Emile Cairess (coach: Renato Canova, club: Leeds City) and Calli Hauger-Thackery (coach: Nick Hauger, club: Hallamshire) have been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo from 13–21 September.
Cairess secures his spot following a string of exceptional performances, most notably a third-place finish at the 2024 TCS London Marathon and a remarkable fourth-place showing at the Paris Olympic Games later that year.
Hauger-Thackery has also made a strong impression on the international stage. She clocked a personal best of 2:21:24 at the Berlin Marathon in September, then followed up with a commendable 2:22:38 for sixth place at the Boston Marathon in April, despite challenging conditions.
Both athletes have earned selection in line with the 2025 World Athletics Championships Road Events Selection Policy.
Team Leader Paula Dunn stated:
“We’re delighted to confirm Emile and Calli as the first athletes selected for the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Both have shown consistency and delivered world-class performances over the past year. We look forward to supporting them on their journey to Tokyo.”
Further selections for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team will be announced in August.
Marathon Selections – Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Tokyo 2025:
Men
Emile Cairess (Renato Canova, Leeds City)
Women
Calli Hauger-Thackery (Nick Hauger, Hallamshire)