Eilish McColgan’s Inspirational Tale of Athletic Legacy and Determination in New Documentary
Scottish middle and long-distance runner Eilish McColgan is set to feature in a new documentary, “Running In The Family,” airing this week. The film explores her journey to surpass the athletic feats of her mother, Liz McColgan, a celebrated Scottish distance runner.
In this hour-long feature, viewers will see Eilish’s rigorous preparations for the 2024 London Marathon, including challenging training in the French Pyrenees. This marathon is significant as it’s the only distance where Liz still holds a faster record than Eilish.
Joined by her partner, three-time Olympian Michael Rimmer, Eilish offers an intimate look at her struggles with injuries as she gears up for her first competitive marathon. The documentary also delves into Liz’s background, revealing how running was her escape from a difficult childhood in Dundee, marked by personal loss and challenges.
Liz’s storied career, including winning gold at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games and an Olympic silver medal, took a turn when she was dropped by Nike upon revealing her pregnancy with Eilish. She shares her experiences of returning to training and racing post-pregnancy, driven by the desire to make her daughter proud.
Eilish, 32, expresses immense pride and gratitude for having a role model like her mother. She acknowledges the long, hard-working process instilled in her by Liz, which led her to reclaim many Scottish records under her family name. Despite her teenage years and early 20s being nearly derailed by a party lifestyle, Eilish has emerged as a world-class athlete, training almost year-round.
Produced by Edinburgh-based film company Studio Something, the documentary provides a unique insight into the mother-daughter duo’s relationship, both personal and professional. Executive producer Jordan Laird of Studio Something emphasizes the emotional depth and the inspiring story of two remarkable Scottish athletes that the film captures.
“Eilish McColgan: Running In The Family” is set to broadcast on BBC Scotland and will also be available on BBC iPlayer, showcasing the legacy and resilience of the McColgan family in the world of athletics.