Running News Daily

Eilish McColgan lit up the roads of Nijmegen on Sunday Nov 16 with a performance that redefines her comeback story. Racing the historic Zevenheuvelenloop 15K, the Scottish star clocked a stunning 47:12, breaking the British national record and finishing fourth overall.

Her time erased the previous British mark of 47:24, set earlier this year by Calli Hauger-Thackery, and moves McColgan to No. 2 on the European all-time list, behind only Lornah Kiplagat’s 46:59 from 2007.

McColgan ran aggressively from the gun, navigating the rolling hills—“Zevenheuvelenloop” literally means “Seven Hills Run”—and holding pace with the world-class lead pack before surging home for the fastest 15K of her career.

 Top Women – Zevenheuvelenloop 15K (2025)

1. Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) – 46:53

2. Jane Chelangat (KEN) – 46:59

3. Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) – 47:09

4. Eilish McColgan (GBR) – 47:12 (British Record)

McColgan finished just three seconds behind Hauger-Thackery and only 19 seconds behind the winner—an incredibly tight margin at this level.

 lTop Men – Zevenheuvelenloop 15K (2025)

1. Selemon Barega (ETH) – 41:35

2. Bernard Kimeli (KEN) – 41:52

3. Birhanu Balew (BRN) – 42:10

The men’s race was fast from the start, with Olympic champion Selemon Barega controlling the front and closing with authority.

A Statement from McColgan

For McColgan, who has endured a difficult stretch of injuries and recovery over the past two seasons, this run marks one of her finest road performances. It signals she is back in top form heading into what promises to be a compelling 2026 season.