Press release from the World Mountain Running Association. Photos by WMRA President & Technical Delegate Jonathan Wyatt who took the pictures during a recent course preview visit.
The worlds best under 18 year old mountain runners will be hosted by the Italian mountain village of Lanzada for the 2018 Youth Cup. The 13th WMRA Mountain Running International Youth Cup (U18) takes place on 16 June and the organisers have made a fantastic course that will be two laps above the town and runs on single track mountain paths with steep ascents and fast descents. 4.3km with 290m +/- will be the distance and elevation that the next generation of our sport are going to test themselves on. Starting right in the heart of the village a lap around the church before setting off into the hill will spread the field out. My advice will be to not get too excited in the first 1km and stay relaxed on the first downhill part!
Members of the Italian Youth Mountain Running Team preview the course.
The location of Lanzada in the north of Italy is very near to the Swiss border. In fact you can see Switzerland from the town where the high mountains surround the village. The organisation have a lot of experience in Mountain Running organising such past events as the Skyrace Valmalenco-Poschiavo and hosting junior Italian Mountain Running and Italian National Championships as well. The race weekend will include local race events for junior regional runners along side the World Youth event so promises to be an exciting time and a great atmosphere for all the runners who will take part.
Members of the Italian Youth Mountain Running Team in Lanzada.
The United States will send a team of 4 girls, 4 boys and 2 staff members. Team members hail from Colorado, Maryland, Washington and Illinois. A U.S. Team announcement will be posted soon.
