The Uphill World Masters Champion in Madeira 2023, Charlotte Cotton (BEL) is synonymous to a big big smile any time to meet her. In mountain running, years of relentless training have honed her physique to a level of peak performance, but it is her unwavering belief in herself that truly makes Charlotte a successful athlete.

LET’S TALK MOUNTAIN RUNNING EPISODE 7: CHARLOTTE COTTON (BEL)
THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING SMILE

In the heart of the world’s towering mountains, amidst the rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas, Charlotte Cotton (BEL) stands as a testament to the power of human spirit. The Belgian mountain runner has not only conquered the physical demands of our sport, but has also scaled the heights of international competition, claiming the coveted Uphill World Masters Mountain Running Championships title in Madeira. Her journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, fueled by an unwavering passion for mountain running.

Charlotte Cottom (BEL), the mountain running smile started the season with a remarkable 7th position in the Montemuro Vertical Race on the second Golden Label race of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, from where she had a tough July with a 22° in the Montée du Nid d’Aigle, 16° at Vertical  Nasego, Golden Label Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, followed by a commendable 21° in the Trofeo Nasego, just the day after.

Already in September, she climbed to the 5° position in the at the Canfranc Uphill, Golden Label Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, and an impressive 8°in the CanfrancCanfranc Classic distance just the day after the Uphill. Her determination propelled her upward in the final World Cup classification after an 8° at the Silver Label race, Primiero Dolomiti.

With this numbers, she arrived to the Finlaissima in Gran Canaria with the determination of making in the TOP10 of the overall Wolrd Cup. In the Uphill race  in Gran Canaria she finished 7° and 5° at the Finalissima Sky Gran Canaria Classic distance.

At the end of the season, Charlotte Cotton (BEL) has finished 11° in the Women’s overall Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, which together with her great perfromance at the Wolrd Masters Mountain Running Championships, have given her the nomination for the European Best Masters Award 2023.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I’m from London originally, not the best place for mountain running, or running at all! I had next to no opportunities as a child even though my dream was to run in the Olympics. The few times I raced as a child I enjoyed beating the boys and I did pretty well for someone who did very little training. As a teenager I spent summers with my grandmother in the French Alps.

My parents wanted my brother and myself to play tennis but our Grandmother refused to let us. The only activity that she allowed me to do was trail running with a group of men, led by Sylvain Cacciatore, Paris marathon champion. I absolutely loved it.

They were really welcoming and supportive even though I was the only child and woman in their group. My grandmother was a very strong woman and I think she thought that I would toughen up a bit doing the sport! I suppose that my love for mountain running started all the way back then, though I stopped from about the age of 15, until I became a Master athlete.

British and Belgian, though I was brought up in the UK, I chose to run for Belgium to keep the tradition alive in the family: my Aunt, Patricia du Roy de Blicquy was an Olympic skier for Belgium and my Grandfather was also an Olympiad.

I currently live in Madrid, Spain, where I luckily found the sport once again and never looked back, 4 and a half years ago. The mountains are about an hour away from the centre which is a lot more practical than in London!

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING IN THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP 2023?

Competing in the VALSIR Mountain Running World Cup has been a great privilege and a dream come true. I have been a part of it for 3 years now. It is wonderful to make friends with and compete alongside some of the best athletes in the World and to share incredible experiences together, discovering the mountains in beautiful corners of the globe.

Every year I am growing stronger and making considerable improvement, despite my age and that makes me happy.

I feel incredibly grateful and over the moon to be part of the crew.

MOUNTAIN RUNNING IS A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING SPORT. COULD YOU SHARE SOME INSIGHTS INTO YOUR TRAINING AND PREPARATION LEADING UP TO THE WORLD CUP? HOW DO YOU TRAIN IN WINTER? DO YOU COMBINE DISCIPLINES SKI, BIKE, RUNNING?

Mountain running is a physically demanding sport and I also have a very busy Primary teaching job. This leaves me with very little if any down time to rest. This can be a struggle when it comes to September and October with key events in the World Cup calender and I often cut my training to rest.

Currently I don’t combine my training with another sport. I have the coordination of an elephant and don’t feel confident on a bike at the moment!

Let’s see how things move forward next season after a small rest!

SPONSORSHIP PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN AN ATHLETE’S SUCCESS. COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SPONSORS/TEAM?

Unfortunately I have no sponsor at the moment, which is tough as the costs are high even for materials such as shoes. I teach extra lessons after the school day to help me with all my extra costs, although obviously this gets in the way of training and rest. I would love a bit of support from a brand with nutrition and shoes and clothing. I think that I deserve it with all the effort i’m making!

WITH 16 RACES IN 8 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, EACH COURSE HAD ITS UNIQUE CHALLENGES. CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT…

Honestly I think that every race that I took part in was beautiful and unique and the world cup takes us to the most amazing places. This is the magic of mountain running.

• THE BEST LANDSCAPE RACE-  Sierre Zinal was new for me and absolutely
• THE FASTEST- I think that in the end the modified Gran Canaria routes were probably the fastest races and the organisers did an incredible job of changing the.courses at the last minute due to environmental restrictions. Having said this by the end of the season we were all exhausted and perhaps if we were all fresher we would have gone even faster!
• THE MOST DIFFCIULT/TECHNICAL- Canfranc is always tricky but also so beautiful. The downhill is quite tough but I like the challenge and I like to push myself. Having said that I need to toughen up alot more. I have alot to improve and gain in this area.

THE COMPETITION IN THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP IS FIERCE. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE AND STAY MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

Following the World Championships in Thailand, I injured myself badly in the illotibial band which was awful. I lost 4 months of training and had to start from scratch. Although age is not yet an issue in many aspects, I do recognise that it takes longer to get back to where you were. At the beginning of the season this year I was still improving and got much stronger by the end of the Cup.

Seeing my progression and my results improve as I raced my fellow competitors and friends was a great motivating factor and kept me positive, enthusiastic and raring for more despite the length of the season.

With the world cup over I’m still going although I just have one race left. I definitely need a break physically and mentally and to regenerate myself for next season.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY PRE-RACE RITUALS OR MENTAL TECHNIQUES YOU RELY ON TO KEEP YOUR PERFORMANCE CONSISTENT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD CUP?

Honestly I try to keep myself calm and collected. I like to spend time with Camilla Magliano before and after races. Particularly before we are good for eachother as we manage to keep our cool together. I’m sure I have alot to develop on the mental side of things.

FINALLY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE RACE/MOMENT DURING THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP, AND WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

Gosh this is a tricky question. Can I be naughty and talk about the Masters World Championships in Madeira in September? I think that all my work in the World Cup came together, I had a very fast and fierce race: the race of a life time when I won by a couple of minutes. The following weekend I got to Nasego exhausted and this definitely affected my performance in Italy!

I also loved racing Camilla Magliano up the stunning uphill in Canfranc. She beat me by 10 seconds which is very little and I could see that I was making huge improvements! Then sitting up at the top and admiring the extraordinary views with my fellow competitors was wonderful before we headed back down for a doping test!

 More about SCharlotte Cotton (BEL) at the athlete profile in the WMRA or you can follow her Instagram here.

Pictures © Giacomo Meneghello & WMRA- Marco Gulberti

Welcome to the unveiling of the much-anticipated 2024 Valsir World Mountain Running World Cup calendar! Featuring a roster spanning 8 countries, encompassing 10 events and a total of 13 races, this season promises a thrilling array of locations…

Featuring a roster spanning 8 countries, encompassing 10 events and a total of 13 races, this season promises a thrilling array of locations, beloved classics, and reunions with long-established courses, offering a spectacular racing calendar spanning a stretch of 5 months from June through October.

In conjunction with esteemed mountain race collaborators worldwide, our enduring partnership with Valsir has paved the way for several enhancements to this season’s World Series. Upholding our commitment to clean sportsmanship, all Gold Label races will boast WADA-accredited anti-doping measures. Furthermore, in a bid to bolster athlete support, we’ve amplified travel assistance and escalated the overall prize pool, with the Valsir World Cup champions set to claim €5,000 in 2024.

Commencing in June the Valsir World Mountain Running World Cup initiates its journey to the World’s top mountain races with the United States. Returning to Lake Tahoe, California, the inaugural race begins with the adrenaline-pumping Broken Arrow Skyrace!

The opening weekend kicks off with a whirlwind of excitement, featuring 2 Gold Label races in a span of 3 days. The season’s curtain-raiser commences with the Short Uphill on Friday, June 21st, followed by the Classic 23km on Sunday, June 23rd. Over recent years, these races have witnessed the presence of World Champions and World Cup winners, promising a spectacular start to the series!

Subsequently, July heralds a frenzied month of activity with races scheduled nearly every weekend! Revisiting familiar courses, July 7th sees the return of the Grossglockner Mountain Run in Austria, while July 14th marks our journey to Castro-Daire, Portugal, for the 4th edition of Montemuro Vertical Run. Notable victories by Alexandre Ricard and Scout Adkin in the previous year add to the anticipation for this leg of the series.

The Montée du Nid d’Aigle, introduced to the World Cup circuit in 2021, remains a steadfast fixture. This visually stunning 20km, 1850m+ Classic from Saint Gervais to Refuge du Nid d’Aigle presents athletes with a breathtaking backdrop of the Glacier du Bionnassay. July 20th promises to be an eagerly awaited date in the summer lineup!

As July draws to a close, an old favorite rejoins the World Cup circuit with a visit to Giir di Mont for the tour of the 12 pastures above Premana in Italy. This grueling 32km race, alternating challenging ascents with equally demanding descents, is set to captivate spectators where the atmosphere at the top of the mountain is something special.

August 10th marks the Sierre-Zinal race, renowned for its challenging trails through the Swiss mountains. The Race of the Five 4000s draws top-tier talent every year, with Philemon Kiriago clinching the title of “King of the Mountain” in 2023.

The onset of September sees the World Cup landing in Casto, Italy, the hometown of Valsir, for the Vertical and Trofeo Nasego events. This tiny town in the Brescia prealps is poised to witness a showdown among the sport’s elite, vying for recognition on the esteemed Nasego honor roll.

Sky Gran Canaria enters for the second consecutive year hosting another Gold Label race, and this year the longest of the entire season with its 44km 3,344m+, 2453m- on the 22^nd September.

Merely a 10 days later, the focus shifts to Slovenia for the Classic distance event at Smarna Gora, a race previously acclaimed as the “Best Mountain Race in the World,” featuring a 10km course.

Wrapping up the season, the final race takes place in Chiavenna, Italy, continuing the tradition that commenced in 1986 as the inaugural officially recognized vertical kilometre.

This penultimate race will ultimately determine the final podium positions after the preceding 12 races of the 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, leaving the Val Bregaglia Trail on the subsequent day to conclude the World Cup points tally and where the World Cup hero’s will be presented with their prizes.

 In the meantime, lets check the highlight video of the 2023 VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP! 

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is delighted to announce the establishment of the Athletes Commission following a call for applications made in August. This significant step signifies the WMRA’s commitment to fostering athlete representation and engagement within the realm of mountain running.

Taken a significant stride towards inclusive decision-making and athlete representation with the establishment of the Athletes Commission. This newly formed body aims to bridge the gap between the WMRA Council and international athletes, ensuring their perspectives, expertise, and concerns are at the forefront of discussions and decisions related to mountain running.

The new WMRA Athetes Commission members who will serve until the next elections in September 2025 are:

WHAT IS THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION PURPOSE?

• To ensure that the Council of the WMRA can benefit from the perspective and expertise of past and current international athletes in its deliberations and decision making.
• To provide international athletes with a formal mechanism for ensuring that their views on important matters are heard by the WMRA Council

WHAT ARE THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION DUTIES?

• At all times make decisions and provide advice based on the best interests of the discipline of mountain running 
• To bring matters to the WMRA Council for discussion and or recommendation via the stated Council liaison person (currently John Bowden) 
• Where requested, provide feedback and guidance on relevant matters to the WMRA Council. 
• Proactively help provide an open two-way communication channel between the WMRA Council and international athletes. 
• It is not envisaged that the Athletes Commission will need to physically meet, rather that it will work via electronic means. 
• At all times, act in a manner which best represents the spirit of mountain running.

The establishment of the WMRA Athletes Commission signifies a pivotal moment in ensuring that the voices of athletes resonate within the corridors of decision-making within the mountain running community. By advocating for athlete representation and actively engaging in discussions that shape the future of the sport, this Commission stands as a testament to the commitment of the WMRA to embrace inclusivity, expertise, and collaboration in furthering the discipline of mountain running.

MORE INFO HERE

Talking about Camilla Magliano (ITA) is referring to a dedicated athlete, driven by a profound passion for the sport. For instance, in the current season, she participated in  8 different Valsir Mountain Running World Cup races.This remarkable effort earned her a notable 6th place in the overall World Cup standings, achieving two impressive podium finishes, including being 3° at the CanfrancCanfranc Classic  race and the 2° in the Finalissima Sky Gran Canaria – Long Distance.

The World Mountain Running Association have now opened applications for the WMRA Associated Member Race 2024. The World Mountain Running Association invites applications from race events to join the official WMRA Race Calendar in 2024.  In 2024 we will continue the momentum and build on the visibility of Mountain Running and support athletes and events to race hard and fair from June until October.  .

WHAT DOES BECOMING AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER RACE PROVIDE?

1. Featured on the WMRA World Ranking Website (Upcoming events).
2. Listed on the events calendar on the WMRA website.
3. Link from WMRA calendar page to the Race homepage.
4. News items uploaded on the WMRA web page before and after the race event (where information is provided to the WMRA by the race organiser; information to be sent minimum 72 hrs before the event and no more than 24 hrs after the event, including winner pictures. With a maximum of two articles, pre-race and post race).
5. The WMRA will feature 2-4 posts in the WMRA channels before and after the race. To fulfill this item the LOC must fulfill the item nr 4 including a minimum of 5 selected pictures (pre-race) and 10 after race (where 6 of them are of Top3 men and women)
6. Use of WMRA Associate member logo and Mountain Running World Ranking logo.

Application form can be found HERE

The WMRA Council is pleased to announce and welcome Paul Smereciuc from Romania on to the World Mountain Running Association Council as the 8th Council member in substitution of of Julius Rupitsch (AUT), who recently resigned, and he will join the WMRA to provide a valuable resource and expertise into the World of Mountain Running. His many years of experience of working on race events will be an extremely valuable asset for the WMRA.

Paul’s passion about sport in general and running in special gave him the opportunity to run in different parts of the Europe to meet many people, cultures and to connect forever to the mountain running fever.

Since 2018 he developed from scratch 8 races in Romania. That means: main concept, logo’s and web site design, registration platform implementation, timing , sponsors and partners negotiation deals, recruitment of organizing teams and volunteers, working with local and national authorities, budget administration, special rules and regulations for each race, working with elite runners and sport clubs, partnerships with other races in Romania and Europe.

When he saw the opportunity of being a member of WMRA World Council he commented:  “I felt that I will fit in because I have the time, the energy, the team spirit, the abilities, the passion and the experience. I will be very happy to go forward together in WMRA World Council and help shape the future of the sport of Mountain Running”

The WMRA Council after Paul’s recent appointment stays as following:

Zak Hanna (IRL) embodies a silent resilience and unwavering determination to resolve any obstacle. As we immerse ourselves in this enlightening interview, we have the honor of encountering a gentleman from Northern Ireland whose tranquil façade conceals the profound depth of his resilience and strength. Through this season trials and triumphs, Zak stands as a testament to resilience, showcasing a remarkable ability to navigate adversity with a sense of unwavering composure and determination.

 LET’S TALK MOUNTAIN RUNNING EPISODE 4: ZAK HANNA (IRL)
THE NORTHERN RESILIENCE

The Northern Ireland athlete, Zak Hanna (IRL), stands as an exceptional presence within the mountain running realm due to his perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Although the 2023 season might not have unfolded as Zak initially anticipated, a challenging bout of illness hindered his ascent in the rankings. Nonetheless, despite this setback, what the illness didn’t thwart was Zak’s unwavering determination, showcasing a tenacious athlete brimming with resilience and perseverance.

Zak started the season (just after a bad cold) with the Mountain Running World Championship in Stubai, in June, from where he “jumped” into the USa for the first Golden label Race of the 2023 Valsir mountain Running World Cup, the  Broken Arrow vertical uphill where he finished 4° and  14° the day after in the Broken Arrow Skyrace.

Shortly after, Zak traveled to Portugal for the Montemuro Vertical Race, unfortunately, his health issues began to surface, leading to his inability to complete the second Golden Label race of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.

Out of perseverance he run the Montée du Nid d’Aigle followed by a commendable Vertical  Nasego  to finish the season in the Uphill race at the Finlaissima in Gran Canaria and the Finalissima Sky Gran Canaria Classic distance.

Zak is also not new to our website interviews, as you can read in this one from 2020: You can be good in the hills and on the flat.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I come from Northern Ireland, and I live up on the hills outside a small village called Dromara, in County Down. I still live here and with its remoteness, access to the mountains and world class views it is to me one of the best places I could ask for to live and train.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING IN THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP 2023?

The 2023 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup was a difficult one for me personally as I struggled to replicate the form I had in 2022 due to never fully recovering from a bad cold I caught before the World Championships. Despite this I was still determined to compete in the World Cup and even though I wasn’t where I wanted to be in the overall standings I felt I couldn’t miss out on the racing that was taking place; the World Cup plays a huge part in my season and I love competing in it even when I’m not at my best. I hope 2024 will be a lot better and I’ll rediscover my form from 2022.

MOUNTAIN RUNNING IS A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING SPORT. COULD YOU SHARE SOME INSIGHTS INTO YOUR TRAINING AND PREPARATION LEADING UP TO THE WORLD CUP? HOW DO YOU TRAIN IN WINTER? DO YOU COMBINE DISCIPLINES SKI, BIKE, RUNNING?

With the World Cup covering all the specialist disciplines within the sport, like the short, steep VK to the classic distance and then onto the longer races like Sierre Zinal, my training tends to never fully focus on the one event but instead covering all the bases so that I am ready to compete in whatever races I decide to do.

It’s hard for me to find a 1000m uphill course to train on as the highest mountain in my area is only 850m high, but I’m lucky that where I live I have access to the Mourne Mountains (the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ Narnia in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), Tollymore & Castlewellan Forest Parks (where Game of Thrones was filmed) and the flat roads that surround these places so I can pick and choose where I want to train. 

I don’t cross train, I used to be a cyclist and have zero interest in getting back on a bike. I love to run and trying to combine it with another sport would be difficult when you’re running high mileage every week.

SPONSORSHIP PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN AN ATHLETE’S SUCCESS. COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SPONSORS/TEAM?

I signed a professional contract with New Balance back in March and this was huge for me as it allowed me to continue focusing on running full time in order for me to get the best out of myself. 

Locally I am supported by Mar-Train Heavy Haulage, a company that specialises in the transportation of abnormal loads such as wind turbines, barges and plant machinery all over Europe. They have been with me since I  went full time and I’m forever grateful for the support they have shown me.

VANTRU is another company that sponsors me. Vantru is a leading provider of global corporate services in Ireland and the United Kingdom, offering tax support, administrative support, directorships and licence procurement to both individuals and organisations.

Aluminium & Plastic Systems (APS Group) provides quality aluminium and PVC solutions for use in commercial and residential buildings, and supply to global names such as Lidl, Jaguar, Audi, Tesco and Costa for their facilities throughout the UK & Ireland.

Without the support of these sponsors it would be extremely difficult to continue racing at the elite level of the sport, and being able to travel the world competing in the world’s best mountain running races due to their backing means I can give my all whilst also promoting local Northern Ireland businesses all over the world.

WITH 16 RACES IN 8 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, EACH COURSE HAD ITS UNIQUE CHALLENGES. CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT

• THE BEST LANDSCAPE RACE-  For me it has to be the Broken Arrow vertical uphill & Skyrace, it was my first time in America and the fact that the courses where covered in snow meant for magical views from the summits. Accompanied by blue skies, an electric atmosphere and a severe lack of oxygen due to the altitude it stood out for the most for me by far.
• THE FASTEST- Has to be the alternative course for the uphill race at the Finlaissima in Gran Canaria! Flying along the promenade in 30 degree heat with the sun setting at sub 3:00 minute per KM pace was a shock to the legs, combined with a short, steep climb to the finish and finishing in less than 20 minutes it definitely had the recipe for the fastest of the series.
• THE MOST DIFFCIULT/TECHNICAL- Again Broken Arrow vertical uphill & Skyrace due to the altitude and snow. The steps carved out in the snow towards the summits are a lot harder to run in than they look, and descending down a ski slope in ankle deep snow has to be one of the most fun I’ve ever had in a race. I think I coped well with the altitude but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard. I still felt like I was breathing through a straw even when I wasn’t running! A superb race that I hope to return to in the future.

THE COMPETITION IN THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP IS FIERCE. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE AND STAY MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

It takes very little to motivate me, I love to race which helps a lot during a long season. 2022 was an example of this as I raced from April to November. Whilst I was mentally tired I was still able to get myself ready to race week after week whilst training, recovering and travelling all inbetween races as well.

The competition is so high right now which benefits the sport so much and I know that it is only going to get better, and we’re pretty close community within the World Cup in that we all get along well and always find time to have the craic when we’re not racing, and that in itself is provides you with motivation to be able to race amongst friends.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY PRE-RACE RITUALS OR MENTAL TECHNIQUES YOU RELY ON TO KEEP YOUR PERFORMANCE CONSISTENT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD CUP?

I have a playlist on Spotify that I religiously listen to before races, and the final song I listen to before I turn off my phone is always Simply the Best by Tina Turner. It’s quite a mix of music such as the Stone Rose, Scooter, Gerry Cinnamon, anything that gets me psyched up really. Even when racing at home this is a tradition, I like upbeat music to get the blood pumping and find that the right music can set you up well for both training and racing. 

FINALLY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE RACE/MOMENT DURING THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP, AND WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

Given it was my first time visiting America I’m going to have to say Broken Arrow. I got to see first hand the Americans in their own back yard and why the mountain running scene is so popular over there, and experiencing the America culture first hand was brilliant, everything is bigger compared to what we have at home-cars, food portion sizes and the price of things! 

They where really welcoming and given I was staying with a fellow Irishman Paddy O’Leary and his fiancee Eleanor in their San Francisco apartment before race weekend, it helped a lot to have their knowledge to keep me right in the big city, it makes Belfast look like a small village!

 More about Zak Hanna (IRL) at the athlete profile in the WMRA or you can follow her Instagram here.

All pictures © WMRA- Marco Gulberti

The 30 years old athlete from Peebles, Scotland,  Scout Adkin (GBR) is synonymous to reliability in Mountain Running, which translates in multiple podiums and in this 2023 season that meant 8° place at the Uphill race at the Mountain Running World Championship in Stubai and almost podium in every other race she run, with 2 great victories, firstly at the Montemuro Vertical Race  (Golden Label race which started the season in Europe) and winning also the Uphill race at the Finlaissima in Gran Canaria.

LET’S TALK MOUNTAIN RUNNING EPISODE 3: SCOUT ADKIN (GBR)
THE INDOMITABLE SCOTTISH FORCE

The 30-year-old athlete from Peebles, Scotland, Scout Adkin (GBR), epitomizes unwavering consistency in the realm of Mountain Running, evident through her numerous podium finishes. Her exceptional performance in the 2023 season was highlighted by an impressive 8th place in the Uphill race at the Mountain Running World Championship in Stubai, in June.

Scout Adkin (GBR), the indomitable Scottish force started the season with a remarkable 8th position in the World Championships uphill in June. Her remarkable journey continued as she surged to victory in the Montemuro Vertical Race on the second Golden Label race of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, claimed second place in the grueling Piz Tri Vertical, also a Golden Label race, and secured a commendable fifth position , the day after, at the demanding Fletta Trail.

A testament to her consistency and tenacity, she clinched second place at the WMRA Asscoiated Race Challenge Stellina and at  the third place at Vertical  Nasego, Golden Label Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, followed by a commendable seventh in the Trofeo Nasego, just the day after.

Notably, she nearly clinched a podium spot in every other race she competed in, from June until October, boasting two remarkable victories: her victory at the second Golden Label   Montemuro Vertical Race that marked the start of the European season. Additionally, she showcased her prowess by securing victory in the Uphill race at the Finlaissima in Gran Canaria which was followed also by a third place in the Finalissima Sky Gran Canaria Classic distance.

At the end of the season, Scout Adkin (GBR) has finished 2° in the Women’s overall Valsir Mountain Running World Cup, which together with her great perfromance this year made Scottish Athletics nominated her for the athlete of the year award along side 4 world class track athletes. 

Scout’s presence on our platform is not unfamiliar, as she has been featured previously, including an interview alongside her brother Jacob Adkin in 2020, underscoring her enduring legacy in Mountain Running. 

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I am from Peebles in Scotland but now live in the Lake District in the North of England.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING IN THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP 2023?

This is the first year that I have managed to travel to enough races to complete the series and its been a great experience. All the race organisers have been really helpful, supportive and accommodating and I have made many friends.

MOUNTAIN RUNNING IS A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING SPORT. COULD YOU SHARE SOME INSIGHTS INTO YOUR TRAINING AND PREPARATION LEADING UP TO THE WORLD CUP? HOW DO YOU TRAIN IN WINTER? DO YOU COMBINE DISCIPLINES SKI, BIKE, RUNNING?

Training includes hill sessions and flatter endurance sessions to train for the demands of the uphill and classic up and down disciplines. In spring I do a block of heat training at the local sauna to help my body adapt to the much hotter weather in Europe than we get here in the UK! We don’t get enough snow in winter to be able to cross train in winter sports such as skiing, but I do often have to be flexible to the extreme weather in the higher hills and will use an incline treadmill to compliment my training when needed. I think gym based sessions along with pilates-type training are very important components in any runners weekly training schedule and I will do atleast 2-3 sesisons a week.

SPONSORSHIP PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN AN ATHLETE’S SUCCESS. COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SPONSORS/TEAM?

Earlier this year I joined Team Hoka. It’s been good to have their help and support throughout the year as I have stepped up the level of racing abroad that I am doing.

WITH 16 RACES IN 8 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, EACH COURSE HAD ITS UNIQUE CHALLENGES. CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT

Due to work commitments, I was only able to travel and compete in 7 races but I still managed to see and run in some amazing places.

• THE BEST LANDSCAPE RACE-  The Piz Tri Vertical  and Fletta Trail  races in Malonno, Italy, are run on really pretty forest trails – just a shame I couldn’t slow don’t any enjoy the views more!
• THE FASTEST- The shortened uphill Sky Gran Canaria race, I wasn’t expecting a 20min short blast!
• THE MOST DIFFCIULT/TECHNICAL- The last long rocky descent at Trofeo Nasego – My body was struggling at that weekends races and starting to descend that in the heat I had to mentally dig deep to keep pushing on and try not to loose too many places.

THE COMPETITION IN THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP IS FIERCE. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE AND STAY MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

It can be a very long race season. Once I have planned which races I am going to travel to I will plan some easier recovery weeks during the summer to give myself a break physically and mentally. I am limited in the amount of time I can take off work to travel but I also find travelling can be very tiring and stressful so will try and be strategic in the races I choose.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY PRE-RACE RITUALS OR MENTAL TECHNIQUES YOU RELY ON TO KEEP YOUR PERFORMANCE CONSISTENT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD CUP?

The pre race logistics are very different for each race and some things can be unknown until you arrive at the start so I try and keep my pre race routine the same each time to avoid any extra stress! This includes a pre breakfast run, the same breakfast (which I often bring with me just in case the place I am staying at doesn’t have it) and the same warmup routine at the start.

FINALLY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE RACE/MOMENT DURING THE VALSIR MOUNTAIN RUNNING WORLD CUP, AND WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

 The Montemuro Vertical Race  in Portugal where I won my first World Cup race. This is special to me because I hadn’t ran as well as I could have at the World Championships a few weeks earlier but this race proved what I knew I was capable off and that I can compete against some of the best mountain runners in the world.

 More about Scout Adkin (GBR) at the athlete profile in the WMRA or you can follow her Instagram here.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) recently visited the venue for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships, which will take place from September 13th to 15th, 2024 in Canfranc, Spain

The WMRA President, Tomo Sarf was accompanied by responsible member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Alex Varela.

Next year’s event will be hosted in September 2024, with the accreditation and opening ceremony planned* for Thursday 12th and the races taking place on Friday 13^th (Uphill race), Saturday 14^th (Long Distance) and Sunday 15^th(Classic), all of them starting in Canfranc, Huesca-Spain.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has a vast experience organizing Mountain Running events,  the annual race CanfrancCanfranc has been part of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup for several years.

THE COURSES

Uphill 

This race is designed for the Uphill category of the World Masters Mountain Running Championship. A single ascent to Larraca through a spectacular path in the forest. A route that reaches the best viewpoint in the Canfranc Valley and from the finish line you will be able to see a large part of the Pyrenees and France.

The uphill course will be, in principle, the same as planned for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. The course will cover 6,5 km with 984 meters of gained elevation, starting at the Rte. St. Cristina at 1280 m characterized by its scenic appeal and finishing at La Raca 2277 m.The spacious starting area, positioned just 2 kilometers away from Canfranc center via a well-maintained road, can comfortably host many runners in the start area and at the moment, is it planned to have 2 aid stations at km 2,4 and km 4,3 and also at the finish line.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/eng.uphill6K.html

Classic

17 kilometres that will make you discover and visit one of the most important forestry works in the world. With 1,050 metres of positive ascent, we will reach one of the best views of the Canfranc Valley; we will reach “Buenavista”. From there it will be all downhill to the finish, a fast and impressive descent through the forest.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/eng.classic17K.html

Long Distance

A race that runs along the two slopes of Los Arañones mountain. Its highest points, the Buenavista refuge and the Estiviellas pass. You will have 8 hours to cover the 34 kilometres and its 1,900 positive metres. But don’t be fooled by the numbers, 34 kilometres in Canfranc are never easy. The highest point of the race is at an altitude of 2,162 metres.

More information: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/eng.longdistance34K.html

Full regulations about the World Masters Mountain Running Championships can be found here .

All information about the event and also when the registrations will open: https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com

The WMRA and the LOC are working hard to ensure that the event is a success and that all participants have a memorable experience. We look forward to welcoming the world’s best masters mountain runners to Canfranc in September 2024.