Anna McGookin (17) from Castlerock in Co. Derry announced herself on the international mountain running stage today with a stunning bronze medal at the U18 International Mountain Running Cup in Donovaly, Slovakia. Representing Northern Ireland & Ulster, McGookin delivered a fearless performance on the gruelling 6km course, which featured over 500 metres of climbing, marking one of the best results in recent history for the team.
The event, which brought together top junior athletes from around the world, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious youth mountain running competitions on the calendar. For McGookin, who only started mountain running in March, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
“I am absolutely delighted with how the race went,” she said. “I really didn’t expect to come away with a bronze medal at world level. The course itself was definitely challenging, as it was an uphill-only race I definitely felt the burn, but I utilised the advice given by my NIMRA coaches, Phil and Nikki, on how to pick up the pace going up the steep hills. I was worried I’d gone out too fast, but I kept a determined mindset throughout.”
Anna’s journey to Slovakia has been as steep and swift as the racecourse itself. After taking up running with the Coleraine section of Ballymena and Antrim Athletics Club in February, she was encouraged by her coach, Alistair, to try mountain running. Just weeks later, she competed in her first hill trial in Tollymore Forest, a key selection race for the Northern Ireland & Ulster team.
She quickly caught attention with her natural ability and strong endurance, going on to represent Northern Ireland at the London Mini Marathon in April. But it was today in Slovakia that she truly announced herself as one to watch.
“This has absolutely been the most memorable race for me,” she said. “The whole atmosphere with all of the countries has been amazing and it’s so exciting to meet everyone. I’ve had so much fun with both my teammates and fellow competitors — it’s been a surreal experience and I’ve loved every minute.”
A Growing Pathway for Young Talent
Phil Hodge, the team manager for Northern Ireland & Ulster, praised Anna’s achievement and spoke about the expanding opportunities for junior mountain runners on the island.
“Mountain running in Northern Ireland and Ulster for junior athletes is led by NIMRA, with support from Athletics NI,” he explained. “We host a trial in March, just after the school cross-country season and before the track season. This year we had two trial races in Tollymore Forest, and from those we selected our 2025 squad.”
The U18 International, while not classified as a European or World Championship by World Athletics, provides a rare opportunity for Northern Ireland & Ulster to compete as a separate team from Athletics Ireland — something that gives young runners like Anna a valuable platform.
“After competing for NI & Ulster, athletes can then go on to trial for a place on the Irish or GB teams for the official World or European Mountain Running Championships,” Hodge added. “This year, the Worlds take place in Canfranc, Spain at the end of September.”
Closer to home, the British & Irish Championships in Wales this September will see U17 and U20 teams from across the UK and Ireland go head-to-head in classic up-and-down races, and Anna is likely to be among the favourites.
Her next opportunity to don an Irish vest will come on July 27th, when the trial for the Irish U20 team takes place in Wicklow.
