Four full teams have been selected to represent the country at the European (uphill and downhill) Mountain Running Championships in Skopje, Macedonia.

Andrew Douglas (coach: Sophie Dunnett) headlines the senior men’s quartet after winning the trials in Sedbergh last weekend. A consistent performer for the British team at major championships over the last few years, this will be his fifth consecutive appearance at the Europeans. He was fourth at his last up and down edition two years ago in Arco, so will be looking to be in contention once again this time around.

The next three finishers at the trials are also selected; Chris Arthur (Mark Croasdale), Nick Swinburn and Max Nicholls (Peter Brenchley) complete the line-up. For Swinburn, this is his first call-up to a British team since 2015, and it comes on the back of a good run of form having won the inter-counties last month.

After an excellent run of form, Emma Gould (William Laye) has been rewarded with her first senior international call-up after she placed second at the trials. The Birchfield Harrier was also in the top three at the first round of the British Athletics Mountain Running Challenge at the inter-counties, so she goes into the event after an impressive spell of domestic results.

Heidi Davies and Bronwen Jenkinson (Andy Walling) will make their first senior appearance in a British vest at these championships with Katie Walshaw (Chris Barnes) completing the senior women’s line-up.

Trials winner Matthew MacKay (Graham Wright) and Lauren Dickson (Kirk and Linda Smith) will make their first junior international appearances for the British team in Skopje.

Team Leader, Anne Buckley commented:

“We have selected a team mixed with experience and new faces which is very positive heading into the European championships. We have a good record at the event and I’m confident our strong teams will deliver on this stage once again.

“It is encouraging to see athletes make the step up from the junior ranks to making teams at senior level, and I’m sure this will act as encouragement to those in the junior teams on this occasion.”

The British Athletics team for European Mountain Running Championships (up & down) in Skopje, Macedonia on 1st July 2018. 

Men:

Chris Arthur (Mark Croasdale)

Andrew Douglas (Sophie Dunnett)

Max Nicholls (Peter Benchley)

Nick Swinburn

Women:

Heidi Davies

Emma Gould (William Laye)

Bronwen Jenkinson (Andy Walling)

Katie Walshaw (Chris Barnes)

U20 Men:

Josh Boyle (Helen Boyle)

Euan Brennan (Andy Henderson)

Joseph Dugdale

Matthew MacKay (Graham Wright)

U20 Women:

Scarlet Dale (Colin Gemson)

Lauren Dickson (Kirk and Linda Smith)

Anna MacFadyen (John Lees)

Rosie Woodhams (Steve Priestley)