Seventeen countries gathered in southern Italy for one of the most important youth mountain running events of the year.
Clara McKee (England) and: Jackson Ferguson (USA) Individual titles were up for grabs at the 19th International Under-18 Mountain Running Cup in Gagliano del Capo, Italy on Saturday (June 21) as young athletes from 17 teams gathered for one of the first major international experiences of their careers.
Held in the far south of Puglia overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the event brought together boys and girls teams from across Europe and beyond, introducing the next generation of mountain runners to competitive depth, technical course demands and temperatures approaching 30°C.
For many athletes on the starting line, this was not only a race, but also a first step towards international mountain running. The pressure of wearing the national colours, competing against unfamiliar opposition and managing the hot conditions gave the competition meaning beyond just the results.
Galliano del Capo controlled the course as much as the speed. As the heat rose throughout the day, the athletes had to carefully measure their efforts on the demanding coastal terrain above the Adriatic, where the races gradually split and the strongest competitors emerged.
For the 19th edition, this deeper competitive context adds extra weight to the racing. The athletes arriving at Gagliano del Capo are not just taking part in an international youth event. many are taking their first steps on the road to senior international championships.
Girls race. McKee dominates from the front
Starting at 11:00, the girls faced the hottest part of the day. From opening meters, Clara McKee moved to the front and immediately controlled the race. Behind him, France Elina Mill and Scotland Nancy Corey led the chase, but none of the rivals could close the gap.
As the temperature rose, McKee maintained a composed and controlled effort throughout, steadily extending his lead. The race was effectively decided for victory at the halfway point, allowing the Englishman to run confidently to the finish.
McKee crossed the line inside 22:35 to secure England’s individual title.
of France Elina Mill demanded silver 23:11while of Scotland Nancy Corey graduated from the chair 23:35. Switzerland Leona Turri finished fourth 23:41with France Louise Tisserand the fifth 11:44 p.m.
Boys race. Ferguson confronts the French challenge
The boys’ race started in similarly warm conditions and immediately grew to a fast race front.
American athlete Jackson Ferguson established themselves among the leaders of the opening section, led by a strong French contingent Tom Lamarck and: Maxens Bal staying in close contact.
The race remained tightly contested for most of the course until Ferguson was able to build a decisive lead. Despite constant pressure from the French pair, the American kept his form to secure victory in the closing stages 20:14.
Lamarck won the silver 20:22while Ball completed the presence of the double French chair 20:27. American friend Liam People: finished fourth 20:32with France Gaspar Petit the fifth 20:35.
Heat and international experience shape the day
Conditions played a significant role during the competition with temperatures around 30°C. Athletes had to carefully manage hydration, speed and recovery, especially those competing internationally for the first time.
That first international step remains key to the goals of the Under-18 Mountaineering International Cup. Beyond the medals, the event gives young mountain runners an opportunity to understand the demands of racing for their country, the travel, preparation, team responsibility and pressure of a championship environment.
Against the spectacular backdrop of the Adriatic coast, the atmosphere throughout the day reflected both the competitive spirit and international friendship that made the event one of the most important races in the development of mountain running.
Individual results – Girls’ top 10
- Clara McKee (England) – 22:35
- Elina Mill (France) – 23:11
- Nancy Corey (Scotland) – 23:35
- Leona Toury (Switzerland) – 23:41
- Louise Tisserand (France) – 23:44
- Julie Forner (France) – 24:31
- Abby Smith (Northern Ireland and Ulster) – 24:55
- Aitana Martin (Spain) – 24:59
- Nancy Griffiths (Wales) – 25:10
- Karolina Machnio (Poland) – 25:19
Individual results – Boys top 10
- Jackson Ferguson (USA) – 20:14
- Tom Lamarck (France) – 20:22
- Maxence Ball (France) – 20:27
- Liam Falk (USA) – 20:32
- Gaspard Petit (France) – 20:35
- Jake Ireland (England) – 20:37
- Oriol Saborit (Spain) – 20:42
- Gergo Mirader (Hungary) – 20.45
- Maho Prado (France) – 20:58
- Giuseppe Luciano Piazza (Italy B) – 21.08
Team competition. France secures double gold
As always at the International Under-18 Mountain Running Cup, the team competition added another layer of intensity to the event, rewarding national depth as well as individual excellence.
In the girls’ team competition: France won by 13 points Switzerland (30 points) and: England (40 points). The French team placed three athletes in the top six, being crucial in the fight for gold.
In boys competitions. France He won again with 10 points. Spain and: Switzerland Spain tied for second place with 38 points, and Switzerland came third in a tie-break. Italy B finished fourth with 41 points.
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