Jacob Adkin (Keswick AC, Robbie Simpson) delivered a dominant performance to win the senior men’s uphill title, leading from the gun to take gold in 49:21, over two minutes clear. He said:
“It was tough, but my legs felt surprisingly good. I didn’t know what to expect. It’s a great feeling. It was a good course. I don’t have the words right now, but it was a good day.”
Morven Goodrum (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Sophie Mullins) matched that dominance in the senior women’s race, taking control early on her GB & NI debut to win gold in 58:00. She said:
“I just thought I’d go for it as I felt good and had nothing to lose. I had no expectations as it’s my first championships. It’s all very new and I’m still taking it all in. I’m not sure what my next plans are, but I’m excited to see what I can do.”
Goodrum was also part of the women’s team, alongside Scout Adkin, Kirsty Dickson and Hannah Russell, that successfully defended the European uphill team gold.
On the final day’s up-and-down races, Nancy Scott (Edinburgh AC) secured individual silver in the senior women’s race (1:11:07), helping the team to bronze. She said:
“I am really happy with my race, it went surprisingly well. The midday heat and mud on the descent were challenging, so it was a relief to reach the road section into Kamnik. I’ve also enjoyed spectating and witnessing the GB team’s strong performances.”
Scout Adkin, who placed fourth individually to support that team bronze after also winning team gold uphill, added:
“Conditions were tough, it was really hot out there and I worked hard to maintain my fourth position. It’s great to be part of the bronze medal-winning team after winning team gold in the uphill.”
In the U20 men’s race, Ewan Busfield (Derby AC) sprinted to bronze in 24:55, contributing to a team bronze medal alongside teammates. He said:
“It was very good. The course was steep and hard, but I managed to come home in third.”
That team success was echoed by Novuna GB&NI debutante, 17 yr old Ben Hodson, part of the bronze medal-winning lineup, who said:
“I’m really glad we could secure the team bronze medal. Lachlan and I really put a shift in on that sprint finish to secure it. Wearing a GB vest for the first time is a dream come true, and I could not be prouder of my performance today.”
Podium Results
Senior Men Uphill
Jacob Adkin (Keswick AC, Robbie Simpson) – Gold
Senior Women Uphill
Morven Goodrum (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Sophie Mullins) – Gold
Women’s team – Gold
Morven Goodrum, Scout Adkin (Ambleside AC, Angela Mudge), Kirsty Dickson (Carnethy Hill RC) and Hannah Russell (Helm Hill Runners)
Senior Womens Up-and-Down
Nancy Scott (Edinburgh AC) – Silver
Women’s Team – Bronze
Nancy Scott, Scout Adkin (Ambleside AC, Angela Mudge), Naomi Lang (Carnethy Hill RC/Glasgow Uni, Lewis Walker), Elle Twentyman (Rugby & Northampton)
U20s Men Up-and-Down
Ewan Busfield (Derby AC, Jethro McGraw) – Bronze
U20s Men’s team – Bronze
Ewan Busfield, Ben Hodson (Stewartry AC, Angela Mudge and Nicky Cruikshank), Lachlan Thomas (Ross County Athletics Club, Sophie Dunnett), Adam Bentham (Mercia Fell Runners)