Eilish McColgan is eager to mirror her mother’s success by claiming victory in the upcoming Great North Run on Sunday. Despite narrowly missing out twice before, the Scottish athlete is determined to triumph this time amidst a field of 60,000 other participants.
In the previous edition of the race, McColgan was edged out in a thrilling sprint finish. However, she is optimistic about her chances in the upcoming half marathon stretching from Newcastle to South Shields.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, McColgan expressed her admiration for the race, highlighting her family’s history of success at the Great North Run. Despite coming close in the past, she remains focused on securing a win while acknowledging the formidable competition.
Having previously won Commonwealth 10,000m gold, the 34-year-old athlete has faced setbacks due to injuries in recent years. Nonetheless, she made a successful marathon debut in London in April, setting a new Scottish record previously held by her mother.
Looking ahead, McColgan views the Great North Run as vital preparation for her upcoming marathon in New York scheduled for November. She emphasized the importance of completing a marathon to boost her confidence and overcome any mental barriers that may have hindered her progress.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the lost time in her career, McColgan remains optimistic about her future prospects. She sees the upcoming years as an opportunity to make up for the setbacks and push forward with renewed determination.
In the elite men’s race, Marc Scott leads the British contingent as he aims to replicate his success from the previous year. However, he faces tough competition from defending champion Abel Kipchumba, Alex Mutiso Munyao, and Bashir Abdi.
As a Science in Sport Ambassador, McColgan is supported by SiS, the Official Nutrition Partner of the AJ Bell Great North Run. Athletes can try the BETA Fuel Energy gels, such as those used by McColgan, for optimal performance.