HANOVER — In August, Lila Marchetti, now a freshman at Hanover High School, competed in the Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Fonte Cerreto, Italy, and had a solid showing, with her best finish being seventh (01:19:23) in the Youth A female category for the SkyRace.
“I was very pleasantly surprised by how well I did,” Lila said. “I think all the work I did really paid off, and I’m very happy with my result.”
Earlier this summer, Ryan Kerrigan, the head coach of the U.S. Youth Skyrunning team, told the Valley News that the sport of skyrunning combines trail running and mountaineering and described it as “the toughest thing you can do on two legs.”
As part of the SkyRace, Lila, 14, traveled about six miles and also completed an almost 2,800-foot climb in the process.
“Lila had excellent results, especially for a novice (racer). She will be a valuable asset to the team in 2026. She is now a road-tested warrior,” said assistant U.S. Youth Skyrunning coach John Kerrigan.
After competing alongside some of the world’s top 15 and 16-year-old athletes, Lila plans to continue pursuing skyrunning. “Next year, we’re not sure where (the world championships are) going to be yet, but hopefully I’ll be there,” she said.
The U.S. finished seventh overall at the event, which featured nearly 30 countries.