Applications are currently open for the U18 Mountain Running Team and the U20 Mountain Running Teams that will compete in 2025, two opportunities for youth runners to represent USA.
International U18 Mountain Running Cup – June 14, 2025
On June 14, the U18 Mountain Running Cup will take place in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia and will feature teams from across Europe as well as North America. This invitation-only event provides a unique opportunity for youth mountain runners from around the world to test themselves against the world’s best. Much more rugged than the typical U.S. high school cross country race, the course will be an uphill race of approximately 5km.
The U.S. has had tremendous success at the U18 races in the past few years, with the boys’ team winning gold medals in both 2023 and 2024 and the girls’ team taking silver in both years as well.
Eligibility and how to apply for Team USA U18 Mountain Running Team
To be eligible for Team USA, applicants must be born in either 2008 or 2009 (age 16-17 as of December 31, 2025) and be U.S. citizens and current USATF members. For consideration for the team, athletes can fill out the application form with their contact info and running accomplishments at this link. Runners do not need to have previous mountain running experience although trail and mountain race results are encouraged and considered. Deadline to apply is April 20, 2025.
“I was fortunate to run for the U18 mountain running team two times, once in Italy and another in France. Besides running in some of the most beautiful courses I have ever had the opportunity to run on, for me it was the people. Becoming close with my USA team, the coaches and other runners from around the world makes it a very special experience. These are people that have become some of my closest friends and I have no doubt we’ll be connected forever. In some ways it’s indescribable how wonderful it is. You have to come with the mindset to take in every moment because it goes by quickly.
“My favorite memory of the race was just when it got so difficult I could look down and see that I was running for my country and it is incredible to run for someone bigger than yourself.”
Rosie Mucharsky-O’Boyle, Denver, CO 2022 and 2023 U18 Team Member
Team Staff for U18 Mountain Running Cup
This year’s Team will be managed by Melody Fairchild and Paul Kirsch who were team staff for the last two U18 Teams.
Melody brings an extensive coaching background from her Boulder Mountain Warriors youth running team, as Junior Team coach for World Cross Country Championship (Uganda, 2017) and as Senior Women’s Coach for World Cross in Arhus, Denmark (2019). She was a member of the 2012 US Mountain Running Team and her 8th place finish helped the US Women’s squad win the gold medal.
Paul is the US Mountain and Trail Team Manager for 2025 and was previously the U20 US Mountain Running Team Manager for 15 years. He has been race director of more than 10 USATF Mountain Running Championships as well as a member of the USATF MUT Executive Committee and the USATF liaison for USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Championships.
World Mountain and Trail Mountain Championships – September 28, 2025 – U20 Team
On June 28, the U20 World Mountain Running Championship race will take place as part of the World Mountain and Trail Mountain Championships in Canfranc Pirineos, Spain. The race will be an up/down single lap 7.5 kilometer race that will feature 400 meters of elevation gain and descent. This race is open to athletes aged 16-19.
Eligibility and How to Apply for Team USA U20 Mountain Running Team
To be eligible for Team USA, applicants must be born in 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009 (age 16-19 as of December 31, 2025) and be U.S. citizens and current USATF members. Eligible athletes must submit an application. U20 men should have a 16:45 or better 5km road or XC time and U20 women should have a time of 19:30 or better. Equivalent times from alternate race distances will be considered. In addition U20 must supply a letter of recommendation from a parent/guardian or coach. Application deadline for the team is June 30, 2025.
“To represent the United States of America on the U20 Mountain and Trail Running Team was a dream come true. It was a once in a lifetime experience to be surrounded by people from across the world that were extremely talented and dedicated to the sport of running. It was an honor to be a part of the opening ceremonies and carry the American flag with pride through the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand and even more so when I proudly crossed the finish line with ‘USA’ on my chest.
“Being a member of the United States team was by far the most memorable part of the trip. Wearing the red white and blue for the week and representing my country as I fostered friendships from athletes all over the world is something I will remember forever. Making friendships and getting to be with the senior athletes also boosted my confidence and knowledge of the sport in tremendous ways. Outside of racing, the amazing USA coaching staff also planned time for us (U20 Team) to embrace the local culture that week through the authentic cuisine, breathtaking excursions, and lots of laughs with the locals that made Chiang Mai, Thailand even more magical.
“Before the World Championship, I never considered a career in trail and mountain racing. Now, I have made connections with professional athletes and collegiate athletes through Team USA and The Trail Team because of my experience in Thailand. After my college running career, I am looking forward to hopefully having the opportunity to run professionally on the trails.”
Oakley Olson, Morgan, UT, member of the 2023 U20 Mountain Running Team
Team Staff for the U20 Mountain Running Team
The U20 Team will be managed by Josh Ferenc. Josh is an accomplished mountain and trail athlete, competing on the 2004 US Mountain Team in Italy, the Team USA 2011 Road 50k World Championships in the Netherlands as well as the US 2012 and 2023 Long Distance Mountain Teams in Switzerland and Poland. Josh has also been the Cross Country and Track coach for the last 18 years at the Bellows Falls Union High School in Vermont. When Josh isn’t coaching or competing, he is a teacher in the Bellows Falls School District
Editor’s Note: For more information on youth mountain and trail running, click here.
