Abbie Donnelly felt it meant everything to finish in Birmingham, saying the crowd shouting her name was an incredible experience. With Vainio striking out early, Donnelly and Wilson kept each other company in the chasing pack, a “massive” help she noted. The decisive break came from Vindics‑Toth, but Donnelly followed closely, holding on through an uphill climb to finish just 12 seconds after the Hungarian. She said she couldn’t believe it, calling the race “amazing” and the relief of getting round the hilly course “so hilly”. Donnelly’s strategy involved being cautious at the start, especially on the first half, knowing the hills would slowly catch up. She has already won two team golds at the European Cross Country Championships and a team gold in the half marathon at Rome in 2024. She expressed pride in the team, the friends she’s made, and the overall friendly atmosphere of the sport.

This achievement marks GB’s first women’s marathon medal at the European Championships, a historic moment for the athlete and the country.