Eilish McColgan made a triumphal return to the streets of London to win the elite women's race in 1:09:14 at The Big Half 2024, regaining the title she last won in 2022. The Dundee Hawkhill Harrier was pushed hard throughout by the long-time leader Calli Hauger-Thackery (Hallamshire Harriers, 1:09:35).

Both Paris Olympians gained selection for the European Running Championships Half Marathon in April 2025 in Belgium. Hauger-Thackery bounced back from the disappointment of dropping out of the Olympic Games Marathon in Paris, shortly after hearing the devastating news of her mum's cancer diagnosis. Lucy Reid, of Tonbridge AC, was third in 1:13:31.

Jack Rowe (Aldershot, Farnham and District AC) successfully defended his Big Half men's title with a dominant performance. He broke clear after three miles to claim the victory in 1:02:35. Rowe missed the qualifying time for the European Half Marathon by five seconds. Jake Smith (Pontypridd Roadents, 1:04:07) and Weynay Ghebresilasie (Shettlestone Harriers, 1:04:31) completed the men's podium.

More than 16,000 participants united in a show of collective spirit as The Big Half 2024 highlighted the communities of the boroughs it runs through – Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Southwark, and Greenwich – celebrating the event's seventh edition.

Hugh Brasher, The Big Half Event Lead, said: “The Big Half has always been a celebration of the vibrant diversity of our capital city, and it has been wonderful to see this on display today. The event is about bringing people together and we've seen more than 16,000 people cross the finish line on what has been a fantastic sunny day in London. The sense of community spirit is a really special part of The Big Half and it's been a joy to see the unity of London's communities shine through today.”

Among the famous faces taking part was Dame Kelly Holmes, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her historic double gold medal-winning success at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Dame Kelly said: “It was a great event and I can understand why so many people love doing it. I felt the community vibe, I could see it on the course and feel it from the roadside. People run together and encourage each other and there is so much colour all around."

For more information visit The Big Half website here.

For results of The Big Half visit the runABC race listing here.

Photo: The Big Half start 2024 courtesy of London Marathon Events Media