British & Irish Junior Mountain Running Championships 2026
Newcastle, County Down — September 12, 2026
The 2026 British & Irish Junior Mountain Running Championships delivered an unforgettable weekend of racing, camaraderie, and celebration at the foot of the iconic Mourne Mountains. With teams travelling from Scotland, England, Wales, and both the south and north of Ireland, the event showcased the very best of junior mountain running talent across these islands.
Championship Hub at Greenhill
All athletes were based at the YMCA Centre in Greenhill, with race starts located directly beside the accommodation, meaning athletes enjoyed a relaxed, stress free race morning with no travel required.
Challenging Courses Through Classic Mourne Terrain
The U18 course took runners through Donard Forest, across to Tollymore, and along the boundary wall to the ‘Hill of No Name’, before descending back into Tollymore to run through the forest along the summit ridge, then back to Donard and finishing in Greenhill.
The U20 athletes followed a similar route, beginning inside Greenhill before joining the U18 course in Donard Forest.
Despite severe early morning weather, conditions improved dramatically by the 10 a.m. start. Athletes enjoyed breezy but excellent racing conditions, and the varied terrain – open mountain, forest singletrack, technical climbs, and fast descents – all strengths were challenged in the race.
Race Highlights & Standout Performances
U18 Female
A commanding performance from Clara McKee saw her lead from the summit all the way home, winning in 39:21 after topping the climb in 17:27. She was followed by Nancy Corrie (39:52) and Lucia Connell (43:02). NIMRA’s highest placed athlete was Katie Napier in 19th followed by Upe Spelskaite and Coco Smith in 20th and 21st. Also on this team were Maia Johnston and Hermione Sheridan who finished in 24th and 25th places.
U18 Male
The closest finish of the entire championships came in the U18 boys’ race. Billy Sutherland claimed victory in 35:11, holding off Jake Ireland by just 5 seconds, with George Watkins only 8 seconds behind. Watkins recorded the fastest climb of the day in 15:41. NIMRA’s highest placed athlete was Caleb Lewis in a very impressive 10th, with Conan O’Doherty and Luc Le Blanc next in 17th and 18th. Aaron Agnew finished in 19th place, and James Blease was 21st.
U20 Female
A superb wire to wire win for Hania Czebreszuk, who topped the climb in 23:08 and finished in 46:28. She was chased by Rose Gilldaley (47:08) and Constance Jenneson (47:25). NIMRA’s top place athlete was Katie Graham in 12th followed by Emily McRitchie and Holly Blease in 15th and 16th. Unfortunately, due to injury, Aoife Magee could not start the race.
U20 Male
Kieran Hardie delivered a dominant performance, leading at the summit in 19:16 and finishing in 38:24. Rowan Taylor (38:44) and Cai Dafydd (39:03) completed a high quality podium. Oscar Purvis led the NIMRA team home in 15th place followed by Niall McAufield and Tiarnan McManus in 16th and 17th places. Unfortunately, due to injury, Finn Gibney was unable to attend the event.
A Tie to Add to the Drama
With Scotland and England both achieving 2 Team Gold and 2 Team Silver results each, it was to be an aggregate score that decided the day, with Scotland achieving the best overall result, to take home the Edinburgh Trophy.
Community Support & Sponsors
The championships were made possible in part thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and supporters. Purerunning kindly provided prizes for the athletes, while Thompson Aerospace and GCD sponsored the event. Linwoods and Whites also helped keep competitors fuelled throughout the weekend by supplying oat bars and sachets. Warm thanks are also due to everyone who baked and donated the wonderful homemade tray bakes and scones enjoyed by athletes, coaches, and volunteers throughout the weekend – you know who you are, and it was very much appreciated.
Results and Photographs
Photographs can be found below:
Results can be found below
Looking Ahead to 2027
NIMRA were delighted to host this year’s championships and extend their thanks to all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to a hugely successful event. As the championship baton passes to England, preparations begin for the 2027 edition – with the Lake District expected to be the host venue.
We wish England the very best as they take on hosting duties next year and look forward to another outstanding celebration of junior mountain running.
Final Shoutout
A huge shout out to Phil Hodge and the whole NIMRA team who planned the event, marked the course, marshalled the course, provided the first aid, did the marketing and all the other duties that could be listed. It may be a thankless task sometimes but here is a BIG THANK YOU TEAM NIMRA.
