Cambridge runner Bronwen Rees-Jones has been hard at work in England training in the woods around her aunt’s home in Shiplake, preparing for the World Mountain Running Championships this weekend.
Finishing the Waipā Fun Run 10km event, from left Tom Woutersen (Tamahere), Evan and Bronwen Rees-Jones (Cambridge).
The 18-year-old Cambridge High School student will compete as part of the New Zealand under 20 team at Spain’s Aragonese Pyrenees in Canfranc-Pirineos, near the French border.
The route features a steep climb and descent, 2.5 km of mountain trail switchbacks, sections of road, and a flat finish. She’s been exploring the altitude profiles – she will be competing at an altitude of 1500 metres.
An award-winning member of the Cambridge Athletics and Harrier Club and an orienteer, Rees-Jones took up mountain running earlier this year and has already won the national under-20 title.
Upon her selection, her coach and father Steve designed a six-week training block. He is a multiple national masters athletics champion and holder of a PhD in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science.
Additional coaching came from Cambridge physio Lauren Shelley, who previously represented Australia in the marathon at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Bronwen Rees-Jones’ training included sessions on the Kakepuku Summit Track, southwest of Te Awamutu, as well as hill intervals, gym-based strength training, and mid-distance runs of 7–8 km with her running club.
Her 2025 season has seen her notch up personal bests in the 400m – winning the Auckland champs at Mt Smart Stadium in the process – mile and five kilometres.
Bronwen Rees-Jones running through the woods near Shiplake in the United Kingdom in preparation for the world champs.
