Abbie Donnelly Makes History with Bronze at European Marathon Championships
By Editor • August 16, 2026 • 1 min read
In a groundbreaking achievement for British athletics, Abbie Donnelly clinched the bronze medal in the women’s marathon at the European Championships held in Birmingham, marking her as the first British woman to earn an individual marathon medal at this event.
Donnelly finished the race with a time of 2:27:33, trailing Hungary's Lili Anna Vindics-Toth, who secured silver, while Finnish runner Alisa Vainio shattered the championship record with a gold time of 2:22:26.
The British team also celebrated a gold medal in the team category, surpassing competitors from Italy and Spain, thanks to strong performances from Natasha Wilson and Rose Harvey, who placed fifth and fourteenth respectively.
“It means everything to do this here in Birmingham,” said the 29-year-old Donnelly, reflecting on the home crowd’s support. She described the hilly course as a challenge but expressed pride in her team’s collective success.
Donnelly, who transitioned from cross country running, previously won team golds at the European Cross Country Championships and in the half-marathon in Rome, continuing to highlight the camaraderie and joy within the sport.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
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