NIMRA JUNIOR SQUAD 2026
Trial to select N.I. & Ulster Junior Squad 2026
Squad consisting of athletes representing NIMRA in U16, U18 and U20 competitions.
This date has been picked to select athletes shortly after Irish Schools XC, when hopefully the majority are at peak fitness to perform in the trial at their best.
NIMRA Intends to send athletes to the following competitions in 2026
Inter Counties – 14th June in Edale, Emgland. (U16, U18 and U20 athletes – not eligible for athletes travelling to Italy the following week)
WMRA U18 International – 21st June, Gagliano del Capo, Italy. (U18 – 4 male and 4 female)
British and Irish Championships – 11th-13th September, Newcastle, Co. Down.
Trial date – 28th March 2026
Time – 2:00pm
Race Venue : Donard Forest main carpark – at the mountain end.
Online Registration – ENTER HERE
Number collection – blue transit minibus
Format – Single race format of approximately 7km and 230m+ climb.
Minimum Kit Requirement – Waterproof coat with attached hood, hat, gloves and a whistle and a waistbag or similar to carry during race.
The race director may require additional full leg cover (leggings or trouser) if weather demands it.
Eligibility – 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.
U16 (2011 ONLY*) – Inter County
U18 (2010, 2009) – International in Italy, B&I Champs (+ Inter County if not racing in Italy)
U20 (2007, 2008) – Inter County
Athletes must be a member of NIMRA to compete in the race and be eligible for selection. NIMRA registration is on the NIMRA website.
MAP – See map of the two courses below. Athletes will meet in Donard Forest carpark, forest end and walk together up through the forest road, past Greenhill YMCA to the race start. (this to avoid a long run along the forest road before more suitable trial terrain)
- U16 athletes born in 2012 cannot attend, due to the regulations prohibiting them racing longer than 6km. It should be noted that this is the first year providing an opportunity for a 2011 athlete to be selected, giving a years competition and training before being eligible for selection for the premier event, WMRA U18 International.
– Junior Mountain Running Come and Try event – An Introduction to Mountain Running session is being hosted by NIMRA (N.I. Mountain Running Association) on the 28th Feb at Meelmore Lodge, 52 Trassey Rd, Bryansford, Newcastle BT33 0QB @ 2pm
If you wish to attend, please e-mail philhodge@hotmail.com so that numbers are known for planning.
This will be an excellent opportunity to learn all about mountain running, the competition opportunities, international representation and how to train for events.
Format – Initial talk to athletes, parents and coaches – 45mins approx
Training run – Jonny Steede and Rebecca Magee (both multiple international vests) will host a training run on the local hills for athletes, while Phil Hodge and Nikki Graham will provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions and discuss issues around managing an athlete running and competing in the hills.
If you have any questions or are just curious how your athlete might get involved, please come along and find out. (Suitable for athletes born 2012 or before. Athletes should bring suitable trail shoes, coat, hat and gloves for the training run)
