The stage was set for the Long Trail Race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships on Friday (9) with British teams in action in Innsbruck-Stubai, Austria.

Thomas Joly De Lotbiniere (self-coached) was the first Briton across the line in the men’s race, earning 11^th place in a time of 10 hours 22 minutes and 39 seconds.

Harry Jones (Martin Cox, Mynydd Du) was the next finisher for GB & NI in 11:52:42 on a gruelling day in the Austrian mountains. George Foster (Martin Cox, Matlock) retired from the race after completing 41.9km of the race.

After his 11^th place finish, Joly De Lotbiniere said, “An incredible experience to race in what is the greatest depth of athletes ever assembled in ultra trail running. It started incredibly fast, and I dropped back to 25th position, but kept working, moving up to 8th as the heat cooked off those ahead. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite hold on to top 10, but finishing as top Brit in 11th overall, and just 7 mins to 5th place, is my greatest race achievement to date.”

The women’s team finished sixth overall after a strong showing from the GB & NI athletes.

Fiona Pascall (Martin Cox) was the top finisher for the team in 18^th place, coming through in a time of 12:25:54.

Next to reach the finish line for the British team was Jasmin Paris (Damien Hall, Carnethy HRC) who completed the tough course in 13:05:15, while Julia Davis (Robbie Britton, Newquay RR) was just over half an hour further back in 13:38:17 in 41^st place. Meryl Cooper (David Roche, Deeside Runners) retired from the race after completing 60km of the course.

France won the women’s team gold – their team included individual champion Marion Delespierre in 11:22:31 – with Germany and Italy taking silver and bronze.

Results