Eilish McColgan is back at altitude - Font Romeu training camp commences

Eilish McColgan shares why she enjoys high-altitude training at Font Romeu and what races she is considering before the end of 2025.

I’ve just landed in Font Romeu for my summer training camp, and it already feels like the perfect reset button. The air is thinner, the views are stunning, and motivation is high.

Thanks to ASICS, I’ve got access to an incredible training base here. Their CHOJO house is packed with athletes from all over the world, competing in events from 800m to the marathon and even ultras on the mountains and trails. It’s a full house of talent, but also a supportive, down-to-earth environment where the focus is simple: eat, sleep, train, repeat.

Right now, my own focus is on regaining fitness and sharpening my speed post-London Marathon. I made the call not to rush back into racing too quickly, especially with the UK 10,000m Championships being scheduled earlier this year – they took place in Birmingham mid-June. That was just too soon after the marathon and I didn’t feel it was worth the injury risk.

I do have the B qualifying time for the 10,000m at the World Championships in Tokyo this September, but skipping the trials likely means I won’t be selected - even though there’s currently an open spot. But that’s the nature of our sport.

So instead, my attention remains firmly on the roads. No races are confirmed just yet, but the Great North Run in early September is looking like the next major target. I’d also love to find a road 10K between now and then, however options are limited because most of the calendar is focused on the track season.

As for the marathon, while I was ranked for World Championship selection in this race, I won’t be heading to Tokyo in that event either. But it's all good. My focus moves to the latter half of the year, with hopes of lining up another marathon before 2024 ends. Still to be confirmed, but plans are in motion.

In the meantime, it’s time to knuckle down here in Font Romeu, enjoy the simplicity of training camp life, and make the most of this altitude block. 

Published 4 July 2025.