Eilish McColgan Announces Engagement with Michael Rimmer After Record-Breaking London Marathon Run

Scottish distance runner Eilish McColgan, 34, shared exciting personal news this week. She announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend and coach Michael Rimmer, 39. The couple, who have been together for over 10 years, revealed the happy moment on Instagram. Rimmer proposed during a trip to Japan’s Mount Fuji. Photos showed him kneeling with a ring as McColgan smiled joyfully.

McColgan posted the images with the caption: “Absolutely worth the jet lag. Yes to forever! #offthemarket.” Fans and fellow athletes flooded the comments with congratulations. Scottish radio host Jennifer Reoch wrote, “Aww huge congratulations!” British Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes and Keely Hodgkinson also sent warm wishes.

Rimmer, a retired three-time Olympian in the 800m event, has coached McColgan since stepping away from competitive running. The couple’s unique relationship blends romance, teamwork, and shared career goals. McColgan previously explained their bond: “A lot of people find it bizarre we spend 24 hours a day together. We’re always in each other’s pockets, but it works. He’s my best friend through life’s highs and lows.” She added that Rimmer’s coaching support helps her stay calm and focused before races.

Beyond athletics, the pair run a nonprofit called Giving Back to Track. Started in 2020, the organization helps young athletes overcome financial barriers to training and competitions. McColgan said, “We want to give others the chances we had.”

The engagement news comes just days after McColgan’s historic performance at the London Marathon on April 23, 2023. Competing in her first-ever 26.2-mile race, she finished eighth overall with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 25 seconds. This beat her mother Liz McColgan’s 1996 London Marathon record by over two minutes. Liz, a former world champion, won the event in 2:27:09. Eilish also broke the Scottish national record previously held by Steph Twell (2:26:40).

After the race, an emotional McColgan shared: “I’m really proud today. Breaking my mum’s record was my main goal. I’ve now beaten all her personal bests. It’s special for our family.” Her achievement is even more remarkable given her recent struggles. A knee injury forced her to withdraw from the 2021 London Marathon.

A Decade-Long Partnership
McColgan and Rimmer’s relationship began when both were active athletes. Rimmer represented Great Britain in the 800m at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. After retiring, he shifted focus to coaching McColgan full-time. “He’s put all his energy into my career,” she said. “When I race, I feel I’m doing it for both of us.”

Their daily routine includes training sessions, meal planning, and managing their nonprofit. McColgan jokes that their life is “nonstop athletics,” but insists their shared passion keeps them strong.

What’s Next for the Couple?
No wedding date has been announced yet. Fans speculate the ceremony might include nods to their athletic careers. Meanwhile, McColgan aims to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With Rimmer by her side, she hopes to add more records to her growing legacy.