People
Meet the Dockers: Coren Hanley
From ultra marathon training to social runs along the waterfront, Coren Hanley has covered more Royal Docks miles than most. As a coach and Training Coordinator for East End Road Runners, she’s also passionate about helping runners of all abilities achieve their goals while making the most of the area’s unique surroundings.
In this Meet the Dockers interview, she shares her favourite routes, hidden gems and what makes local running club East End Road Runners such a welcoming community.
What do you love most about living in the Royal Docks?
I love being by the water, there's something really calming about it. The area also has some fantastic independent places to eat and drink. A couple of my favourites are Oiler Bar, which is a real sun trap in the summer and Freight for great coffee.
You’re a club runner for East End Road Runners, do you have any favourite Royal Docks routes that help you train?
One of my favourite routes is an out-and-back heading straight down towards Gallions Reach and then back towards City Hall. It's brilliant to have such a long stretch of traffic-free pavement to run along.
You’ve raced everything from 10Ks to ultra marathons over 26.2 miles and completed all six World Marathon Majors. Which distance do you enjoy most, and how do you keep yourself motivated through all the training?
The marathon is my favourite distance. I love the challenge of the training cycle, spending hours doing an activity I love and the sense of achievement on race day. Training with East End Road Runners helps keep me motivated, particularly our Sunday long runs. Having people to chat with makes the miles fly by!
For people who don’t know the club, how would you describe East End Road Runners?
We're a friendly, welcoming and inclusive club that caters for runners of all abilities and backgrounds. Whether you're taking your first steps into running or training for an event, there's a place for everyone.
Coren leading an East End Road Runners session
Can you tell us a bit about your role and what’s your favourite thing about being part of the running club?
As Training Coordinator and one of the club's coaches, I plan our weekly track sessions and club runs, which are led by a team of qualified coaches and leaders. My favourite part is seeing runners progress and achieve goals they might not have thought possible.
The club offers a free first session, what can people expect when they turn up, and what would you say to someone who’s nervous or thinks they’re not fast enough?
Our free first session is a coached group track session. After a warm-up and some drills, there'll be around 25–30 minutes of structured running, suitable for all abilities.
I'd say to anyone who's nervous that there's no need to worry. We have runners of all levels, and you can go at whatever pace feels comfortable. The club is very supportive, and everyone remembers what it was like to be new.
What do you think people gain from joining a club like East End Road Runners that they might not get from running on their own?
A sense of community is probably the biggest thing. Running with others provides motivation, encouragement and creates friendships. From experience, East London didn't feel like home until I joined the club!
East End Road Runners is hosting the Royal Docks Run: 5K on Sunday 7 June. It’s a free chance to run with the club for anyone able to cover the distance. What would you say to encourage people to come along and make the most of it?
Don't be shy - just book your free place! You don’t need to be an East End Road Runners member to take part. Our qualified run leaders and club members will make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. We'll offer a range of pace groups so everyone can run comfortably, and nobody gets left behind. It's a great opportunity to explore the area, meet new people and experience what the club is all about.
If someone is thinking of starting to run or getting back into it again after a break, what tips would you give them?
Start slowly and focus on consistency rather than speed or distance. Don't put too much pressure on yourself and remember that every runner was a beginner once. Setting small, achievable goals and joining a supportive club like East End Road Runners can make the whole experience more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
Discover upcoming East End Road Runners events. Anyone can take part, no membership needed:
Royal Docks Run: 5K with East End Road Runners
A free, friendly 5K around the Royal Docks on Sunday 7 June, meeting at 8.15am for an 8.30am start outside Good Hotel, Western Gate Way, E16 1FA. Led by qualified run leaders with three pace groups, including a relaxed 38‑minute 5K option. The sessions will pass some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, including City Hall, Excel London, Millennium Mills, the London Cable Car and the striking Grade II listed cranes. Advance booking is essential.
Part of the London Festival of Architecture and At the Docks 2026.
East End Road Runners Olympic Park 5K East London V Interclub Series
A flat, scenic 5K through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford on Tuesday 23 June at 7:30pm, forming part of the East London Five Interclub Series (ELVIS). Suitable for all abilities, with entry from £12 plus booking fee.
Join East End Road Runners
Looking for a friendly local running community? Contact East End Road Runners to find out more.
