Eilish McColgan aiming to defend Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow

Eilish McColgan is aiming to defend her Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow this summer.

The Scot memorably won gold in the women’s 10,000m at Birmingham 2022 but has since shifted her focus from the track to the road and came seventh and top Brit at last month’s London Marathon.

However, the prospect of competing in front of a home crowd has tempted McColgan to make a push to be on the starting line at Scotstoun come the summer.

She said: “If these Games were being held in Australia or anywhere else around the Commonwealth then I would not be thinking about it.

“The only reason I am trying to make it happen is because Scotland are the host nation.

“At the moment I don’t know how feasible that could be or how realistic that is. Road running is now my thing; that is my job. Track running is no longer a job for me.

“So, with it being in Glasgow, there is that big emotional pull to represent Team Scotland and to race at Scotstoun.

“There is that nostalgia angle of wanting to compete again at a home Commonwealth Games like we did in 2014.

“If I am there then great – that would be amazing. I will give it my best shot. But if not then so be it.

“I really would not have even tried to make the Games if it was anywhere other than Scotland.”

McColgan was speaking during a Q and A webinar for Athletics Trust Scotland.

Meanwhile Megan Keith, tenth in the World Championships last summer, is already selected for the women’s 10,000m at the Games – with the full team selection to be confirmed mid-June.

Speaking on the prospects of the home hopefuls, McColgan said: “Team Scotland look really strong in athletics.

“If you look at the men’s mile event then I think we could fill the whole race with fast Scottish 1,500m runners. It is pretty incredible.

“There’s Megan (Keith) in the 10,000m and you still have Laura (Muir) and Jemma (Reekie) knocking about. I am fully expecting strong Scottish performances and athletes chasing medals.

“It won’t be make-or-break by me being there or not being there. But I will try my absolute best to make it happen.”

The Commonwealth Games run from July 23 to August 2, 2026.