International U18 Mountain Running World Cup returns after two years

The International Under 18 Mountain Running Cup returns this weekend in the northern Italian town of Saluzzo following a two-year absence.

The annual World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) event provides junior runners between 16 and 17 years old with the foundations to progress in the discipline as many compete on the international stage for the first time.

Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the competition was first held in 2006 when it was dubbed the International Mountain Running Youth Challenge.

This year’s event will see around 90 athletes from 11 different nations – Wales, France, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Slovenia, United States, and Hungary – go head-to-head, with runners grouped into teams of a maximum of five.

International U18 Mountain Running World Cup 2022 route

The 4350m course will feature two loops – one of 550m and another of 3800m – which start and end at the same point in the heart of Saluzzo, with an elevation change of 155m.

The route, which passes historical local landmarks such as the ancient residence of the Marquises and the Civic Tower, features mainly cobblestone and grass, with some short asphalt sections.