Scottish long-distance star Eilish McColgan has set her sights on a triumphant return to competitive racing, announcing her intention to conquer the 2025 Great North Run after a gruelling two-year battle with injury.
The Commonwealth Games champion has endured a heartbreaking period on the sidelines, battling a persistent knee injury that required multiple procedures and forced her to miss major championships, including the Paris Olympics.
A Journey of Resilience and Determination
In an emotional announcement, McColgan revealed the physical and mental challenges she has faced since her last competitive race in 2022. "It's been the most difficult two years of my career," the 33-year-old confessed, highlighting the extensive rehabilitation process that has tested her resolve.
McColgan's connection to the iconic North East half marathon runs deep. Her mother, legendary athlete Liz McColgan, won the event three times, creating a powerful family legacy that Eilish is determined to honour.
The Road to Recovery
The path back to fitness has been anything but straightforward:
- Multiple surgical procedures on her knee
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programme
- Gradual return to training with careful management
- Psychological support to maintain competitive mindset
McColgan remains optimistic about her comeback: "I'm finally building back up slowly. The Great North Run has always been special to me and my family - it feels like the perfect goal to work towards."
Looking Ahead to 2025
While acknowledging the long road ahead, McColgan has targeted the September 2025 event as her competitive return. The announcement has generated excitement among British athletics fans, who have followed her career since she burst onto the scene following in her mother's footsteps.
The Great North Run, established in 1981, remains Britain's most popular mass participation running event, attracting world-class athletes and recreational runners alike to the streets of Newcastle and South Shields.
