How M11 Track Club's Support System Fuels Keely Hodgkinson's Success & World Record Dreams

Keely Hodgkinson and her world-class training group, M11 Track Club, are pushing the boundaries of middle-distance running under the guidance of coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows. Based in Manchester, England, this close-knit team has become a powerhouse in athletics, blending rigorous training with a supportive team culture that has helped Hodgkinson secure six global medals in as many years.

The M11 Track Club, named after its postcode in Manchester, consists of nearly 30 athletes from around the world who train together in demanding conditions. Sessions often take place in relentless rain at the SportCity track, where the emphasis is on pushing limits. Hodgkinson, Olympic champion and world silver medallist over 800 meters, recently endured a grueling training session under pouring rain. Coach Painter shielded her with an umbrella as she lay exhausted on the track, while teammate Georgia Hunter Bell vomited from the effort. Such intensity is typical of M11, where camaraderie and competition go hand in hand.

Hodgkinson credits the club’s environment for her success. "I think it's everything," she said. "I probably wouldn't be the person I am without it. We have a very fun approach to training, I love everybody in this group." The club fosters a family-like atmosphere, with athletes supporting each other through victories and struggles. New recruit Gaia Sabbatini from Italy quickly experienced the club’s signature toughness, describing feeling like she was "dying" during a session. Painter, who has coached Hodgkinson since she was 17, acknowledges the group’s unique dynamic. "There are a lot of friendships, it is like a family," he said. "But, when the time comes, you roll your sleeves up."

The club’s training philosophy combines fun with extreme physical demands. Sessions like 400-meter intervals prepare athletes for major competitions, including the upcoming European Championships in Birmingham. Hodgkinson recently set a British 800-meter record in Stockholm, running faster splits than in her previous indoor season, where she won world gold and set an indoor world record. Her performance came just days after Swiss athlete Audrey Werro broke the world record, adding motivation to Hodgkinson’s training.

M11’s rise is rooted in the vision of Meadows, a former world medallist, and Painter, who also guided Meadows to international success. What began as a local initiative has grown into a globally recognized training hub. "Now people know instantly: that's Jenny and Trevor, that's some of the best athletes in the world," Meadows said. Their model has attracted sponsorship, allowing them to expand support with assistant coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists.

The club’s training locations reflect its no-frills ethos—from Manchester’s SportCity track to Wigan car parks and South Africa’s "hell hill." These humble settings reinforce the club’s values of humility and hard work. "The team aspect is so powerful," Painter said. "If someone's having a bad day, there's always someone to put their arm around you." The group’s ability to balance celebration with struggle has made M11 a model for others in the sport.

As Hodgkinson and her teammates prepare for the European Championships, their bond remains their greatest strength. The club’s blend of elite coaching, supportive community, and relentless effort continues to redefine what’s possible in middle-distance running.

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