Natasha Cockram is the first Great Britain and Northern Ireland athlete selected for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August (19-27).

Following the completion of round one of the process outlined in the selection policy for road events, Cockram has been selected, with any further marathon places – as per the policy - being considered in round two at the end of April.

Cockram ran the sixth fastest time ever by a British woman at the Valencia marathon in December 2022, clocking in at 2:26:14. The Welsh athlete also finished 12th at the Commonwealth Games last summer.

World Class Programme Endurance Manager, Steve Vernon said, “We are pleased to be announcing our first athlete for the World Athletics Championships after the completion of round one of the selection process for the road events.

“With the second round taking place next month, we will be looking to see how athletes perform in the next few weeks as they target the criteria laid out in the policy.” Selections for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, both road and track and field events, will be announced over the next few months.