Palencia Hosts the Official Presentation of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup
The official presentation of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, which will take place on June 22 in the Spanish area Montaña Palentina, was held in Palencia. Attendees included the president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), Raúl Chapado; the president of the Palencia Provincial Council, Ángeles Armisen; the president of the Castilla y León Athletics Federation, Gerardo García; and the mayors of the three host towns (Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera).
On the weekend of June 21 and 22, the Montaña Palentina will host the 17th edition of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, an official championship of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA). This event will bring together the world's best young mountain runners. A total of 17 countries and 29 teams, comprising 120 athletes (61 men and 59 women), will compete for podium positions and medals. Participating countries include France, Switzerland, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Slovenia, Cape Verde, Hungary, the United States, Bulgaria, England, Scotland and Poland.
This Monday, the event was presented at the new Cultural Center of Palencia with the presence of RFEA president Raúl Chapado, who expressed gratitude to all the institutions and individuals supporting the Cup. He highlighted, "not only the positive economic impact that will boost the development and progress of the region, but also the projection of Palencia as a brand. This event will promote an exceptional heritage at the national and international levels, leaving a lasting legacy and contributing to the promotion of sports."
Tomo Sarf, president of the WMRA, the governing body for these youth championships, also expressed his support: "The WMRA is proud to support the growth of these talented and enthusiastic young runners. Hosting this International U18 Cup in the Palentina Mountain further demonstrates Spain's commitment to promoting this sport. I am convinced that the challenging terrain of the Palentina Mountain will provide an excellent stage for young athletes to test their skills and passion, ensuring the future and development of mountain running globally."
THE MONTAÑA PALENTINA: SPAIN'S HIDDEN GEM
The course for the International U18 Mountain Running Cup, already defined, is 5.4 kilometers long with a positive elevation gain of 225 meters. It is a circular route, starting and finishing at the Barruelo de Santullán football field. The first half features a steady climb, while the second half is more favorable for returning to the starting point. The terrain is predominantly wooded, and the trails are in good condition with no technical difficulties, likely resulting in very high race speeds.
The International U18 Mountain Running Cup will have three main venues in the province of Palencia: Aguilar de Campoo, Barruelo de Santullán, and Brañosera. These towns will provide accommodation for the athletes and technical teams of the various national squads and will host the start and finish of the two races in the program. Besides the official WMRA race, there will be another race open to the public on the same route.
In the days leading up to the competition, the teams from the United States, Mexico, and Cape Verde will visit Palencia to enjoy various activities and sightseeing to experience the richness of the Palentina Mountain. The rest of the national delegations will arrive in Aguilar de Campoo on June 20. Additionally, young runners will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive equipment test organized by Joma, the technical sponsor of the Cup.
For more information, visit https://u18cup2024.com
