NIMRA British and Irish U18 and U20 Selection Trial Race
NIMRA British and Irish U18 and U20 Selection Trial Race
Saturday, 22 August 2026, 14:00
Trial to select N.I. & Ulster Junior Mountain Running teams, to compete at the British & Irish Champs 2026
Squad consisting of athletes representing NIMRA in U18 (2009, 2010, 2011) and U20 (2007, 2008) competitions. (age group classification for this competition is different than for the previous competitions in 2026)
NOTE – the British & Irish Championships is being held in Newcastle on the 12th Sept, on the same course. Teams from Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and N.I. & Ulster are to compete.
5 athletes will compete in the U18 competition and 4 athletes in the U20 competition in each of the male and female races – i.e. 18 athletes will be selected in total.
Trial date – 22nd August 2026
Time – 2:00pm
Race Venue : Donard Forest main carpark – at the top of the grass section before entering the forest to Greenhill YMCA.
Number collection – White Campervan
Format – Two race format of approximately 8km and 240m+ climb – U18 and U20 races will have separate starts to avoid crowding and to avoid any overlap on narrow sections of the course. The U20 course will have a slightly extended start and athletes will be notified of this adjustment prior to the race, in the week leading up to the 22nd.
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.
U18 (2011, 2010, 2009) – 5 athletes will be selected in both male and female teams
U20 (2007, 2008) – 4 athletes will be selected in both male and female teams
Athletes must be a member of NIMRA to compete in the race and be eligible for selection. NIMRA registration is on the NIMRA website.
A course map – see link below – note the start finish may be adjusted slightly, athletes will be notified of any adjustments to the course via the e-mail used for registration in the week leading up to the 22nd – no later than 24hours before the start, including any change of course due to adverse weather or circumstances.
1st Aid will be available at the start and finish area, but a 1st aid trained marshal will also be out on course.
Selection for the Northern Ireland & Ulster teams competing in the Junior Home International (the team competition within the British & Irish Junior Mountain Running Championships) will be based on performances at the selection trial on 22 August. *(see note below)
Unlike most junior selection trials, athletes who are unable to attend the trial will not be considered for team selection, even in exceptional circumstances. This is because the British & Irish Junior Mountain Running Championships also offers an open individual entry.
Athletes who cannot attend the trial are therefore welcome to compete in the Championships as individual entrants. However, they will not be eligible for selection to the Northern Ireland & Ulster teams or for team accommodation.
The only exception would be if an insufficient number of athletes attended the trial to complete a full team. In those circumstances, NIMRA reserves the right to invite additional eligible athletes to ensure a full team can be entered.
