Scottish athlete Eilish McColgan will be making her long-awaited London Marathon debut, marking a major transition from track to road racing.
Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan has announced her long-awaited debut at the London Marathon, an iconic race that will see her take on the 42 kilometres challenge for the first time.
The 34-year-old Scottish athlete, who has built a stellar reputation on the track and in shorter road races, is poised to make the leap into marathon running later this year.
McColgan’s journey to this moment has been far from smooth, with injuries derailing her initial plans to participate in the 2023 edition of the London Marathon.
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After undergoing knee surgery earlier this year, her ability to compete remained uncertain until recent weeks.
Reflecting on this turbulent period, McColgan expressed her excitement for this new chapter in her career.
“I’m really looking forward to making my marathon debut in London this year,” said McColgan in an interview with BBC.
“After a tough 12 months of injury, I’m excited to finally toe the line and start the next chapter of my career on the roads. I’ve always had such incredible support on the streets of London when racing over the 10km and half marathon events, so I can’t wait to experience what the full London Marathon atmosphere has in store.”
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Her connection to the event runs deep, with her mother, Liz McColgan, famously winning the London Marathon in 1996.
The family legacy adds a layer of significance to Eilish’s debut, as she aims to follow in her mother’s footsteps while carving out her own unique path in distance running.
The move to marathon racing comes after McColgan’s decision to step away from track competition last year, following a challenging campaign at the Paris Olympics.
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The four-time Olympian, who made history as the first Scottish track and field athlete to compete in four Games, struggled to find her stride in the 10,000m final, finishing 15th with a time of 31:20.51 — far below her personal best.
Her disappointing result in Paris and subsequent surgery underscored the need for a fresh start. For McColgan, marathon running presents an opportunity to channel her talent into a new discipline and rediscover her competitive edge.
“The last year has been a real test of resilience,” McColgan admitted.
“Switching to longer distances and varied courses is a new challenge I’m embracing wholeheartedly. The marathon is such a different test of endurance, and it’s given me fresh motivation.”
The London Marathon, renowned for its electric atmosphere and challenging course, represents an ideal stage for McColgan to make her marathon debut.
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Having already found success in road racing, including Commonwealth and European medals and strong performances in 10km and half marathon events, McColgan has proven her ability to adapt to new challenges.
Her participation also highlights the increasing trend of elite track athletes transitioning to road racing, where the extended distances and tactical demands offer a different kind of test.
McColgan’s journey into marathon running is being closely watched by fans and experts alike, with many eager to see how her training and track pedigree translate to the iconic 42kilometres distance.
