The following release from the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) features the upcoming U18 International Mountain Running Cup in Montaña Palentina. Team USA will be present along with 14 other nations. Meet Team USA.
June 18, 2024 – Palencia. This Saturday, June 22, Spain’s stunning Montaña Palentina, in the province of Palencia, will be the backdrop for the 17th edition of the U18 International Mountain Running Cup. The event will see over 100 young athletes from 16 countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland & Ulster, Mexico, Slovenia, Hungary, the United States, Bulgaria, England, Scotland, and Poland. The opening ceremony, featuring the parade of nations and the official photo, will take place on Friday at 5:30 PM.
The 5-kilometer course, with a 225-meter elevation gain, is a circular route starting and ending at the Barruelo de Santullán football field. The course’s first half involves a gentle climb, followed by a more favorable descent back to the starting point. The predominantly wooded terrain and well-maintained trails are expected to result in a fast-paced race.
On course in Montaña Palentina with a member of the Spanish team.
The event is hosted across three Palencian towns: Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera, which will provide accommodation for the athletes and technical teams. These towns will also host the start and finish lines for the two races on the schedule. In addition to the official WMRA race, there will be a public race on the same course.
The event kicks off on Saturday at 10:00 AM with the public race featuring 50 runners. The women’s category of the International Cup starts at 11:00 AM, followed by the men’s race at 11:45 AM. The flower ceremony for all athletes will be held at 1:30 PM, with the official awards ceremony taking place at 5:00 PM. All participating athletes were born in 2007 and 2008.
The event will be streamed live on the Palenciatrail YouTube channel.
Montaña Palentina: A Hidden Gem of Spanish Topography
Montaña Palentina is a natural treasure with significant scenic value and a population of over 20,000. The main urban center is Aguilar de Campoo. The region’s rugged landscape, marked by famous peaks like Peña Prieta, Curavacas, and Espigüete, forms part of a majestic mountain range.
“Events like the U18 International Mountain Running Cup highlight Montaña Palentina as a prime location for outdoor sports, particularly mountain running, which is growing in popularity throughout Palencia province. Our region’s landscapes remain a hidden gem for many mountain enthusiasts,” said Fran Caballero, director of the Local Organizing Committee.
Ángeles Armisen, president of the Palencia Provincial Council, expressed strong support for the event, emphasizing the council’s ongoing efforts to promote Montaña Palentina as a tourist destination. “We are fortunate to have one of Spain’s most important natural environments, which has been well-preserved with minimal human intervention. Visitors seeking to enjoy nature in Montaña Palentina will find a pure, pristine, and well-cared-for environment, thanks to the efforts of local residents,” she said.
About the WMRA
Formed in 1984, the World Mountain Running Association is the global governing body for mountain running and has the goal of promoting mountain running for all ages and abilities. As well as the World Cup, the WMRA organizes Masters, U18 and area championships and in partnership with the World Athletics, ITRA and IAU to deliver the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck, Austria. The WMRA also maintains the Mountain Running World Ranking, a system of points allocated to athletes based on the results in designated races.
Editor’s Note: Enjoy an article about Team USA’s results in the 2023 International U18 Mountain Running Cup.
