World Mountain running Championship

Tirana Albania

James Kevan competed in the World Mountain running Championship in Tirana Albania, The elite mountain runners from across the world were treated to an insight into the culture of Albania and the impressive landscapes it has to offer, which included having the highest average altitude in Europe- perhaps a perfect fitting for the sport of mountain running! Race day saw the full demands of Mountain Running on display as many struggled in the hot and humid conditions on a varied and technically demanding course.

The Senior Men’s Race was ran over a distance 13.1km with 750m ascent/descent

James was representing Ireland for the second consecutive year. Temperatures on the course were in the mid-30s, much of the course was run through a building site covered in toxic cement dust, and there was a steep dangerous descent at the top of the course. These hazards led to a busy first aid tent.The large senior men field hurtled down the steep descent raising a dust storm. The Irish team finished in ninth which is the highest placing since the early 1990s. James was 57th out of 116 runners.

Photos of James in the world champ race last Sunday. James is number 56.