unlock your potential

Elevate your running with personalized coaching and strength-based strategies, paired with unwavering support — everything you need to achieve your next performance breakthrough.

Training can be hard.

Let’s tackle it together.

Whether you’re training for your first race or chasing a new personal best, NYC running Coach John Henwood and Henwood’s Hounds Racing Team are here to guide you with personalized plans, expert coaching, and a community that runs with you—every step of the way.

  • From marathon preparation and chasing new personal bests to simply building your fitness, John will craft a personalized training plan based on your strengths and weaknesses with your aspirations and work/personal life schedule.

    John’s commitment to your success goes beyond training. From helping you return to running after time off, to training around an injury, he offers a practical approach to ensure you perform at your peak and stay injury-free.

  • John Henwood is an Olympian with 20+ years of experience coaching runners. He specializes in coaching for performance with a well balanced running program, incorporating functional strength and injury prevention exercises and stretches.

  • Joining Henwood’s Hounds Racing Team means becoming part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Share the joy of running, build lasting friendships, and experience the camaraderie that comes from pursuing your goals together.

Henwood's Hounds Racing Team posing together before a weekly speed team workout in Central Park. They are a diverse group, wearing running gear and standing on a paved path with trees and a fence in the background.

Our Services

Running is more than a sport—it’s a journey. Coach John Henwood and Henwood’s Hounds Racing Team are here to help you reach your goals with motivation, structure, and expert guidance every step of the way.

A successful running program isn’t one-size-fits-all. To train effectively and stay injury-free, you need a plan designed around you—your fitness level, schedule, and lifestyle. Generic plans can’t adjust for real-life challenges like missed workouts, injuries, or busy weeks.

That’s where personalized coaching makes all the difference. With John’s support, you’ll follow a tailored plan that adapts to your needs, keeps you accountable, and helps you run your best—no matter where you’re starting from.

  • Benefit from expert coaching, focused attention, and a customized plan designed to adjust and advance as your training develops.

  • Assess running form/biomechanics with video analysis and implement corrective exercises and stretches based on findings.

  • Elevate your running game with our tailor-made strength training plans. Coach John Henwood will show you how to incorporate strength workouts seamlessly into your routine, enhancing your running performance and overall fitness.

  • Join fellow runners in invigorating group training sessions where you’ll push each other to new heights and forge lasting friendships.

Learn more
Henwood's Hounds Racing Team doing warm-ups that consist of high knees on a gravel path in Central Park. Image is focused in on one female runner dressed in the red Henwood's Hounds Racing Team uniform.

meet running coach:

john henwood

“I love everything about running and my amazing team [Henwood’s Hounds]. Not just their personal best times, but the friendships formed and the lives who have been transformed.

New York City’s Central Park has a fun, vibrant running community and there’s no place better in the world to be coaching. ”

— Coach John

Henwood's Hounds Racing Team running on a road in Central Park, with Coach John Henwood featured; wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and a cap, holding a small phone, during daylight.
About John

Testimonials

  • Henwood's Hounds Racing Team participating in a speed workout on a paved road surrounded by trees of Central Park.

    Henry Chong:

    “John Henwood works personally with you to get the most performance within your schedule constraints. You could be a beginning runner trying to get a big PR or an experienced runner trying to squeeze the last drops of your potential, I have seen many very positive results within the team, including my own (2:47 -> 2:36 marathon). I’ve worked with John for 3 years and the training blocks have enough variety to challenge me to be a stronger runner as I get deeper into the masters (40yr+) category.

    He’s a textbook-example of what you would want to have from a coach - he’d believe in your ability even when you have doubts. John works very hard to keep his runners healthy, and works even harder to get you back into racing shape if you’re dealing with niggle or injury. If you’re looking for a performance-oriented coach, I strongly recommend reaching out to John to see if he’s a good match for you.”

  • Two women running outdoors on a paved path with green trees in the background.

    Anne Wechsler:

    “John Henwood has completely transformed my running. Before training with him, my marathon PR was 3:49. Under his guidance, I Boston-qualified on my very first training cycle with him—something I really never imagined I could do. Recently, after having my first child and returning to marathon training postpartum, John helped me run a new personal best of 3:06.

    John’s guidance, structure, and unwavering encouragement are invaluable. His plans are smart, challenging, and dynamic. He is happy to help me pivot when life happens and runs need to change. Furthermore, I can’t say enough good things about the team John has put together. I wouldn’t be half the runner I was without my fellow Henwood’s Hounds!”

  • Three runners jogging on a paved road surrounded by green trees.

    Alexandre freedman:

    “John is undoubtedly the GOAT of NYC running coaches—with skill, precision, and a touch of Kiwi humor, he has taken over 40 minutes off my marathon PR. Henwood provides the full package: customized running plans, strength training sessions, and injury prevention treatments. With his help, I have stayed healthy through vigorous training and racing calendars. After over 5 years of coaching, I am still improving and feel as though I have more to achieve. Thank you John!”

  • Group of women jogging outdoors on a trail surrounded by trees and bushes.

    Celine Tak:

    “I’ve had the privilege of training with Coach John for the last two years and I can confidently say he’s one of the best in the business. As a former Olympian, John brings an exceptional level of expertise and insight to every training block. His training methods are both science-based and highly personalized; he takes the time to understand your goals, strengths, and areas for improvement, then structures a program that truly delivers results.

    John’s dedication has completely transformed my approach to marathon training, and joining his team has allowed me to continue pushing for bigger goals. Whether you’re a first-time marathoner or a seasoned runner looking to reach a new level, I can’t recommend Coach John enough.”

Let’s work together.

We’ll elevate your running performance — and make sure you enjoy every step of the journey.