Eilish new British mark for 15k . . . after four awards in four days

Monday 21st November 2022

Eilish celebrates that memorable 10,000m Commonwealth gold moment in Birmingham (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Eilish McColgan pulled on her running shoes once again after a hectic off-season break – and duly claimed a British Record for 15k in Holland.

The Commonwealth champion picked up no fewer than four major accolades at a series of Awards ceremonies last week.

But on Sunday it was back to business in the Seven Hills race in Nijmegan in Holland over the 15k distance and Eilish came up with a strong run to clock 47:40. It’s been reported mum Liz held the Record at 47:43.

There are a couple of other times from point to point courses but these are not accepted for Record purposes (Eilish herself has run quicker on a point to point course).

‘Not my finest race, but after a VERY hectic week and only a couple weeks of training in the legs – I shouldn’t complain too much!’ posted Eilish.

‘Set off a little too conservative and left myself a lot of work to do, but I was worried about the hills! It isn’t called The 7 Hills Race for nothing.

‘I was nearly one minute down at 10km, but happy to have finished strongly over the final 5k – clocking some sub three minute efforts.’

Eilish in action in Holland (photo by David Donnet)

On Saturday night, the British Athletics Supporters Club had named Eilish as their ‘Athlete of the Year’ after a poll of their members.

Jake Wightman and Laura Muir were also on the short-list but Eilish added that title to those won previously from Scottish Women in Sport (Friday); The Sunday Times (Thursday) and BT Sport (Wednesday).

‘It’s been a really crazy time with four awards in a week,’ said Eilish.

‘Big thank to the British Athletics Supporters Club for all the votes and for the support you give to athletes.’

ICYMI our members voted Eilish McColgan as their Athlete of the Year after stunning 5000m and 10,000m runs at World, Commonwealth and European Championships, including Commonwealth Games gold, double medals at CWG & Euros.
CONGRATULATIONS EILISH!!!!!!

Photo: @AthleticsImages pic.twitter.com/f64V3K3Lol

— British Athletics Supporters Club (@BASCSupporters) November 20, 2022