Sarah sets new Scottish Record and wins silver medal

Saturday 2nd August 2025

Photo: Getty Images for British Athletics

Sarah Tait landed a Scottish Record as she took silver in the UK Champs in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase.

The Lasswade AC athlete, who has performed so well this season, clocked 9:25.17 for a new PB and to improve her own recent new Record (9:27.80.)

Elise Thorner took the win but needed a Championship Record – at 9:22.05 – to shake off the determined Scot over the closing lap.

It made it four medals for Scottish athletes on a good day at the Alexander Stadium.

‘I wasn’t expecting it to be so fast today, but I came in wanting to race and wanting to win, so it suited me,’ said Sarah.

‘I am a little bit gutted that I didn’t quite reach the World Champs standard despite the PB. I was feeling good all the way round and I just kept saying to myself to stay in the race. I did hit the barrier once and knocked my knee but recovered well.

‘I have been racing Elise since we were little, so it is great for the sport that she has made it. My big goal of course is Glasgow for a home Commonwealth Games next year. That is keeping me going.’

As Sarah was speaking in the media zone, Edinburgh AC’s Eloise Walker was close to the medals in the Women’s 5000m.

The Scot had to settle for sixth place in 15:52.99. A couple of places further back was Phoebe Anderson.

The 1500m finals are replete with expectancy for Sunday afternoon.

Four Scots will contest the Women’s after strong runs in the heats on Saturday.

Erin Wallace and Sarah Calvert took second and third in their heat with Laura Muir comfortable just behind as the top four took automatic qualification. Beth Ansell benefited from being in that race and made it, too, at 4:24.16.

Neil Gourley was safe enough in his heat and Cameron Boyek was the other Scot to progress, from the first race.