Starting 1 January 2027
A chance to be part of an exclusive marathon coaching project for runners who are attempting to break three hours. Led by 2:08 marathoner and coach Jonny Mellor. Open for runners worldwide.
Who It's For
Sub-3 is one of running's most recognised benchmarks and a time goal we've helped hundreds of runners achieve over the years. This project is for runners who are close, those who have previously ran inside the barrier or looking to debut inside 3 hours. Maybe your training has hit a plateau and you're looking to freshen things up around other like minded runners or simply just want some extra support and guidance to prepare for your next marathon.
01
Marathon PB of sub 3:10 or half marathon PB of sub 1:32. You're already so close and just need the extra support to get you over the line.
02
Work and family commitments are taken into account. We understand you're not a full time athlete so each plan is built around the time you have, not the time you wish you had.
03
This project provides individual coaching, group accountability and race-day preparation that goes far beyond a generic schedule whilst building all important human connection.
04
London, Manchester, Boston, Paris or another spring 2027 marathon. The programme is timed to peak you for race day with the project beginning 1st January 2027.
Your Lead Coach
I started coaching in 2013 with runners just like you and know from first hand experience what it takes to break 3-hours in the marathon. I can help you unlock your full potential by offering coaching support to improve all areas of your training based on years of experience both as a coach and athlete.
But here is what matters more to you: I have run a business, I have a family, and I still train for marathons around this. I know what it is like to squeeze a quality session in before nursery pick-up, to manage fatigue across a week when life throws us curve balls, and to make every hour of training count because there are no spare hours to waste.
I have been coaching runners online since 2013. In that time I have worked with hundreds of athletes at every level, from first-time marathon runners to those chasing personal bests. I wanted to start this project given it's been one of the most popular distances and time barriers I've helped runners achieve over the years. I understand that with the right structure, the right support, and accountability I can help you achieve your dream marathon time.
That's why I'm proud to launch this sub 3 marathon project.
View Individual Coaching Plans2:08
Marathon Personal Best
13+
Years Coaching Online
100s
Runners Coached
WMM
London, Boston, Chicago Competitor
Everything in the Project
Every element of the project has been chosen because it closes a specific gap between where you are and where you need to be on race day.
You are assigned a dedicated JM Coaching coach who knows your history, your life circumstances and your race target. Every session is written for you, not for the average runner in your time bracket.
Your plan is delivered weekly through TrainingPeaks based on your feedback. Every session has a purpose, a target and a clear place in the wider goal.
Monthly video calls with Jonny and the full group. A chance to review the block, ask questions, share progress and hear how others are navigating the same challenges you are facing.
Purpose-built strength sessions designed to complement your running load, reduce injury risk and build the physical resilience required to hold race pace in the final 10km of a marathon.
A complete fuelling strategy including what gels to use, how many to take and when, and how to practise on long runs so your gut is race-ready on the day. No guesswork, no GI surprises at mile 18.
Direct access to your coach via WhatsApp throughout the programme. Whether it is a question about a session, a tweak after a difficult week or reassurance in the taper, your coach is available.
Your plan is written in whichever unit you train in. Runners worldwide are welcome. Whether you think in km splits or mile pace, the plan will speak your language from day one.
Full access to the JM Run Club community for the duration of the project. A private group of motivated runners sharing the same goal, with regular content and support from the coaching team.
In the final weeks of the programme, your coach will build a specific race-day plan covering splits, fuelling timing, warm-up protocol and pacing strategy for your target course.
Race-Day Fuelling
Most runners lose time in the final 10km because they did not practise fuelling in training. We fix that from the first long run of the block.
| Long Run Phase | Gel Strategy | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Early Block (Weeks 1–4) | 1 gel per run, taken at 60 minutes | Introduce the habit. Identify any tolerance issues early with no pressure. |
| Build Phase (Weeks 5–8) | 2 gels, taken at 50 and 90 minutes | Extend the fuelling window. Begin training the gut to absorb carbohydrate under load. |
| Race Simulation (Weeks 9–12) | 3–4 gels, every 40–45 minutes | Full race-day fuelling rehearsal. Confirm brand, format and quantity before taper. |
| Race Day (Sub-3 Target) | 4–5 gels at consistent intervals | Deliver approximately 80g of carbohydrate per hour. Nothing new on race day. |
The Journey
From registration to race day, here is how the project is structured.
Complete the registration form below. Your coach will make contact within 48 hours to introduce themselves and gather the information needed to begin building your programme.
A pre-programme conversation with your coach to cover training history, race target, weekly availability and any injury considerations. Your programme is built around this information, not a template.
Your first week of training lands in TrainingPeaks. The group WhatsApp opens. First group call is scheduled for the end of the month. We get to work.
The core training block. Weekly loads increase progressively, strength sessions run alongside your running, and your long runs begin to include the fuelling and race-pace work that defines the programme.
The final weeks are calculated to land you at the start line in peak condition. Your race-day execution plan is in place. The three-hour barrier is the target. Everything before this moment has been preparation.
Entry Criteria
This project is designed for runners who are already in range of sub-3. Meeting these criteria means you have the base from which the programme can do its work.
Investment
One price for the full project, from 1 January 2027 through to your spring race. No monthly rolling fees, no hidden extras.
Register Before 30 November 2026
£275
One payment. Full programme access.
Early bird closes midnight 30 November 2026.
Early bird price closes midnight 30 November 2026. After that date the standard price of £325 applies.
Standard Price — December 2026
£325
One payment. Full programme access.
Available from 1 December 2026, subject to places remaining.
Places are strictly limited. Registration closes when the group is full, regardless of date.
Register Your Interest
Complete the form below and your coach will be in touch within 48 hours to confirm your place and begin the onboarding process.
Questions
The early bird price of £275 closes midnight 30 November. Places are limited.
Secure Your Place Now