Novuna UK Athletics Championships 2026 – Women’s 3000m Steeplechase

The women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham produced a high-quality race, with Elise Thorner (Wells City Harriers) taking the national title in a championship record of 9:16.95. Thorner broke clear of the field to claim gold, while Stevie Lawrence (Croydon Harriers) was rewarded with a personal best of 9:32.03 for silver. Sarah Tait (Lasswade AC) completed the podium in 10:01.42.

Among the younger athletes in the field, there was considerable interest in the battle between two of Britain’s leading U20 steeplechasers. Tilly Nickell (Team Bath AC), the reigning World U20 Championships qualifying standard holder, finished fifth in 10:28.78, just ahead of Welsh athlete Millie Gold (Swansea Harriers), who placed sixth in 10:34.69.

For Gold, the race represented another valuable opportunity to gain experience at senior championship level. The 18-year-old Swansea Harrier stayed in touch with a strong field featuring established senior internationals and fellow rising stars. While Nickell had the edge on this occasion, Gold’s performance underlined her status as one of Wales’ most promising young endurance athletes, competing confidently against some of the best steeplechasers in Britain.

The race highlighted the depth of British women’s steeplechasing, with athletes ranging from experienced senior performers to emerging U20 talents, all sharing the Alexander Stadium stage at the national championships.