Less than a month remains until the grand finale of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, and the Mourne Skyline marked the fourth and penultimate race before the regular circuit concludes.
For the first time, the MSWS arrived in Northern Ireland, specifically in the town of Newcastle, in the district of Newry, Mourne and Down, on the southeastern coast of the country, close to the Irish Sea.
The Mourne Mountains, designated as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” provided a stunning backdrop for the event. The course touches the famous Mourne Wall, which stretches over 22 miles and boasts more than 100 years of history. A true spectacle of rugged peaks and green meadows, ideal for nature and outdoor lovers—especially those who enjoy cold, rain, and mud, which are typical this time of year.
One weekend, three races, pure Fell Running:
- Mourne Skyultra®: 50 km / +3.500 m
- Mourne Skyline®: 35 km / +2.700 m (MSWS)
- Mourne Skytrail: 20 km / +1.300 m (U23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero)
The 35 km Mourne Skyline course was tough: steep climbs, rocky descents, and harsh autumn weather with wind and fog. Iconic peaks like Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Meelmore, and Slieve Donard challenged the runners.
Initially, it seemed that local athletes, familiar with the terrain and conditions, would lead the race. However, it was the Spanish armada that dominated from start to finish: Manu Merillas claimed his first victory of the season, and Naiara Irigoyen her third—both setting new course records.
Men’s Race
Manuel Merillas (ESP/New Balance) knew he needed a win to stay in contention for the Skymasters overall title. He set a strong pace from the start. At the first checkpoint, he was already leading by 30 seconds over Jackson Cole (NZE/La Sportiva), Gontzal Murgoitio (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa), and Alain Santamaria (ESP/Open Team). Before reaching the only aid station at km 21, that group took a wrong turn, losing sight of Merillas. Despite pushing hard, they were overtaken by Oier Zubeldia (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa) and Damien Humbert (FRA/New Balance), who finished second and third behind an unstoppable Merillas—who recently claimed silver at the World Championships in Canfranc.
Alain and Gontzal finished 4th and 5th. The top 10 was completed by Hodei Samaniego (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa), Dimas Pereira (ESP/Asics), Jackson Cole, Jakob Adkin (GBR/New Balance), and Harry Bolton (GBR/Keswick AC).
Women’s Race
Marta Martínez Abellán (ESP/La Sportiva) and Naiara Irigoyen (ESP/Open Team) started strong. Marta led at the first checkpoint, closely followed by Naiara, who took the lead before the first climb and never looked back, crossing the finish line solo. Marta held onto second place, with British runner Natalie Beadle (GBR/Belgrave) completing the podium.
The top 5 also included Iris Pessey (FRA/Scott) and Kirsty Oldham (GBR). Behind them, the top 10 featured athletes fighting for a spot at the Skymasters: Ainhoa Garikano (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa), Tanja Loewenhagen (GER/Dynafit), already qualified, Irune Vélez de Mendizabal (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa), Lina El Kott (SWE/Merrell), now qualified after completing four races), and Robin Vieira (USA).
Overall standings with three races to go:
U23: Last race before the Sobrescobio Redes Trail final
In the U23 category, Spanish dominance continued.
In the men’s race, Ibai Larrea (ESP/Euskal Selekzioa) won after a tight finish, just three seconds ahead of Tom Spencer (GBR/Innov8). Finlay Grant (GBR/Scarpa) took third.
In the women’s race, Claudia Corral (ESP/Scarpa) led from start to finish, arriving ten minutes ahead of Carro Cabestre (ESP/Open Team), who has recovered from injury and looks strong for the final. Louise Mitchell (GBR) completed the podium.
Current U23 top 3 standings:
- Men: Fernando Huamanmi (MEX/Adidas Terrex), Marcos Villamuera (ESP/Scarpa), Tom Spencer (GBR/Innov8)
- Women: Carro Cabestre (ESP/Open Team), Claudia Corral (ESP/Scarpa), Nikola Matkova (SVK)
Next Stop: Climbathon
The circuit returns to Malaysia for the second time in 2025, this time to conquer the legendary Mount Kinabalu. After last appearing in the Skyrunner World Series in 2010, the race returns in an out-and-back format—up and down the same trail.
