Exeter runner makes European cross-country history with third gold medal

An Exeter-based student who only took up competitive running three years ago has made history on the European stage, securing her third consecutive gold medal at the European Cross-Country Championships.

Innes Fitzgerald, 19, won the women’s under-20 4.5km race in Lagoa, Portugal on Sunday, finishing in 14 minutes 35 seconds. 

Her winning margin of 32 seconds is the largest ever recorded in the history of the women’s under-20 event.

For Innes, who studies Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Exeter, the latest victory marks another milestone in a rapid rise that has taken her from local running routes in Devon to the top of European junior athletics.

Originally from Beer in East Devon, Innes began running just three years ago and is coached by former Olympians Jo and Gavin Pavey. 

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Since then, she has steadily progressed through the ranks, becoming one of the most talked-about young distance runners in the UK.

Commenting on this, Innes said: “I love cross-country. To come away from another European Cross with gold is truly incredible.” 

“It’s one of my favourite events on the calendar, so I can’t wait to see what the under-23 age group has in store next year.”

Her European success caps a standout year in which she was named British Under-20 Female Athlete of the Year by Athletics Weekly. 

Earlier in the season, she set a new European under-20 indoor record over 3,000m at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting in Ostrava, clocking 8:40.05 and breaking long-standing European and British records in the process.

She has also impressed on the road, winning the elite women’s race at the Bristol Track Club 5km with a time of 15:08.

Alongside her performances on the track, Innes has attracted attention for her commitment to reducing her environmental impact, choosing greener travel options and, in some cases, turning down competitions to limit her carbon footprint. 

Her stance has earned national headlines and the nickname “the Greta Thunberg of sport” in parts of the national press.

Balancing elite sport with academic life remains a challenge, but Innes says studying in Exeter has helped her understand her own development as an athlete.

“It’s always tricky balancing academic work and training,” she said. 

“But the University of Exeter has been amazing at helping me fit everything in. Bouncing between lectures and track sessions, I’ve loved learning the science behind the sport.”

Professor Richard Holland, Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School, said the university was proud to support her progress: “Innes is achieving extraordinary things at such a young age while studying here in Exeter.” 

“She’s aligning her passion for running with her academic work, and her values reflect our own commitment to a healthier and more sustainable future.”

Despite her growing profile, Innes plans a low-key Christmas at home in Devon, including a Christmas Day Parkrun with her father. 

Training will continue through the winter, with her sights already set on the next stage of her career.

Looking ahead to 2026, she added: “All eyes are on summer. With two home championships coming up, qualifying to compete in front of a home crowd would be something really special.”