As runners, we take what fellow runners say seriously. We hoover up training advice and insider intel like there’s no tomorrow, we write the name of beloved bits of kit on our hands so we don’t forget to buy them later, we take one runner’s experience of a race as the gospel, and we nerd out on the features of our tech together. It’s what marks our community out from others; we respect each other and the knowledge and passion we all have for running.
So, sit back, read about the people, products and places that you, our readers, have rated most in 2022. After all, if they loved them, it’s likely you will too.
FAVOURITE HEALTH & FITNESS INFLUENCER
WINNER FAVOURITE HEALTH & FITNESS INFLUENCER
EILISH MCCOLGAN
Winner Eilish McColgan
What did Eilish McColgan think as Big Ben chimed the start of 2022, we wonder? If only she could have foreseen the stellar year she ended up having, a year that saw her break long-time records, scoop medals at home and abroad and also make her mark on the future of women in sport, she’d having been rubbing her hands with glee.
Eilish’s competing year began in February when she set a new British record in the 5K in Dubai (14:48), smashing Paula Radcliffe’s 2013 record by three seconds and also beating her mum’s 1991 record of 14:57. In the same month, she beat Radcliffe again, this time in the half marathon and by a healthy 21 seconds (1:6:26) and in May, at the Great Manchester Run, she was at it again, this time in the European 10K. She took two seconds from Radcliffe with a time of 30:19, finishing second to Obiri who came in at 30:15. Little did we know but Eilish was just warming up. In August, she took her first major title with a gold medal win in the 10,000m final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (30:48:60) which was also a Games record and broke her mum’s 32-year stronghold. She followed it up with a silver in the 5,000m at the same games and then hopped over to the European Champs in Munich to scoop a silver in the 10,000m and a bronze in the 5,000m, becoming the first British distance runner to compete in six outdoor champs in a season. But hold up, there’s more to come: September saw Eilish clinch a course record at the Big Half in London (67:35).
Off the track, Eilish is an inspiration. In March, she launched non-profit organisation Giving Back to Track with partner Michael Rimmer, which aims to encourage young people into athletics and fund the next generation of female athletes. From us to Eilish, we think you’re THE BEST! And, spoiler alert: next issue Eilish is our cover star!
Highly commended
Jenni Falconer
© JENNI FALCONER
Yes, Jenni Falconer is a mainstay on the radio but it’s her off-the-wireless work that you guys love so much. As we learnt when Jenni was a WR warrior all those months ago, she’s open, she’s natural, she’s gorgeous, she’s bright and funny, she’s a runner… she’s one of us. You guys also love her podcast, RunPod, on which she interviews running fans from physios to Olympians to celebs and discusses niggles like achilles pain in actual, useful, practical depth. And she does special eps on big races so you hear from race directors, previous winners and underrepresented runners about what to expect on the day. She also has a great Insta presence which combines family stuff, running stuff and work stuff with aplomb. Jenni is how we like to think we are on our best days, and her enthusiasm for running is infectious.
FAVOURITE HALF MARATHON
Winner
Great North Run
The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, with approximately 60,000 runners in 2022. It takes place in September and has been going for exactly the same number of years as the London Marathon, having been set up in 1981 by track athlete Brendan Foster. Contestants run from Newcastle Upon Tyne to South Shields, and finish on the seafront, more than ready for a bag of chips and a can of pop.
This year’s GNR and Junior GNR were started by WR hero and keen supporter of young athletes, Eilish McColgan, who said: “I loved competing in the Junior Great North Run as a kid, the atmosphere and big race experience is such an exciting thing to experience at that age. I can’t wait to meet the winners of the Junior race and share this incredible experience with them.”
Esther says: “This unfortunate southerner did the GNR for the first time this year, and I’m a total convert. It made me cry! The crowds are unbelievable; they showered us with jelly babies, orange segments and actual water every step of the way. That final mile is utterly joyous – Idon’t think there’s another one like it.”
London Landmarks
Highly commended
WR readers can’t get enough of this half marathon route which picks out the big hitters like St Paul’s and Nelson’s Column but also the quirkier and more hidden parts of the capital’s history. The only downside? The ballot for 2023 is done and dusted, so you’ll have to be patient for 2024.