Edinburgh AC celebrates Commonwealth Games milers ahead of Josh Kerr’s and Jake Wightman's One Mile Final

Athletes, coaches, and former teammates gathered at Meadowbank Athletics Track for a special National Lottery-hosted event recognising the pair’s journeys from grassroots club runners to world-class competitors.  

Kerr now goes into the Men’s One Mile final at the Commonwealth Games as favourite, having broken the 27-year-old world record for the mile in London earlier in July. Running three minutes, 42.66 seconds, he shaved nearly half a second off the previous best, set in 1999 by Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj.  Edinburgh AC teammate, Jake Wightman, is also a strong medal contender.  

Both athletes have been supported by National Lottery funding throughout their careers and Edinburgh AC is one of many Scottish athletics clubs to also benefit from investment. Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33 million is raised every week for good causes - including sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

In attendance at the event were two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Lee McConnell, Josh and Jake's first coach Eric Fisher, and Edinburgh AC President Yvonne Jones. 

Lee McConnell said: “This is a fantastic moment for Scottish athletics, and a direct result of National Lottery investment. That funding doesn't just support our elite athletes. It underpins the clubs, coaches and facilities that give every young athlete in Scotland the chance to progress. 

“Josh and Jake have taken the lessons learned on this track all the way to the world stage, and everyone here today is incredibly proud to wish them good luck tonight. None of this happens without National Lottery players. It is because of you, National Lottery players, that our athletes have the chance to chase their dreams.” 

Eric Fisher said: “Seeing Josh and Jake line up for a Commonwealth Games mile final together is something I could only have dreamed of when they were first training here with me. 

“Edinburgh AC gave them the foundations and it's fantastic that National Lottery funding continues to support clubs like ours so the next generation gets the same opportunity.” 

Yvonne Jones, Edinburgh AC President, said: “It's a huge source of pride for everyone at Edinburgh AC to have seven athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games, including Josh and Jake. 

“The facilities and coaching at Meadowbank have been strengthened by National Lottery support and that helps athletes at every level, so thank you to everyone who plays.” 

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £525 million has been invested into sport in Scotland since 1994 through more than 10,000 grants.