Small Group Marathon Training
£40.00 / Month For 4 Months
A 16-week virtual small group marathon coaching programme for runners who know a great marathon takes more than following a plan. You train independently but with a focused group of no more than 10 runners, weekly live calls with me, ongoing WhatsApp access, and guidance on training, nutrition, strength, mindset, and race execution. Plans are adjusted when needed, clarity replaces guesswork, and confidence builds week by week. This sits between generic plans and full 1-to-1 coaching, giving you expert support without the full cost. The aim is to arrive prepared, run a controlled race, and finish proud and accomplished, not crawling to the line. Read Testimonials Here.
Description
This is marathon coaching for runners who know that a good marathon is never just about following a plan.
For 16 weeks, you train with a small virtual group of no more than 10 runners. Every runner is here for the same reason, to learn from my experience run their best marathon.
This option sits between generic plans and full 1-to-1 coaching. You get the thinking, experience, and structure of high-level coaching without the full cost.
Each week includes a live group call with me. We talk through the upcoming training, the purpose of each key session, how to approach long runs, and how to manage fatigue as the weeks build. We cover nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental preparation, and injury prevention as standard. Nothing is bolted on. This is how marathon training should be approached. You are also held accountable, making the end result much more achievable.
Your plan is not written in stone. We can discuss adjustments on our weekly call when life, recovery, or training feedback requires it. You are not left guessing. You are not training in isolation. You also get direct access to me on WhatsApp throughout the programme where I will answer your questions and concerns. Confidence is built week by week, not rushed in the final taper which gives you the best opportunity to peak on race day.
I won’t analyse every training session the way I do in 1-to-1 coaching. What you get instead is clarity. You understand what each session is meant to achieve and how it fits into your race day preparation allowing you to run a great marathon.
I’ve run over 40 marathons myself and coached hundreds of marathoners over the last 11 years. The experience shared in this group is not theory. It’s practical, tested, and built on what actually works across many different runners.
This is not for elite marathoners aiming for under 3-hour finishes. It is for runners at every other level who want to approach their marathon properly and run to their full potential. We will discuss your individual race plan to give you the best opportunity to run your best race.
If you want structure, support and expert guidance without paying full 1-to-1 rates, this is the right place to train.
Together we build confidence, preparation, and the ability to run a strong, controlled marathon and finish feeling accomplished, not crawling across the finish line.
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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.
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!
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
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
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