UK Athletics has named its marathon squad for the 2026 European Championships in Birmingham, and the selections read like a snapshot of a discipline that has quietly—almost stubbornly—rebuilt itself into relevance. The race, set for 16 August, will wind through Birmingham’s core on a free‑to‑watch course, which should guarantee at least one thing: no shortage of noise for athletes who thrive on it, and no excuses for those who don’t.
The selection panel, operating under the usual mandate of “top‑eight finishes and team medal potential,” has leaned heavily on recent London Marathon form—because what better way to judge readiness for a championship marathon than by throwing athletes into another one four months later?
Women’s Team: London Form Leads the Way
Rose Harvey (Clapham Chasers, Alistair and Amy Cragg) was the second Brit home in London in 2:26:14, a performance that reaffirmed her status as one of Britain’s most reliable big‑race operators. She remains the fifth‑fastest British woman in history, a fact that still seems to surprise people who haven’t been paying attention.
Louise Small (Aldershot, Farnham & District AC) returns to a British vest for the first time since 2018, having finished as the third Brit in London. A long time coming, perhaps, but selection panels have short memories and long spreadsheets—London solved that.
Paris Olympian Clara Evans (Pontypridd Roadents AC) also earns her spot, pending the final European Athletics Road to Birmingham rankings on 30 July. Evans has made a habit of showing up when the stakes are highest; Birmingham will test that once more.
They join the already‑confirmed Abbie Donnelly (Lincoln Wellington AC, Rob Lewis) and Natasha Wilson (Micky Morris Racing Team, Rob Hawkins), rounding out a women’s squad that blends experience, upward trajectories, and the occasional surprise.
Men’s Team: A Mix of Momentum and Opportunity
Eritrean‑born Weynay Ghebresilasie (Sunderland Harriers) continues his steady rise in the marathon ranks after finishing as the third Brit at the 2025 London Marathon. He’ll line up alongside Tewelde Menges (Medway & Maidstone), who made his elite London debut this year and did enough to convince selectors he’s ready for another crack at the big stage.
They join the previously selected trio: Mahamed Mahamed (Southampton AC, Idris Hamud), Jonny Mellor (Liverpool Harriers, Steve Vernon), and Phil Sesemann (Leeds City AC, Andy Henderson). Between them, they cover the full spectrum of British marathon archetypes: the metronome, the tactician, and the man who always seems to find one more gear when the race should be falling apart.
UKA’s Take
Tom Craggs, UKA’s World Class Programme Endurance Lead, offered the expected endorsement:
“Congratulations to all athletes selected for the marathon, who will proudly wear the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland vest at the 2026 European Championships. Racing through the heart of Birmingham on a free‑to‑watch course will create a special atmosphere, and the support of a home crowd will be a huge boost for the team.”
He’s right about the atmosphere. Whether it becomes a boost or a burden will depend on who handles the noise, the pressure, and the peculiar British expectation that championship marathons should somehow deliver both medals and personal bests.
Novuna Great Britain & Northern Ireland – Marathon Team, European Championships Birmingham 2026
Women
- Abbie Donnelly (Lincoln Wellington AC, Rob Lewis)
- Natasha Wilson (Micky Morris Racing Team, Rob Hawkins)
- Clara Evans (Pontypridd Roadents AC)
- Louise Small (Aldershot, Farnham & District AC)
- Rose Harvey (Clapham Chasers, Alistair & Amy Cragg)
Men
- Mahamed Mahamed (Southampton AC, Idris Hamud)
- Jonny Mellor (Liverpool Harriers AC, Steve Vernon)
- Phil Sesemann (Leeds City AC, Andy Henderson)
- Weynay Ghebresilasie (Sunderland Harriers & AC)
- Tewelde Menges (Medway & Maidstone AC)
