BRITISH TEAM SELECTED FOR THE 80KM RACE AT THE WORLD TRAIL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Six athletes have been confirmed on the British team to compete in the 80km trail race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand between the 11-14 November 2021.

George Foster (coach: Martin Cox, club: Ambleside) and Nick Swinburn (self-coached, Morpeth) put themselves into pole position for selection as they crossed the line as the first two male athletes in the recent trial race at the British Athletics Ultra Trail Championship, which was incorporated into the Lakeland Trails 100km event earlier this month.

Swinburn has competed for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at past mountain running championships and international cross-country events, but this is his first call-up to an ultra-trail running team. Foster will make his debut in a British vest after his trial winning performance.

2018 world trail bronze medallist, Tom Evans (Andrew Hobdell, Lewes), also joins the team of three for the event in Thailand.

Meryl Cooper (Paul Tierney) and Jo Meek (David Roche, Winchester) likewise filled the first two spots at the trials in the women’s event, so they confirm their place on the team. Both have competed at past trail championships with Meek finishing seventh in 2016.

Beth Pascall (Martin Cox, Belper), who won the prestigious Western States 100 mile in June, is also selected to join the women’s trio for the 80km trail race.

Further selections for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships will be announced in the coming months. See the selection policy for more details.

The British team for the 80km trail race at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, Chiang Mai, Thailand on Saturday 13th November:

Men:

Tom Evans (Andrew Hobdell, Lewes) *subject to fitness

George Foster (Martin Cox, Ambleside)

Nick Swinburn (self-coached, Morpeth)

Women:

Meryl Cooper (Paul Tierney)

Jo Meek (David Roche, Winchester)

Beth Pascall (Martin Cox, Belper)

*Photo credit: Keith Douglas