Eilish McColgan runs 30:07 at Valencia Ibercacha to reclaim her European 10km record; The British runner held the record time for more than three years before Belgium’s Jana Van Lent was faster on January 4; McColgan says: ‘I’d love to come back and try running under 30’
Last updated: 11/01/26 14:06
Britain’s Eilish McColgan is again the European record holder in the 10 km for women
Britain’s Eilish McColgan has reclaimed the European women’s 10km record – a week after it was stolen from her by Belgium’s Jana Van Lent.
McColgan took three seconds off Van Lent in 30 minutes and seven seconds at Valencia Ibercaha.
The 35-year-old held the record time for the distance for more than three years after running 30:19 at Manchester 2022, only for Van Lent to eclipse that by nine seconds in Nice on January 4.
After reclaiming top spot, McColgan told European Athletics: “I’m really proud of myself.
“Crossing the finish line I was a bit emotional because it’s been a very long three years to get back to this level. It’s a really special race to take part in.”
McColgan is eyeing a sub-30 10km in the future
“I don’t know how I got to this age and I’ve never played for Valencia before. I’d like to come back and try the under-30s.
“I’d also like to get back into the half marathon and maybe even a marathon one day?”
The world record for a woman at 10 km is Agnes Ngetich’s run of 28:46 in Valencia in 2024.
McColgan’s track medals include gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
She has also won three medals at the European Championships, with two silvers and a bronze at the 2018 Berlin and 2022 Munich events.