Transform Your Running - Get the Best Results from Your Training
Get personalised training and weekly discussions to hit your goals. You will be guided at each step along your running journey. Whether that is training for a specific race or looking to improve the quality of your life through running, this is your opportunity for the full coaching experience. Read Testimonials Here.
- I’ve been coaching for over 10 years
- I’ve run over 40 marathons personally
- PB of 2:54 at the age of 55
- Coached hundreds of marathon runners
- Coached thousands of runners in total
- I coach each athlete as an individual
- Coached athletes get exactly the training they need
- Weekly one-to-one video calls
- We work on a whole life approach
- A strong mind and a strong body
- We start no matter where you are at
- I’m grateful to the sport that has been so good to me
About Me
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Client Testimonials
John Earns His 6-Stars
John coached me to Boston, Berlin, Tokyo and Chicago Marathons all of which I completed in under 3 hours, the best being the Berlin Marathon in 2h 49m 12s.
I approached John following a health crisis when I was very lacking in confidence and believing that I would never complete another marathon. Over a six month period John guided me from being too nervous to run 3 miles to completing the Boston Marathon in 2h54m19s. The weekly bespoke training plans were excellent and the weekly call was a great opportunity to discuss progress and any concerns. On occasions where it was considered necessary, John would go over and above to adapt the training plans following our weekly call. Furthermore, John took the time to incorporate parkrun and other organised races into the training plans.
I would highly recommend John to anybody.
Gerry Smashes His Goal in Dublin
I’ve had the privilege of being coached by John McDonnell through three marathon campaigns, and the results speak for themselves, two major personal bests and a level of consistency I never thought I’d achieve.
John’s coaching goes far beyond just a training plan. Every session had purpose, the progression was spot-on, and his ability to balance ambition with a realistic goal kept me healthy, motivated, and confident on the start line. He really understands how to tailor training to the individual, not just the race distance. What stood out most for me was John’s attention to detail and his constant support throughout each cycle, whether it was adjusting sessions, managing fatigue, or simply offering reassurance when doubts crept in. I couldn’t recommend John highly enough to anyone looking to improve their marathon performance in a smart, sustainable way.
Hilda Knocks 12 Minutes Off Her Marathon Best
After crossing the finish line of my first marathon in my 40s, I thought that would be my first and last marathon. But I had a taste of the brilliant sense of achievement, and I wanted more. That’s when I decided to team up with John, an experienced coach who’d help me crush my second marathon. We kicked off training in January 2025, and with his expert plans, guidance, and unwavering support, I was ready to take on the challenge. Some weeks were tough but John’s got a way of pushing you to be your best. It was just what I needed and I shaved 12 minutes off my time as I crossed the finish line in Dublin. Thanks, John, for believing in me when I needed it most.
Margaret Runs 3:30 in London
What can I say about John only he is an amazing running coach. When I got the chance to run London marathon this year April 23 through my running club. I really wanted to challenge myself and get a time of 3 and a half hours. I contacted john to see was he able to coach me so we went through my lifestyle, work and 3 small children etc and where I could get in my short and long runs, and even down to what runners etc I was going to be wearing while training and on race days. I found his plan so easy to work with, with my busy lifestyle and I looked forward to each day to a different run / weight session etc. My long runs where on a Sunday morning which worked really well for me. I put 100% into my training plan that john designed for me and I took off 27mins off my last marathon Belfast Oct 21 which was 3 hrs 57 mins and in London 23 I achieved my 3 hrs 30 mins 😁. Now for my new plan for London 24 😀 – Margaret – London Marathon
Damien Runs 2:51 in Manchester
John’s friendly personality, encouraging demeanour, guidance, and support would help to transform my running. Not only has he the knowledge and experience of a seasoned runner, but his collaborative coaching style taught me how to plan and manage my runs more strategically. He designed detailed and specifically tailored plans that challenged and inspired me in equal measure. He modified them when needed to help meet the demands of my work life.
Under John’s guidance I have become a more focused and competent runner. I ran my first sub 18min 5K, my first sub 40min 10K, and my first marathon in 3:17 at the Walled City Marathon in 2017. Exactly a year later, and thanks to John’s continued coaching, I would return to the Walled City marathon and break the sub-3-hour barrier for the first time to run 2:58. I will be forever grateful to John – he is now more than a coach – he is a friend. I would highly recommend John to anyone who wants to improve their running and achieve their goals – big or small!
Ciara Runs 3:34 in Chicago
In the past I have completed a few marathons using generic plans but for Chicago 23 I decided to try a bespoke plan from John McDonnell running coach. There was a weekly training programme which was easy to follow followed by a review conversation every Sunday evening. The plan was not as intensive as some of the generic plans I had followed yet with John’s support and advice I felt confident coming up to the race that it was working well for me.
I was very pleased with the preparation, support and how the plan fitted in with my busy schedule. Having followed it I was delighted to have achieved a ten minute PB.
I would have no hesitation in recommending John to anyone who is interested in improving their running performance. – Ciara – Chicago Marathon
