Set against the dramatic alpine landscapes of Slovenia, the European Athletics Off‑Road Running Championships 2026 proved to be a landmark celebration of endurance, adventure and elite competition. Taking place from 5–7 June 2026 in Ljubljana and Kamnik, the event brought together Europe’s finest off‑road runners alongside passionate recreational athletes, creating a unique and inclusive sporting experience.
Among those representing Team Ireland were three athletes from Newcastle AC; Zak Hanna, Áine Gosling and Patrick McDaid, each competing at the highest level across demanding mountain disciplines. Hanna and Gosling lined up in the elite uphill race, a relentless test of strength and endurance where athletes tackled steep, continuous ascents over technical terrain, requiring both physical power and precise pacing. Meanwhile, McDaid, who was representing Ireland for the third time in five weeks, competed in the elite up‑and‑down race, a varied challenge combining sharp climbs with fast, technical descents, demanding not only endurance but also agility and downhill skill.
The championships were officially launched with an opening ceremony held on Thursday evening in the main square of Kamnik. A key highlight was the Parade of Nations, where teams from 33 countries were welcomed, reflecting the international scale of the event. A proud moment for the Irish team saw Patrick McDaid chosen to carry the Irish flag, underlining his growing impact as an emerging talent within the squad.
Day 1 of competition featured the uphill mountain race, providing a challenging and dramatic start to the championships. Athletes competed on a steep 8.9 km course in the Kamnik‑Savinja Alps, tackling over 1,200 metres of elevation gain. The race unfolded in extremely difficult weather conditions, with heavy rain, strong winds, and thick fog severely reducing visibility and adding to the already demanding terrain. Both Zak Hanna and Áine Gosling delivered strong performances in the elite races, with Hanna finishing 46th in the men’s event and Gosling placing 51st in the women’s race. The harsh conditions not only tested the athletes but also made spectating particularly difficult, as mist and rain engulfed what would otherwise have been a spectacular mountain backdrop.
The championships concluded with the up‑and‑down mountain race, which provided an exciting and fitting finale. Athletes faced a demanding 13 km course featuring approximately 800–900 metres of elevation gain and loss, requiring a combination of climbing strength and technical descending ability. In contrast to the earlier conditions, the race took place in warm and sunny weather, allowing for faster and more competitive racing. Patrick McDaid, one of the youngest athletes in the field, had familiarised himself with the course earlier in the week and likened it to the terrain of the Mourne Mountains, noting in particular the technical footing and fast descent that suited his running style.
His race plan proved effective, as he made up significant ground on the descent, recording sector times comparable to some of the leading runners. Irish team manager Phil Hodge praised his performance, describing it as “a very mature run from an athlete who has only broken onto the senior ranks this year as a 20‑year‑old.” McDaid ultimately secured 51st place, finishing less than 30 seconds behind his Irish teammate Jared Martin.
Overall, the 2026 European Off‑Road Running Championships captured the true spirit of the sport, combining elite competition with a strong sense of community and connection to the natural environment. Set among some of Europe’s most stunning mountain scenery, the event provided a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike, while showcasing the continued rise of Irish talent on the international stage.