What a way to begin 2026. Across the group, January brought some brilliant performances – personal bests, strong team results, and plenty of encouraging signs as we head into the Spring racing season. Here’s a look back at the highlights from the athletes I coach here in London and beyond.
Rebecca Taylor – Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k, Hyde Park | 1 January 2026
The year couldn’t have started better for Rebecca, who delivered a stunning PB at the iconic Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k in Hyde Park, London. Running 41:43, she took a massive 40 seconds off her previous best – and did so after carefully managing a niggle picked up just before the holidays.
What made this performance particularly impressive was the composure and intelligence behind it. A smart, patient race that was a perfect example of trusting the training process, staying consistent through adversity, and letting the fitness do the talking when it counts. A huge marker set for the year ahead, and one that has us genuinely excited about what’s to come as the season builds.
Elizabeth Aryeetey – Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k, Hyde Park | 1 January 2026
Elizabeth also lined up at the Serpentine NYD 10k to start the year and turned in a really solid, well-executed performance. Running 51:26 – her 3rd fastest 10k to date – this was a composed and encouraging outing, especially given she’d been managing a slight niggle through the holiday period.
This result carries real weight heading into a focused Spring marathon training block. A great platform, a positive marker, and plenty to feel encouraged by as the training ramps up.
Elise Brockhurst – Valencia 10k, Spain | January 2026
Billed as the fastest 10k in the world, with over 16,000 runners on the start line and one of the deepest fields you’ll find over the distance, the Valencia 10k delivered in every sense – and so did Elise.
Going into the race in great shape off the back of a strong training block through the holidays, all the signs had been pointing in the right direction. On the day, Elise ran a fantastic 42:05 – a huge PB, a 65-second improvement on last year, and a top-20 age category finish in a seriously competitive international field.
The progress has been brilliant to see, and there’s no question there’s more to come. A superb start to 2026 and a perfect springboard as we now turn attention to the Spring marathon build.
Elizabeth Aryeetey – Fred Hughes 10 Mile, St Albans 
| January 2026
Back in action later in the month, Elizabeth put in another impressive performance at the Fred Hughes 10 Mile in St Albans – and this one really showcased where the fitness is at right now.
Running 1:25:17, the standout detail was a superb 3-second negative split across the second half of the race. That’s not just a strong time – it’s a clear sign of excellent pacing, growing confidence, and real strength in the later stages of a hard effort. Exactly the kind of execution you want to see at this point in a marathon training block. Fantastic work, Elizabeth. 
Jodie Pearlman – Fred Hughes 10 Mile, St Albans | January 2026
Jodie also had a great run at the Fred Hughes 10 Mile, clocking 1:11:30 on a hilly course – just a minute shy of her previous best – and backing it up with a strong 30-second negative split in the second half. A clear sign of growing strength and control over longer race distances, which is exactly what we’re building towards.
Beyond her individual result, Jodie’s run played a key role in helping Mornington Chasers finish 3rd in the women’s team event – making it an excellent day all round. Really encouraging signs as we continue to develop the endurance base ahead of Spring. Great work, Jodie.
Work With a London Running Coach in 2026
January has shown exactly what’s possible with the right structure, support, and process behind you. Whether you’re a complete beginner lacing up for the first time, a club runner chasing a 10k or half marathon PB, or an experienced athlete building towards a marathon or ultra – I’m here to help you get there.
As a London-based running coach with an MSc in Performance Coaching, I combine sports science, structured training, and individual support to help runners at every level reach their potential.
Get in touch on the contact page – let’s talk about what we can build together in 2026.