Two runners from Ilkley Harriers have helped England secure an impressive result at a prestigious international mountain running event in Italy.
Sam Bentham and Edward Hobbs represented England at the Trofeo Vanoni Relays in Morbegno on Sunday 25 October, competing against some of Europe's leading mountain runners.
The pair joined Charlie Allmond of Ambleside AC in England's men's under-23 team, finishing first in their age category and fourth overall.
The trio completed the challenging mountain relay in a combined time of 1 hour, 34 minutes and 36 seconds, competing against a field of 169 teams.
Bentham took on the opening leg, completing the course in 30 minutes and 39 seconds to put England sixth overall and first in the under-23 category.
Hobbs then produced an impressive second leg, recording a time of 30 minutes and 28 seconds.
His performance was the second-fastest on that leg of the race and the quickest among under-23 competitors.
The results also saw Hobbs finish first individually in the under-23 category, with Bentham finishing second.
The Trofeo Vanoni Relays are among Italy's best-known mountain running competitions, with athletes tackling steep climbs, technical descents and challenging terrain around the town of Morbegno.
The event attracts international competitors and provides an opportunity for emerging athletes to gain experience racing at a high level.
England team manager Chris Richards praised the performances and the experience gained by the runners.
He said:
“Racing at international level is a skill that requires practice.
"Giving our top U23 mountain runners the opportunity to develop and hone their craft in the incredible environment of Morbegno is invaluable.
“The whole community gets behind the organisation of this prestigious and historic race, exposing our athletes to a very high level of international competition and giving them a real feel for what it takes to be competitive.
“They can then take these experiences back into training and use them to help prepare for future international competition.”
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