Local endurance running coach Sam Ayers has just returned from Italy where she accompanied the Great Britain Squad to the World Ultra Trail Championships in Badia Pataglia.

The 46-year-old, who usually coaches in Cockermouth with BodyFit Cumbria, said: “This is both a great opportunity and honour to be able to represent Great Britain in a team manager/coach position.

“One of the main aspects of the role is to oversee the welfare of the athletes and to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible so that the athletes can just focus on their race.

“The race, held on Saturday 10th June, was a 50km course with 2,700m of ascent, through the wonderful scenery of Badia. Think Whinlatter Forest but on a huge scale.

“Logistically, it was a very challenging weekend but in the end, all difficulties were overcome and the athletes performed well.

“One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was the camaraderie between nations both during the race and at the closing ceremony.”

British athletes had mixed fortunes. The GB woman’s team finished just outside the medals in fourth place.

They were led home by a solid run from Jo Meek (Winchester) who finished in 17th place, in 5.31.33. She was backed up by an excellent run from GB debutant Katie Kaars-Sijpeststein (Leeds) 23rd, 5.37.58 and Helen Bonsor (Carnethy) 28th, 5.42.24.

Sally Fawcett (Dark Peak), finished 33rd, in 5.55.09 with Jo Zakrzewski (Dumfries) 6.31.07. Ju-lie Briscoe (Wakefield) had to drop out after badly twisting her ankle.

For the men, Kyle Greig (Metro Aberdeen) running his first GB vest was 26th overall in 4.55.49. Fellow debutant, Gareth Wyn Hughes (Mercia), 33rd in 5.00.17, Tom Payn,40th 5.05.16 and Math Roberts (Calderdale) 6.31.07.

The men’s team finished ninth in a very strong field.