- Liz, Eilish McColgan's champion mother, won the London Marathon in 1996
- Now the Scot will finally get the chance to run the race herself this year.
Eilish McColgan will make her long-awaited London Marathon debut in April, almost 30 years after her mother Liz won the event.
McColgan was due to take part in the iconic race for the first time in 2023, but withdrew two days early due to a knee injury.
The Scot, who competed in the 10,000 meters at the Paris Olympics last summer, has yet to surpass the 42 kilometer distance.
But the 34-year-old will now run a marathon for the first time in London on April 27 in a field that also includes champion Peres Jepchirchir, Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hasan and world record holder Ruth Chepngetich.
“I'm really looking forward to making my London Marathon debut this year,” said McColgan, who was five when he saw his mother win on the streets of the capital in 1996.
'After a difficult 12 months of injury, I'm excited to finally get on track and start the next chapter of my career on the roads.
Eilish McColgan will finally make her London Marathon debut this year after a knee injury ruled her out of 2023
His mother Liz (right), a former winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, triumphed in the marathon in 1996.
Her daughter Eilish is an accomplished long-distance runner, but she has yet to run more than 26 miles.
“I've always had incredible support on the streets of London when competing in the 10km and half marathon events, so I can't wait to experience what the full atmosphere of the TCS London Marathon has in store for me.”
McColgan's withdrawal from the 2023 event sparked controversy after she also revealed how race organizers had threatened to ban her from competing due to a sponsorship conflict.
The Commonwealth 10,000m champion wanted to wear the logo of her sponsor, Science in Sport, on her vest, but London Marathon bosses wouldn't let her because the nutrition brand was a competitor to Lucozade Sport, the official sports drink. of the race.
McColgan said the stress caused by the disagreement was a factor in her injuring her knee, which ended up requiring surgery in late 2023 before returning to competition in May 2024.
Mail Sport understands, however, that McColgan and the London Marathon have since resolved their differences, although both maintain agreements with the same rival sponsors.
In the men's London Marathon, Emile Cairess will lead the British challenge after his impressive third place last year.
The 27-year-old also came fourth at the Paris Olympics, the best result by a Briton in the marathon since 2004.
Cairess is now looking at the British record of Mo Farah, who moved second on the all-time list with his run of 2 hours, 6 minutes and 46 seconds in London.
Emile Cairess will lead the British challenge and believes his hard work has paid off.
“I had a great year in 2024 with some really positive results,” said the Bradford-born star. 'My races at the TCS London Marathon and the Paris Olympics were really satisfying and show that hard work is paying off.
'I love running the TCS London Marathon because it brings together the best athletes in the world. I want to compete with these guys on the big occasions and London gives me that opportunity.
'I already have three marathons experience and I'm still learning about the event, which makes me feel even more excited and positive for the future.
“I'm looking forward to a good block of training and seeing what I can do on April 27.”
Great Britain's Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee will make his marathon debut in London, with defending champion Alex Mutiso and Olympic gold medalist Tamirat Tola also confirmed to race.