This year’s London Marathon was already a mouth-watering prospect: runners confirmed in the women’s race include world record holder Brigit Kosgei (2:14:04), last year’s winner Joyciline Jepkosgei and British athletes, including the fourth fastest British marathoner of all time Charlotte Purdue, Steph Twell, Rose Harvey and Samantha Harrison.
Now Eilish McColgan has announced that she will be joining the elite field for her first ever marathon, making the race even more of a must-see event.
McColgan has had a huge 2022 so far, smashing the Scottish 10,000m record in June with a time of 30:19:02, as well as setting a British and European 10,000m record at the Great Manchester Run in May. She has also set a British record over 5K, and in February broke Paula Radcliffe’s half-marathon record, running 1:06:26 at Ras Al Khaimah.
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This year will mark 26 years since Eilish’s mum (and coach), Liz, won the 1996 London Marathon in 2:27:54.
The marathon will arrive after a busy summer for the 31-year-old Scot, who is set to run the 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships.
‘I’m so excited to finally be taking part in the TCS London Marathon,’ said Eilish. ‘I’ve been looking forward and planning the step up to the marathon distance over the past number of years and this year’s London Marathon comes at the perfect time after a busy summer on the track.
‘Obviously, the London Marathon holds a very special place in the heart of my family with my mum’s win in 1996. I don’t actually remember the race myself, but I’ve seen the finish many times down the years. I’m now looking forward to experiencing it for myself.’
