UK Athletics have announced the first athletes selected to represent the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB & NI) team at the European Athletics Off-Road Running Championships in Ljubljana-Kamnik, Slovenia from 5-7 June.

And following victories at the Middle Distance Trail Running Championships, Ben Rothery (club:Ilkley, coach:Sarah McCormack) and Scarlet Dale (Ambleside AC, Mark Croasdale) have earned selection and will return to the world stage.

They are joined by second place Eve Pannone (Ambleside AC, David Roche) and Bertie Houghton (Hallamshire, Lewis Moses). The men’s team is further strengthened by experienced international Luke Grenfell-Shaw (Lonely Goat RC, Lewis Moses) and Alexander Chepelin (Carnethy Hill RC, Sophie Dunnett).

On the women’s side, Scottish athlete Kirsty Oldham (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) and Emily Cowper-Coles (Rotherham Harriers/Dark Peak) will compete in a strong squad selected for the demanding trail discipline.

The trail race will take place over 52km in the mountains of Slovenia with a 2450m ascent and descent. Starting in the town of Kamnik, athletes will follow the Kamniška Bistrica River, passing the Eco Resort en route to Stahovica. The final kilometre and a half will guide runners through the town park and across a narrow bridge over the Kamniška Bistrica River to the finish line.

Congratulations to Ben from all at the Harriers.