McColgan runs on thin air

Athletics

Liz McColgan is adamant that even the earthquakes in Mexico will not interrupt the build-up to her assault on next year's Olympic marathon title.

McColgan has confirmed that she still intends flying there on Monday for three weeks of altitude training before tackling the Tokyo marathon next month. "The earthquakes are 350 miles away from where I am going. I'm not expecting any problems," McColgan said.

Tomorrow she tackles the Great Midland 10-kilometre event in Coventry, a race she won 12 months ago after an 18-month absence through injury.

McColgan, already the fastest Briton over the distance this year when running 32min 27sec in Edinburgh on 1 October, admits she is looking for an even faster time.

"I think I can better 32 minutes. I know the course is quick, as I won last year's race. Obviously a lot will depend on the conditions," she said.

It will be the former world 10,000 metres champion's fourth race in five weeks with victories in the Great North Run, Caledonian and South having giving her confidence a big lift.