Eilish McColgan eyes record-equalling third victory as she confirms her return to the Vitality London 10,000
Already the fastest British woman in history over the 10K distance, McColgan heads to the capital fresh from the Great North Run on Sunday 7 September, where she finished third in a time of 69:42.
The 34-year-old, who is preparing for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in November, has won two of the last three editions of the Vitality London 10,000 and holds the female course record of 30:23, set in 2022. A win at this year’s event means she will equal the record of five-time Olympian Pavey, a winner of the event in 2011, 2015 and 2017.
Pavey will also be on the Start Line this year, although she will not be among those challenging at the front of the pack. The 51-year-old is an ambassador for Running at 40 Plus and will be joining around 20,000 people who are expected to take part in the sold-out event.
McColgan said: “I love racing the Vitality London 10,000 and have had some strong results in recent years, on what is a fast course with a great atmosphere. I am always motivated to run fast and win and to be able to equal the victories of a running icon such as Jo will act as an extra spur on the day.”
Pavey added: “Eilish is an amazing racer and ambassador for women’s running, and I wish her luck as she goes for a third win at the Vitality London 10,000 this year. I often say one of my fondest athletics memories is watching her win gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. I have had some wonderful memories on these roads and, while I won’t be challenging Eilish and the other fastest runners at the head of the field, I am very much looking forward to what is always a great day out.”
McColgan will be joined by a top-class women’s field that includes Jessica Warner-Judd, who is the third-fastest British woman in history over the 10K distance, behind only McColgan and Paula Radcliffe. Warner-Judd, who has represented Great Britain at three World Championships and the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, triumphed in the elite women’s race at The Big Half on Sunday 7 September and is also preparing for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon.
Other athletes confirmed are Alexandra Bell, an 800m British Olympian from Tokyo 2021, who will continue her switch from track to road racing by making her Vitality London 10,000 debut, and Lily Partridge who won the 2016 edition of the Vitality London 10,000.