Four Medals for Team USA at International U18 Mountain Running Cup

Release from World Mountain Running Association.

Annecy, France, 27th May 2023 – The 16th edition of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup hosted by the MaXi-Race in stunning Annecy showcased the best young mountain runners from around the world. Team USA had a terrific showing with a four-medal haul, two individual silver, a team gold and a team silver.

Editor’s note:Meet Team USA. Photos for the article taken by Andy Wacker on site in Annecy.

With the area’s rich heritage for mountain sport and the event’s reputation for organising world class races, it was a perfect arena for the under 18s to compete in. The women and men followed a circular 4.7km route, which started at 1,477m and then climbed steadily for 2.1km to top out at 1,699m at the summit of Semnoz, before beginning a fast and furious 2.6k descent, looping back round to the finish. The course promised some exciting racing, and it didn’t disappoint.

The women’s race – International U18 Mountain Running Cup

The women set off at 11am CET and it was close at the front on the long climb up to Semnoz. Keeghan Edwards of the USA got to the summit first, but Ines Herault Sicilia of Spain was hot on her heels. Amelie Lane of England was just behind them. This was all going to be decided on the long downhill to the finish.

Keeghan Edwards on the climb. Photo: Andy Wacker.

In the end Herault Sicilia overtook Edwards in the last 1.5k and managed to open a small gap to take the gold medal in 20.19. Edwards took the silver in 20.46 but it was extremely close with Lane just behind her in 20.51 to take the bronze. Nadia Soto Perez of Spain was fourth (21.09), and Lauren Russell of England in fifth (21.13).

In the women’s team competition, which is decided by the positions of the three counters for each country, Spain came out on top with a total of 15. The USA took team silver in a very close contest with 16, and England placed third with 23.

The men’s race – International U18 Mountain Running Cup

The men set off at 11.45am CET and, just like the women’s race, it was expected to be very close. With strong teams from several countries, it was going to be a fast and competitive race.

It was certainly close at the front and although Oscar Gaitan Mordillo of Spain led throughout, he was certainly challenged along the way. Matthew Edwards of the USA constantly tried to vie for the lead but eventually it was Gaitan Mordillo who took the gold in a blistering 17.45, with Edwards just 8 seconds behind in 17.53.

The battle for the bronze was an exciting one. Randy De Jesus Garcia of Mexico, for whom it was touch and go to even get to the race due to a volcano erupting in Mexico and affecting flights, made the summit in fifth place. But the descent in the men’s race shook up the places considerably and Garcia fought his way to third place in a really impressive run, to finish in 18.10. Ewan Busfield of England was fourth in 18.27 and Benjamin Anderson of the USA fifth in 18.33.

The men’s team competition wasn’t quite as close as the women’s with the USA taking gold (18), Spain silver (35) and England took their second team bronze of the day (39). France were fourth (42) and Hungary fifth (48).

It was a hugely exciting competition, showcasing younger runners who we hope will go on to senior success in the coming years.

Top three women. Photo: Andy Wacker

Women’s top 5

1. Ines Herault Sicilia (Spain) 20.19
2. Keeghan Edwards (USA) 20.46
3. Amelie Lane (Eng) 20.51
4. Nadia Soto Perez (Spain) 21.09
5. Lauren Russell (Eng) 21.13

Women’s team competition

1. Spain (15 points)
2. USA (16 points)
3. England (23 points)
4. France (32 points)
5. Slovenia (58 points)

Top three men. Photo: Andy Wacker

Men’s top 5

1. Oscar Gaitan Mordillo (Spain) 17.45
2. Matthew Edwards (USA) 17.53
3. Randy De Jesus Garcia (Mex) 18.10
4. Ewan Busfield (Eng) 18.27
5. Benjamin Anderson (USA) 18.33