“It means everything to do this here in Birmingham,” said Donnelly, formerly a cross country runner. “I’ve never done a home champs before so to have the crowd shout ‘Abbie Donnelly’ was an incredible experience.”
With Vainio striking out alone early in the race, team-mates Donnelly and Wilson had each other for company in the chasing pack for much of the race, which the bronze medallist said was a “massive” help.
It was Vindics-Toth who made the decisive break, though, before Donnelly followed, holding on through an uphill climb to the finish line and crossing 12 seconds after the Hungarian.
“I can’t believe it to be honest,” said Donnelly, 29. “That was an amazing experience and a relief to get round the course, it was so hilly.
“I think it was a case of being really cautious at the start, especially the first half, knowing those hills would slowly catch up with you. Even the downhills as well, I think my quads have gone!”
Donnelly won two team golds at European Cross Country Championships before moving to the roads and winning a team gold in the half marathon at her first European Championships in Rome in 2024.
“It’s so exciting, we were talking about it yesterday about how we’d love to get a gold,” Donnelly said. “I’m so proud of the whole team, they all ran amazingly.
“I love the people in this sport. I love the friends I’ve made. I love the feeling once you’ve finished the race.
“The whole atmosphere of running, it’s such a friendly group. It’s such a privilege to be part of the team.”
