![McColgan and Thompson defend at anniversary event](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10190/378527/5db3fac1246f7/McColgan-and-Thompson-defend-at-anniversary-event.jpg)
EILISH McCOLGAN and Chris Thompson return to defend their titles as the famous 10-mile event celebrates its 30th edition.
Last year McColgan claimed victory on her debut, while Thompson became the first athlete to win the race three consecutive times.
Now Thompson will be looking for a record-extending fourth victory, while McColgan will hope to match the feat of her mum and coach, 1991 world 10,000m champion and Olympic medallist Liz, who is a two time champion with wins in 1995 and 1997.
“I feel I’m in much better shape than last year and much better prepared on what to expect from the race,” McColgan told AW, with last year’s event having been the European 5000m silver medallist’s longest race so far.
“It would be pretty special if I could retain my title and add my name to the list of two-time winners alongside my mum.”
The event comes just two weeks after McColgan raced in the 5000m final at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, where she improved her own Scottish record with a time of 14:46.17 to place 10th.
On switching her focus from the track to road racing, she added: “I had always planned to do the Great South Run. I really enjoyed it last year so it was always part of the plan to race and schedule in a couple of extra weeks of training after Doha.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Carbon Footprint](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e9879946ea05/crp_Carbon-Footprint.jpg)
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
![Stay neutral](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e987de3ac26f/crp_Stay-neutral.jpg)
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
![Support network](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e988047bef5f/crp_Support-network.jpg)
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
![Need for speed](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e98817863f44/crp_Need-for-speed.jpg)
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
![What's in a shoe?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e986f5b007e4/crp_Whats-in-ashoe.jpg)
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
![How To Prime Your Immunity](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e7cbb7cbbe9c/crp_How-to-prime-your-immunity.jpg)
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
![English Schools Survival At Stake](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734ea4c0928/crp_English-Schools-survival-at-stake.jpg)
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
![Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734d7d28518/crp_Athletics-events-are-wiped-out.jpg)
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19