Up & Down – Sarah Mulligan, Louise Murray, Jo Hickman Dunne, Dee Collins; Killian Mooney, Jared Martin, Matthew McConnell, Martin Keohane
Long Trail – Aoife Mundow; Ricki Wynne, Paddy O’Leary, Cillian Flemming
Short Trail – Laura O’Driscoll, Sorcha Loughnane, Esther Dickson; Enda Cloake, Luke Weldon, John Kinsella, Gavin Byrne
U20 Classic – Anna McGookin, Abby Smith, Sinead Farrell, Alaoise Geraghty; Finn Yore, Eoin McConnell, Rudy Mayne, Riley Connolly
The action runs from 25 to 28 September, with updates and live coverage available on the Irish Mountain Running Association’s social channels.
Follow Run Republic throughout the weekend to follow all the action
Images: World Mountain & Trail Championships
