The junior races took centre stage on a warm morning at the Edale Fell Race, with the Under-16 contest producing one of the most competitive and exciting races of the day.
The NI U16 Squad
As part of both the FRA Junior English Championships and the British Junior Inter-Counties Championships programme, the race attracted a high-quality field from clubs across the country, all eager to test themselves on the demanding Peak District terrain including a team of five Under 16s for Northern Ireland which was made up of three members from Newcastle AC, Donal McDaid, Mary Houston and Parisa Susay-Quinn.
All 3 members had rightly earned their spots in the squad after a tough qualifier in March in Newcastle and proudly pulled on their first international vests alongside Ruarrc Sheridan (North Belfast Harriers) and Coco Smith (North Down AC)
Starting at 10.30am from the field below The Nab, the U16 runners faced a challenging 5.4km course with 366 metres of climbing. The route climbed steeply onto the hills above Edale before traversing fast, technical ground and descending back towards the finish, demanding both strength on the climbs and confidence over rough fell terrain.
From the outset the pace was relentless as the leading contenders battled for position on the opening ascent with the NI athletes putting on a strong show in their climbing skills. Every place mattered, creating an intense race that showcased the depth of talent currently emerging in junior fell running not just at home but across the water too. Against the spectacular backdrop of Kinder Scout and the Edale Valley, the U16 athletes delivered a display of determination, skill and resilience worthy of one of the country’s premier junior fell-running fixtures.
Parisa making her way down the steep descent
Where the Newcastle athletes came into their own was in the technical descents. Having spent the past few years navigating Donard Wood in all weathers, through both well travelled and less explored routes, their confidence in descending was unmatched with all athletes gaining places on the downhill even when faced with bad timing from the race directors who set off the U14 race which directly hindering the U16 race as they were met face on by other athletes climbing when they were mid descent and having to improvise to cross a fence.
Mary strides to the finish
Even with that inconvenience Mary claimed 13th place with Parisa just behind in 20th. Donal faced a tough race however with more racing experience against this age group, there is no doubt that Donal will become one to watch going forward as his technical descents really do set him apart from other hill runners.
Donal demonstrating composure on the downhills
While the results reflected the strength of competition on the day, the experience gained by all three Newcastle AC athletes will prove invaluable. Competing against the best junior fell runners in Britain, and doing so in their first Northern Ireland vests, was a reward for years of hard work and dedication. With Mary and Parisa producing excellent performances and Donal showing flashes of the descending ability that makes him such an exciting prospect, the future looks bright for this talented trio. Their performances at Edale demonstrated not only their current ability but also the potential for even greater success in the years ahead and inspiring their club mates to tackle international trails next year.