Donnelly takes bronze as GB women clinch marathon team gold

Abbie Donnelly secured a memorable bronze in the

Abbie Donnelly secured a memorable bronze in the women’s marathon, while Great Britain’s squad celebrated a commanding team gold on the closing day of the 2026 European Championships in Birmingham.

The 28-year-old from Loughborough delivered a career-best performance on a sun-drenched city course, crossing the line in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 18 seconds. Her late surge through the final five kilometres saw her overtake three rivals, capping a gritty display that electrified the roadside crowds.

Britain’s triumph in the team standings was built on the combined efforts of Donnelly, Charlotte Ward, and Emily Hart. Ward finished seventh in 2:29:03, while Hart took 12th with 2:31:47, giving the trio a formidable aggregate time that outpaced Germany and Spain.

Team captain and head coach Sarah Pemberton praised

Team captain and head coach Sarah Pemberton praised the squad’s cohesion, noting that their strategic pacing in the early stages paid dividends in the closing miles. “We knew the course’s rolling hills would test everyone, but the women trusted their plan and executed it flawlessly,” she said.

The bronze is Donnelly’s first major international medal, coming after a breakout season that included a personal best at the London Marathon in April. She dedicated the result to her late coach, who passed away last winter.

With the championships now wrapped up, Britain finishes the event with a record haul of 14 medals, including five golds. Attention now turns to the World Championships later this summer, where Donnelly and her teammates are expected to feature prominently.