Donnelly wins historic bronze as Britain claims first women's marathon medal at Europeans

Abbie Donnelly has etched her name into British athletics history by becoming the first woman from Great Britain to win an individual marathon medal at the European Championships, claiming bronze in Birmingham on Sunday.

Historic achievement

Donnelly, a runner from Lincolnshire, crossed the finish line in 2 hours 27 minutes 33 seconds, finishing behind Hungary's Lili Anna Vindics-Toth (silver) and Finnish favourite Alisa Vainio, who took gold in an exceptional 2:22:26, beating the previous championships record.

The previous best finish by a British woman in the European Championship marathon had been ninth place, achieved by Kath Binns in 1982 — meaning Donnelly has broken a 44-year drought for British women in this event.

Team gold for Great Britain

Beyond Donnelly's individual bronze, Great Britain secured a spectacular team gold in the women's marathon, with Natasha Wilson finishing fifth and Rose Harvey 14th. The team triumph beat Italy and Spain to the top of the podium in the team standings.

The result was Great Britain's seventh overall gold at the European Championships, leaving them one shy of leaders Italy heading into the final evening of athletics.

Championship context

Birmingham is hosting the 2026 European Athletics Championships, with Great Britain competing strongly across multiple disciplines on home soil. Donnelly's bronze adds to a growing medal haul for the host nation as the championships near their conclusion.