Race Reports and Summary of Irish Team Results World Masters Mountain Running Championships, Meduno

02 September, 2025 - Aidan Cleary

The Championships opened on Friday, 29 August, with the Uphill Race: a demanding 5 km course with 800 m of ascent from Meduno’s historic town centre to the summit crest of Monte Valinis.
Forecasts threatened heavy rain, but instead the athletes faced high humidity (96%) and temperatures ranging from 23°C at the start to 18°C near the summit. Conditions were sticky, energy-sapping, and required precise pacing and hydration strategies.
The route began on tarmac before switching quickly to steep, rain-slicked trails. Athletes battled greasy surfaces and sustained gradients, with the final kilometre packing nearly 300 m of vertical gain. The summit finish on Monte Valinis was alive with crowds, cowbells, and a festival atmosphere, setting the tone for the weekend.
What stood out throughout was the strength of Irish support. Along the streets of Meduno, at aid points on the climbs, and especially at the summit finish, Irish voices were loudest—green flags waving, families and clubmates lining the course. This encouragement created an unmistakable lift for the Irish athletes, many of whom credited the atmosphere as a decisive factor in their medal-winning performances.
Team Results – Uphill
F35 Gold
F40 Bronze
F45 Silver
F50 Gold
F55 Bronze
M35 Bronze
M40 Bronze
M45 Silver
M65 Bronze
Total: 9 team podiums
Gold x2 Silver x2 Bronze x5
Individual Results – Uphill
Ian Conroy (M40) – Gold

LONG DISTANCE, LONG SMILES — Storm-Quickened Trails at Meduno
Saturday, 30 August, brought the Long Distance Race: 34 km with 1,850 m of climb, traversing Meduno’s lanes, villages, and the slopes of Monte Valinis.
After overnight rain, the course was slick and technical. Athletes navigated demanding downhills and warm 20°C temperatures before being met by storm showers in the final kilometres. The bursts of rain proved more refreshing than disruptive, sharpening focus and energy in the closing stages.
Irish supporters once again made themselves felt. Positioned at strategic points along the course, they brought colour, noise, and encouragement that lifted spirits even in the toughest climbs. As the storm broke in the final kilometres, Irish flags and shouts of encouragement became a welcome beacon for tired legs.
Team Results – Long Distance
F35 Gold
F45 Bronze
F50 Silver
M35 Silver
Total: 4 team podiums
Gold x1 Silver x2 Bronze x1
Individual Results – Long Distance
Rebecca Quinn (F50) – Silver

CLASSIC DISTANCE CLOSES MEDUNO WMMRC 2025
The Championships concluded on Sunday, 31 August, with the Classic Distance event. Originally set at 14.1 km with 735 m of climb, the course was adjusted to 16 km and 800 m of climb due to storm damage from Saturday’s rain.
Clear skies and rising temperatures presented a final challenge. Athletes ran through narrow cobbled streets, flag-draped hamlets, and forest trails, cheered on by locals at every turn.
Among these cheers, the Irish contingent once again stood out, making Meduno feel like home turf. Whether gathered at the start line in town squares, cheering from shaded forest paths, or celebrating at the finish, the Irish support provided both energy and pride. The closing day became as much a celebration of community as competition.
Team Results – Classic Distance
F35 Silver
F40 Bronze
F45 Silver
F50 Silver
F65 Bronze
M40 Bronze
M45 Silver
M50 Bronze
M65 Gold
Total: 9 team podiums
Gold x1 Silver x4 Bronze x4
Individual Results – Classic Distance
John Kinsella (M45) – Silver
Gerard Maloney (M65) – Silver
Conor Nolan (M65) – Bronze
Hazel Stapleton (F75) – Silver

The Triple Crown Challenge
Eight Irish athletes took on the ultimate test of endurance and resilience at Meduno: the Triple Crown, completing all three Championship races—Uphill, Long Distance, and Classic—across the weekend.
Graham Bushe
Micheál McSweeney
Aidan Cleary
Rob Tobin
Katie Mullan
Angela Tobin
Ken Bates
Vasiliy Neumerzhitskiy
Their achievement reflects not only exceptional fitness and determination but also the spirit of commitment that characterised Ireland’s presence at the Championships. Competing day after day, in shifting conditions and against the world’s best, this group embodied the grit and camaraderie of the Irish team.

Overall Summary
Across three days of competition, Ireland secured 22 team podiums and multiple standout individual performances.
Team Podiums (Total 22):
Gold x4 Silver x8 Bronze x10
Individual Medals:
Gold Ian Conroy (M40, Uphill)
Silver Rebecca Quinn (F50, Long Distance)
silver John Kinsella (M45, Classic)
Silver Gerard Maloney (M65, Classic)
Silver Hazel Stapleton (F75, Classic)
Bronze Conor Nolan (M65, Classic)
The Irish team delivered one of its strongest World Masters Mountain Running Championship performances to date. Results were built not only on athletic ability, but also on the remarkable backing of Irish supporters who travelled in numbers to Meduno. Their presence—flags, banners, cheers, and constant encouragement—created a sense of home advantage and community pride, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation for spirit, camaraderie, and excellence on the international mountain running stage.

Aidan Cleary