Novuna GB & NI team announced for the European Off-Road Running Championships in Slovenia

UK Athletics has confirmed the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad for the Trail, Up-and-Down, and Uphill events at the European Off-Road Running Championships, set for June 5–7 in Slovenia.

The selection blends championship experience with fresh talent, underscoring the depth and momentum behind Britain’s mountain and trail running scene.

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Senior Women Look to Defend Gold

The women’s Up-and-Down contingent will aim to defend their 2024 European team title from Annecy. Among the returning champions are Scout Adkin (Ambleside AC, Angela Mudge) and Naomi Lang (Carnethy HRC/Glasgow Uni, Lewis Walker). Adkin also doubles up in the Uphill event, where she’ll look to build on her individual silver medal performance from 2023.

Adkin Leads Men’s Uphill Assault

In the men’s Uphill division, Jacob Adkin (Moorfoot Runners, Robbie Simpson) brings valuable experience and pedigree, having captured silver at the 2024 European Championships. His inclusion strengthens a squad well poised for a podium push in the Slovenian mountains.

Trail Team Adds Depth

The Trail athletes previously named will join the mountain specialists, rounding out a well-balanced British delegation.

Men’s trail team: Ben Rothery (Ilkley, Sarah McCormack), Luke Grenfell-Shaw (Lonely Goat RC, Lewis Moses), Bertie Houghton (Hallamshire, Lewis Moses), and Alexander Chepelin (Carnethy Hill RC, Sophie Dunnett).

Women’s trail team: Scarlet Dale (Ambleside AC, Mark Croasdale), Eve Pannone (Ambleside AC, David Roche), Kirsty Oldham (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers), and Emily Cowper-Coles (Rotherham Harriers/Dark Peak).

Rising Talent Earns the Vest

Several promising athletes will make their senior Great Britain & Northern Ireland debuts, including Morven Goodrum (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Sophie Mullins), Tom Spencer (Dark Peak Fell Runners), Thomas Hilton (Edinburgh University Hares & Hounds), Tom Wood (Eryri Harriers, Matt Seddon), and Kirsty Oldham (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers). Their inclusion signals a generational progression within the national program.

Buckley Praises Squad Depth

Team Leader Anne Buckley noted the calibre of performances at the trials:

“There were some high-quality performances in the trial races, so we’re delighted to be adding such strong mountain runners to the team. Alongside our trail specialists, this is a genuinely competitive squad heading to Slovenia. It’s particularly encouraging to see several talented newcomers earning their place on the team.”

With an enviable blend of experience and youth—anchored by past medallists and bolstered by debutants—the British contingent will look to challenge Europe’s best once again on the slopes of Slovenia this June.