Report from the International U-18 Mountain Running Cup in Slovakia last week

U18 Mountain Running Cup Donovaly, Slovakia, 14 June 2025

The picturesque village of Donovaly in Central Slovakia played host to the 2025 U18 Mountain Running Cup, offering a stunning yet punishing course for young athletes from across the world. Known as one of Slovakia’s premier ski resorts, Donovaly provided a dramatic mountain backdrop for this prestigious event.

The course was a challenging 5.6 km uphill only route with over 500 metres of climb to the summit of Nova Hola mountain. The start of the race, already at an altitude of 960m, was challenging from the off with the first 800m a steep ascent. A short section of downhill tarmac followed, offering brief relief before the runners entered a dense forest, which at least gave the athletes some shelter from the blazing sun. The terrain here was undulating but largely runnable. From the forest, the athletes emerged into open meadowland where the climbing intensified - 2.5 km of punishing gradients with a mix of steep uphills and sharp descents. The race concluded with a demanding technical rocky climb to the summit finish.

Whilst the spectators had the unique experience of ascending via ski lift to cheer on the competitors as they reached the finish line, at least the runners were able to take the same lift back down, legs well and truly tested.

The women’s race was won by France, and second place went to Hungary. Notably though, NI & Ulster’s own Anna McGookin (BAAC) made NIMRA history by becoming our first ever podium athlete at this event, scooping the bronze medal. Abby Smith (Shercock AC) was the next finisher in 42nd place, then Megan Barnett (Newry AC) in 48th, and Aoife Magee (LVAC) in 53rd. Overall, our athletes placed 11th as a team.

The men’s race saw USA get gold, Italy silver, and the bronze medal went to Spain. The NI & Ulster rankings were Evan Tosh (BAAC) in 37th, Luke O’Doherty (Mid Ulster AC) in 50th, Luc Le Blanc (Newry AC) in 52nd, and Caleb Lewis (Jog Lisburn) in 58th. Overall, our athletes placed 15th as a team.

Half of our athletes made their NIMRA debut at this event, whilst only two had previously represented NIMRA at an international event. Each and every one of them were a credit to their family, club, coaches and NIMRA, both on and off the course. All eight of them pushed hard over the demanding terrain, giving everything to the finish. It was a day of gritty performances on a world-class course that tested strength, speed, and most of all resilience. Special congratulations goes to Anna McGookin, whose podium finish marks a standout achievement for the Northern Ireland & Ulster team, and her club. The experience gained by all of the athletes will no doubt fuel future success on the mountain running stage.