Skyrunning UK and Ireland – Youth Skyrunner Championships 2023
Hot conditions for the UK and Ireland teams in the Italian Gran Sasso region.
Teams from 32 countries around the world arrived in Rome, Italy to baking conditions, with temps in the lowlands being 36 ˚ C and above.
The Skyraces take are taking place in a small mountain ski area in the Gran Sasso region in a small village called Fonte Cerreto. For the UK and Ireland youth skyrunners it was going to be a tough Friday for the VK with temps still in the high 20’s at the start 1100m.
Full Skyrunning UK and Ireland Team [with a token US runner] at the finish after the VK ©Skyrunning UK
The VK course was mid distance at 3.6km, with a vertical climb of 1002m, a steep start with a break at mid height which saw some impressive ‘sprints’ to the next steep section, which was a final kick up the last 200m of the course with ‘switch backs being missed for a direct ascent until the final ‘gentle’ pull up to the finish, where those who still had the legs for running, pushed for the finish gantry.
Beth Rawlinson having fun on the final push to the finish ©Skyrunning UK
There were notable performances in the VK by Finlay Grant [15th overall], Harry Bolton [19th overall] and Edward Corden [?] for the boys. In the girls race Betty Bergstrand [144th overall], Beth Rawlinson [161th overall] and Lex Whitaker [165th overall] places the highest amongst the other runners and UK/Ireland members.
Amazing running from all of the UK and Irish contingency, with solid results put in all round from the team, everyone putting in their best result on the day for the conditions presented underfoot and by the weather.
Harry Bolton pushing to a top 20 finish ©Skyrunning UK
With a rest day today, thunder/lightning storms and heavy rain overnight, the temperature dial has been turned down and the trails may-well be more suited and favourable to the UK and Irish skill set.
Betty Bergstrand on hr way to take the highest UK female positioning [144th] ©Skyrunning UK
The Skyraces take place tomorrow and it will be seen as to how the weather last night has changed the trails or not, as the case maybe.
We’ll be reporting back on Monday with the events from Sunday.
All results can be viewed in the link below: