29 May 2015

The fifth edition of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) World Trail Championships sees an 11-strong Great Britain & Northern Ireland team compete in Anecy, France on Saturday 30 May.

The six men and five women selected will be looking to emulate the success achieved at the championships two years ago in Wales.

Following his recent victory at the 75km Buffalo Stampede Skyrunner series event in Australia last month, Tom Owens is the leading British male heading to the French Alps.

Joining Owens is Paul Giblin, the highest ranked Briton at the 2014 World 100km championships in Doha, Kim Collison, Ian Ridgeway, Paul Raistrick and Lee Kemp.

The women’s selection boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent with Sarah Fawcett, Tracy Dean, Lizzie Wraith, Sarah Morwood and Bonnie Van Wilgenburg looking to establish a strong challenge.

Team manager Walter Smith said: “The quality of the opposition will be very competitive especially the French, Spanish and Italian teams.

“We have strong teams and they will be fighting hard to follow in the footsteps of our successful 100km and 24 hour squads who all secured medals at their recent World Championships.”

The Maxi race course is one large loop of 85km and includes a 5300m ascent around Lake Annecy.

The race begins at 4.30am (BST) and live tracking can be found here.