Eilish McColgan, the 2022 Commonwealth 10,000m champion, is set to make her marathon debut at the London Marathon. While her primary goal is to complete the race without mishaps, she harbors ambitious targets, including breaking the Scottish record and surpassing her mother Liz McColgan’s personal best of 2:26:52.

A Legacy to Uphold

Liz McColgan, a marathon legend, won the London Marathon in 1996 and secured second place in 1997 and 1998. Her career-best time in 1997 remains a family benchmark. Eilish, coached by her mother, acknowledges the pressure but embraces the challenge.

Training and Strategy

Eilish’s training approach differs significantly from her mother’s high-mileage regimen. She focuses on lower mileage but emphasizes quality and consistency. Her mother’s advice? "Keep a lid on it in the first half." The real race, she says, begins after 30-40 kilometers.

Goals and Expectations

While Eilish has "loose goals," including breaking her mother’s record and setting a new Scottish record, she remains pragmatic. "If I have a good day, it will happen," she says. Her debut is seen as a springboard for future global performances.

Looking Ahead

Beyond London, Eilish eyes the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Although the marathon is excluded, she considers returning to the track for the 10,000m. For now, her focus remains on marathons and road racing.

The London Marathon Experience

Eilish is thrilled to share the starting line with some of the fastest women in history. She aims to enjoy the atmosphere, learn from the experience, and build a foundation for future success.

Related Topics

• Athletics: Eilish’s journey from track to marathon.
• Marathon Training: Insights into her unique approach.
• Family Legacy: The McColgan family’s impact on Scottish athletics.