Peter McColgan: The Life, Career and Legacy of a Northern Irish Steeplechaser
The name Peter McColgan is closely tied to the world of athletics, particularly in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Known as a highly talented steeplechaser, Peter carved out a career that left an enduring mark in the field of track and field. Beyond his achievements on the running track, his life story intersects with some of the most recognisable figures in athletics, including his former wife Liz McColgan and their daughter Eilish, who continues the family legacy on the international stage.
This article provides an in-depth look at the journey of Peter McColgan—his rise as an athlete, his family ties, his wedding and personal life, as well as his connection to John Nuttall. Through these lenses, we gain a complete picture of a man whose influence extends far beyond his competitive years.
Early Life and Beginnings in Athletics
Childhood and Origins
Peter McColgan was born on 20 February 1963 in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Growing up in a small town environment, he was introduced to athletics relatively late compared to many professional runners. He did not seriously take up running until his late teenage years, but his natural ability and determination quickly propelled him forward.
Discovery of Talent
By the age of 17, Peter began training competitively. Despite his late start, he demonstrated exceptional stamina, speed, and technique, especially in the steeplechase event. His early coaches recognised that he possessed the discipline and mental strength required to succeed at the highest level.
Athletic Career
Specialisation in Steeplechase
Peter became a specialist in the 3000-metre steeplechase, a demanding event that combines endurance, speed, and technical skill in clearing hurdles and water jumps. He also competed in middle and long-distance events, including the 5000 metres.
Records and Achievements
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National Records: Peter continues to hold Northern Irish records in the indoor 3000m, the outdoor 2000m steeplechase, and the 3000m steeplechase.
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Commonwealth Games: In 1986, he represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, reaching the finals of both the 5000m and the steeplechase.
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World Championships: Peter competed for Great Britain at the 1991 World Championships in Japan, representing his nation with pride on the global stage.
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NCAA Success: During his time in the United States, he claimed a bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the NCAA Championships, highlighting his versatility and international calibre.
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Sub-Four-Minute Mile: A particularly notable achievement in his career was running a mile in under four minutes, a milestone that only elite middle-distance runners ever achieve.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many athletes, Peter’s career was not without setbacks. Injuries and the intense physical demands of the sport created hurdles he had to overcome. Yet his determination and resilience allowed him to maintain a high level of performance well into the early 1990s.
Liz and Peter McColgan
A Sporting Couple
Peter married Liz McColgan, one of Scotland’s most decorated distance runners, in the late 1980s. Liz, a world champion and Olympic silver medallist in the 10,000 metres, shared with Peter both the highs and lows of life as an elite athlete. Their relationship brought together two exceptional sporting talents and attracted considerable attention within the athletics community.
Family and Children
Together, Peter and Liz had five children. Their daughter, Eilish McColgan, has carried on the family’s running legacy, achieving international success in the 5000m and 10,000m. Eilish’s victory in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games was particularly symbolic, as it came 36 years after her mother’s triumph in the same event.
Separation
After years of marriage, Peter and Liz eventually separated, finalising their divorce in 2013. Despite the personal challenges, both continued to play important roles in their children’s lives and supported Eilish’s blossoming career.
John Nuttall and Peter McColgan
Who Was John Nuttall?
John Nuttall was a British distance runner who later became a respected athletics coach. Like Peter, he was married to Liz McColgan, although their marriage came years after Liz and Peter had divorced. John and Liz wed in 2014, making him Peter’s successor in Liz’s personal life.
A Shared Connection
The connection between John Nuttall and Peter McColgan lies solely in their marriages to Liz. Both men were elite athletes in their own right, and both were part of the remarkable sporting environment surrounding Liz and her children.
John sadly passed away in 2023, leaving behind a respected coaching legacy and memories of his achievements in athletics.
Peter McColgan Wedding
Remarriage and New Chapter
After his divorce from Liz, Peter found happiness again. On 22 February 2025, he married his long-term fiancée, Lesley McColgan, in a celebration that marked a new chapter in his personal life. This wedding represented not just a commitment of love but also a sign of Peter’s ability to move forward positively and embrace a fulfilling future.
Life After Athletics
Environmental and Outdoor Interests
Beyond running, Peter developed a deep passion for the outdoors. In recent years, he supported his son Lewis on an adventurous 211-mile trek across the John Muir Trail in California, which doubled as a fundraising initiative for environmental causes. His own love for nature and conservation reflects the discipline and appreciation for endurance that defined his athletic career.
Leisure and Golf
Today, Peter enjoys a quieter lifestyle. Golf has become one of his main pastimes, and he is often spotted playing at courses in Carnoustie. This shift from competitive athletics to recreational sport demonstrates his enduring love of physical activity, albeit in a less demanding form.
Legacy and Influence
Inspiration to a New Generation
The McColgan family name remains synonymous with endurance running. With Eilish now a global star, Peter’s influence as both a father and former elite athlete is undeniable. His records still stand as benchmarks in Northern Irish athletics, and his family continues to bring honour to their shared sporting heritage.
Contribution to Athletics
Although Peter never achieved Olympic glory, his determination, records, and representation on the international stage place him among the most respected athletes Northern Ireland has produced.
Conclusion
Peter McColgan is more than just a former steeplechaser—he is part of a sporting dynasty. From his own record-breaking runs to his role as father of Eilish and former husband of Liz McColgan, his life story weaves through some of the most important narratives in British and Irish athletics.
Today, remarried and enjoying life beyond competition, Peter continues to inspire. His wedding to Lesley in 2025, his support for his children, and his enduring presence in the athletics world ensure that his name will remain significant for years to come.
