by Ricky Quintana

Canfanc-Pirineos, Spain -  The USA men’s and women’s U20 teams took fifth place at the Third World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) U20 8K Championships Sunday, morning. The teams were led by two high schoolers: Asher Oates (Independence, Thompson Station, TN) finished seventh in 35:11 and Sophia Rodriguez (Mercer Island, WA) finished 14th in 41:45.

In the women’s race, the pace was quick as Uganda’s Felister Chekwemoi and Nancy Chepkwuri darted out on the paved roads leading up the incline portion of the course. Rodriguez was 1:25 behind the leaders at the 3.8K checkpoint. As the runner descended, Germany’s Julia Ehrle made up the 13 second deficit and flew by the Uganda pair to win by 42 seconds. Her winning time was 36:38. 

Rodriguez was followed by Sierra Wall in 22nd 40:47, Ruby Ihmels (Century, Bismarck, ND) in 25th 41:14, and Abby Stone in 38th 43:09.

Uganda won with 14 points, Italy with 35 and Spain 40 to earn the podium spots. Team USA scored 60 points equaling their performance at the ‘23 edition.

In the men’s race, the Ugandans used the same tactics, scorching the paved portion to reach the trail first. This time they did not relinquish the lead taking the top three spots:  first Titus Musau, 33:09, second Enos Chebet 33.26 and third Barham Cherotich 33:32.

Oates took a different approach. He was in 18th place at the head of the trail, but by six minutes, he had moved into sixth place. Cadel Ruthven(Fort Collins, CO) also made headway on the ascent as he moved into eighth place.

Following Oates was Ruthven in ninth place 35:35, Noah McMahan 19th 36:34, and Ezekiel Wilcox in 38th  37:34.

Great Britain & NI finished second 29 points, Switzerland third 34 points, Italy fourth 35 points and USA fifth 35 points. USA’s performance equaled their placing at the ‘23 edition.

A replay of both races can be found HERE.

U20 Men’s Classic Results
U20 Women’s Classic Results