Ilkley Harriers athletes help England U23 Team shine at iconic Italian mountain relay

Sam Bentham and Ed Hobbs with their team-mates [Photo: duncan.richards]

Sam Bentham and Edward Hobbs represent England Athletics at the prestigious Trofeo Vanoni Relays in Italy, with both finishing first in the U23 category on their respective legs.

Ilkley Harriers athletes Sam Bentham and Edward Hobbs helped England’s Under-23 team secure an impressive fourth-place finish at one of Italy’s most iconic international mountain running events.

The pair represented England Athletics at the Trofeo Vanoni Relays on Sunday 25 October, taking on a highly competitive field of 169 teams in the historic mountain relay race held in Morbegno, northern Italy.

Bentham took on the opening leg, delivering an outstanding performance to bring the England team home in sixth place and first in the U23 category, recording a time of 30:39.

Hobbs continued the momentum on the second leg, producing an exceptional run to record the second-fastest split on his leg in 30:28, also finishing first in the U23 category.

Both Ilkley Harriers athletes therefore topped their age category on their respective legs, the duo helped secure a fantastic fourth place overall, with the team recording a combined time of 1:34:36.

Trofeo Vanoni Relays [Photo: England Athletics]

Chris Richards, Team Manager; “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. Just as important are the friendships forged within the team and with athletes from across the world. Watching those relationships develop has been a real highlight, and everyone will take away incredibly fond memories from this year’s edition of the Trofeo Vanoni Mountain Relay."

The Trofeo Vanoni Relays is renowned for its rich history, challenging course and the passionate support of the local community, bringing together athletes from across the world for a celebration of international mountain running.

Futher details of the Trofeo Vanoni Relays and results can be found on the England Athletics website.