Karlovo, Bulgaria – Last weekend, Team Ireland went to the edge and back at the World Skyrunning Championships, powering through freezing rain, gale force winds, and brutal climbs to claim a 13th place finish in the Vertical Kilometre.
Representing Ireland were David Kelleher and Ian Conroy, the latter a three time World Mountain Running Champion, who both battled the elements on the savage Bulgarian slopes.
The VK is skyrunning at its rawest. A 1,000 metre climb straight up the mountain, covering barely five kilometres of terrain. No flat ground. No respite. Just pure, leg burning vertical.
As torrential rain lashed the course and temperatures plunged, the mountain turned hostile, with slick rock, ankle deep mud, and visibility near zero. But Kelleher and Conroy dug deep, showing trademark grit and determination to fight their way up through the chaos.
When it was over, Team Ireland stood 13th in the world, a result earned through toughness, teamwork, and raw endurance.
A fearless display in hellish conditions and another proud step forward for Irish skyrunning on the global stage.
