Eilish McColgan, the reigning Commonwealth 10,000m champion, has reclaimed the European women’s 10km road running record in a stunning performance at the Valencia Ibercaja race. This achievement comes just seven days after her previous record was surpassed, proving her resilience and dominance in long-distance running.

McColgan Breaks European 10km Record

The 35-year-old British distance runner completed the women’s 10km race in 30 minutes and 7 seconds, surpassing Belgian runner Jana van Lent’s record by three seconds. McColgan finished eighth overall in the highly competitive race but made history by reclaiming the European record.

McColgan originally held the record for over three years after running 30:19 in Manchester in 2022. However, on 4 January 2026, Van Lent set a new European benchmark of 30:10 in Nice, temporarily taking the record from the Scottish athlete. McColgan’s triumphant return demonstrates her determination and ability to perform at the highest level after setbacks, including a significant knee surgery that challenged her career.

“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,” McColgan said. Her statement reflects the dedication and perseverance required to compete at elite levels of distance running.

Historical Context of the European 10km Record

Before McColgan’s reign, Paula Radcliffe held the European 10km record for nearly two decades, running 30:21 in Puerto Rico in 2003. McColgan’s and Radcliffe’s performances highlight the exceptional talent within British long-distance running and the evolution of women’s competitive road racing.

International Competition in Valencia

Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir won the Valencia women’s race in a remarkable 29:26, showcasing the international standard of the event. Valencia has become a hotspot for world-class long-distance running, attracting elite athletes aiming to challenge both European and world records.

In the men’s race, Sweden’s Andreas Almgren set a new European men’s 10km record of 26:43, beating his own previous record on the same course by nine seconds. British runners also made their mark: Joe Wigfield equalled the British men’s record of 27:38, matching Rory Leonard’s performance from last year, while Andy Butchart set a new Scottish record of 27:43, surpassing Callum Hawkins’ 2020 time by 19 seconds.

Valencia has also been the site of recent world record performances, with Joshua Cheptegei running 26:38 for men and Agnes Ngetich clocking 28:46 for women, cementing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for record-breaking performances in road running.

McColgan’s Road to Recovery

Eilish McColgan’s record-breaking run is even more remarkable considering her recovery from knee surgery. Her journey back to elite form highlights not only physical strength but also mental resilience, making her one of Europe’s most inspiring distance runners.

The Valencia Ibercaja race continues to be a benchmark event for athletes worldwide, combining competitive racing conditions with a fast course that consistently produces record-breaking 10km performances.