Women's race
Eilish McColgan, winner (01:09:14)
“The main goal was to win. There was a mental block for me, coming off the back of an injury and knee surgery, I’ve had to run with pain so to get around the distance and know the knee is OK now, I can stop panicking and move on. Today was a big mental block, and to win was a huge goal.
"It’s tough mentally coming to a race when you know you are not in PB form but I’m proud to show up when I’m not 100%. The last thing I want to do is go into training for another five or six months and wait for that one amazing day. It’s about showing up when things have been tough too.
"I enjoy running and I enjoy racing. I’m not quite where I’d like to be but it’s still a win today, and mentally knowing I can tackle the 13.1 miles without any issues.”
“It’s a different season for me because of the injury. I am just starting my season. I am doing the Great North Run and Vitality London 10,000. Then I will assess and see if I do a couple more road races or take a break and get ready for 2025!
“I was proud to make my fourth Olympics. The Olympics came two to three months too soon for me, but that is sport. You can't ask the Olympics to move to when it suits you. I was proud to make the team, and hearing people cheer my name today from mile one to mile 13 was a big boost. You had support all the way. When you start to feel a bit tired, it does give you a mental boost.”
Calli Hauger-Thackery, second place (01:09:35)
"I had to go for it! The great thing about this race is you get to run with everybody. I just found myself in a really good rhythm. I was really within myself. The last few miles did get harder with the humidity today. I was hurting towards the end, but pleased I went for it! It was good to get back on the horse, and not let Paris affect me too much. Mentally, it was tough, but I’m glad I did it. It was solid overall."
The Olympics:
"With sport, there are crazy highs and crazy lows. Training couldn’t have gone better, but life happens. I found out my mum had cancer two weeks before, and we didn’t know if it was terminal. I lost a lot of sleep over it, and that just stacks! I thought I was dealing with it okay, but physically it affected me more than I thought. On the day, I felt okay, but I knew early on in the race that it wasn’t coming to me as naturally as it does in training. I wasn’t my normal, bouncy self. In the end, I really, really struggled, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish.
“Mentally and physically, my body was doing some crazy things. It was my second-ever marathon, so I’m still learning. I love what I do, and I’ll continue to keep to working towards the goals I have. I just try to remember why I do it, and enjoy it. You’ll see a lot more from me in the next few years, in the marathon and on the track too."
Lucy Reid, third place (01:13:31)
“Super happy to get the bronze medal, that was Plan B for the day; Plan A was to get the time for the Europeans. I wasn’t feeling top form so I was happy to battle through and finish, I knew I could get a medal. Racing for places is less common these days as everyone is chasing times, but racing is part of the fun.
“It was tough, I found a good group of guys and that is one of the benefits of racing a mixed race, you can always tuck in with some of them. I had a lot of friends and family out on the course as I live in London, so it is always special to race in my hometown. It was a great atmosphere throughout, especially the last few miles.
“Manchester Half in about six weeks’ time as this is all part of the build towards Valencia Marathon in December.”
Women’s wheelchair race
Claudia Burrough, winner (01:05:02)
“It was really good. A bit warmer than I thought it would be. It was overcast to start with and then it got warm and windy. But overall, I really enjoyed it. There was lots of support. As soon as you hear the people cheering, everyone clapping, and the music, it motivates you to go faster.
"I was hoping for a faster time. It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season for me. I haven’t road raced in a long time, so I’m happy to finish, and win. I’ve got more races to come in the winter, so it is a good one to start with."
Joanna Robertson, second place (01:08:28)
“It was a fantastic race. The start was quite uphill and there were a few cobbled sections which were a bit brutal, but the weather conditions were fantastic, you couldn’t have asked for better.
“It’s a five-minute PB and I’m overjoyed to rank second in a fantastic race like this. I had a PB in my sights today as it’s an even course and the elevation is good.
“Sydney and Berlin Marathons are next and that will be me for this year. I’m hoping to hit that two-hour mark.”
Martyna Snopek, third place (01:26:42)
“The beginning was a bit difficult, with the wind in my face. The first half has the tunnel and a couple of twisty turns, so it was quite difficult. But then the second half was nice; pretty much a straight course.
“I always do races on my own, and don’t try to race against anyone specific. It’s always a challenge against myself, which is what happened today.
“The runners were very aware, so I didn’t feel like anyone was going to crash into me. I just want to put that on record. All of the runners were putting bottles in the bins, so there was no mess on the road, which I was very impressed with, and no one ended up throwing anything at my head!”’
Men's race
Jack Rowe, winner (01:02:35)
“It’s starting to feel like home. It’s right on my doorstep, and I know the course inside-out. I like it. It’s fast, and there are different sections to it. I felt good early on. Bit of a death march the last three or four miles, but it’s fine. Nice to get the win.
“My coach said to set a comfortable pace for you, and early on, I knew not many wanted to go with me, so I felt good. I was out in front a lot earlier than I meant to be, so I was a little bit nervous, but I managed to hold it together.”
Jake Smith, second place (01:04:07)
"It was awesome. I love running with Jack [Rowe, men’s first place]: we’ve been on the podium the last three years together. We have a bet: whoever is the first to miss the podium owes the other a drink. I love this race: I’ve done it four times and got on the podium every single time. It’s a tough course, with headwind the whole way, but it was awesome!
"I just didn’t have that power today. The whole race I felt like I was running on one leg, but I gritted it out. I wanted to stop about 30 times. It was humid, but tough conditions suited me.
"The Berlin Marathon is next. I’ll be buzzing if I get anything under 2:11.
On Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport:
"It’s still going to take a couple of years. Due to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), my whole body was ruined. I had to take a lot of time out to recover. Every week I get stronger, but it’s still going to take time."
Weynay Ghebresilasie, third place (01:04:31)
“The race was fantastic, but hard. I am injured, so I was just trying my best, but I couldn’t move my leg properly. It happened when I was doing speed training. My leg was a bit stretched and there was a lot of pain!
“My target was 61 or 62 minutes, so it was not bad, but I’m happy to be here today. It was very crowded, which made me happy. I would like to say thank you for all the support in London.”
Men’s wheelchair race
Johnboy Smith, wheelchair men’s winner, narrowly missed his target of finishing inside 50 minutes, finishing dead on 50:00, but he was still happy with his performance.
“There were two options: Option A was to go from the gun for a big win and finish inside 50 minutes. Option B was: if I can’t drop the pack, I was going to go for a sprint finish. But I took the advice of my wife, Kerry, she said: ‘We don’t want a close finish, we want a comfortable win.’ And my daughters said: ‘Make sure everyone else comes second!’ So I had to take their advice.
“It’s a tough course. It’s probably the hardest half marathon there is. Every other year I’ve dreaded doing this course because it is so hard, especially the long climb at Mile Two. I’ve been working on climbing. I’ve been working on technique. Where I live down in Kent, there’s nothing but hills, anyway, so [the route] is basically tailor-made for my training.
“I’ve been half marathon time-trialing. Each half marathon, I was trying to get under 50, which is why I was so concerned about getting under 50 minutes today. But, all in all, very, very good. I’m happy with that.
“The weather was good. The equipment was very, very good. I’m testing out some new equipment at the moment. This is my second race and my second win on this new equipment so it’s proving worthy.”
Sean Frame, second place (00:52:11)
“I felt really good. It was windy but I was able to push through it. It is my first road race back and I’m really happy with a podium finish. In a few weeks I’m doing the Berlin Marathon. I’m hoping to get a sub-1:30. I’m hoping to chase that time!”
Michael McCabe, third place (00:54:25)
“I wanted to do a bit better, but it was a good race, and I can’t complain about a podium finish. I’m happy with that! The crowds are awesome. They are always cheering you on. Even when you’re trying to focus, you can hear your name. It boosts you all the way.”
“I’m not finished yet! I’ve got the Berlin, Cape Town and New York Marathons.”
