Our Coaches
Our coaching team brings together a wealth of experience, from elite athletes to those who discovered running later in life. What unites them all is a passion for helping others achieve their running goals, whatever they may be.
Head Coaches
Athletics Coach
Paul Fleming
Junior athletics, event-specific training, senior track sessions
Athletics Coach
Dave Bateman
Get Up and Run program, senior distance running
Coach in Running Fitness (CIRF)
Coach in Running Fitness
Sarah Barnett
Training plan development, gentle group coaching, strength and conditioning
Coach in Running Fitness
Issy Peters
Junior and senior coaching, multi-sport training
Coach in Running Fitness
Annalisa Alexander
Beginner running, mental health support, Get Up and Run program assistance
Coach in Running Fitness
Karen Sinclair
Membership support, beginner coaching, parkrun touring
Leader in Running Fitness (LIRF)
Leader in Running Fitness
Ann Varnes
Beginner coaching, C25K group support
Leader in Running Fitness
Lorraine Herring
Beginner coaching, inclusive running
Leader in Running Fitness
Philomel Bennett
Cross-country, marathon training, event organization
Leader in Running Fitness
Steve King
Beginner support, marathon training, fun-focused running
Leader in Running Fitness
Sam Walker
Warmups and stretches, C25K support, beginner coaching
Leader in Running Fitness
Alistair Rose
Group running, beginner support
Our Coaching Philosophy
At HBAC, our coaching team is committed to supporting runners of all abilities. Whether you're taking your first steps as a beginner or training for your next ultra marathon, our coaches bring expertise, encouragement, and a genuine passion for helping you achieve your goals.
Our coaches come from diverse backgrounds - some are elite athletes who have represented Great Britain, while others discovered running later in life. This diversity means we truly understand the challenges and joys of running at every level.
Understanding Coaching Qualifications
All our coaches hold UK Athletics (UKA) or England Athletics qualifications. Here's what each qualification means:
Head Coach
The highest level of UKA coaching qualification. Head Coaches have extensive experience and can coach across all athletics disciplines and ability levels, from beginners to elite athletes.
Athletics Coach
UKA Level 2 qualification with specialist knowledge in specific disciplines (sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, or endurance). Can coach athletes in competition settings and plan structured training programs.
Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF)
UKA Level 2 qualification specifically for running. CiRF coaches can plan and deliver running sessions for individuals and groups, from beginners to experienced runners, and support athletes towards performance goals.
Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
UKA Level 1 qualification that enables leaders to organize and lead group running sessions. LiRF leaders are perfect for supporting beginner groups and social running, with a focus on enjoyment and participation.
Assistant Coach
Entry-level UKA qualification for those starting their coaching journey. Assistant Coaches work under supervision of qualified coaches to gain experience and develop their coaching skills.
Specialist Qualifications
Additional qualifications in specific areas such as Sprints & Hurdles, Jumps & Throws, Trail Running, or Endurance. These provide specialized knowledge for coaching particular athletics events or running disciplines.
All our coaches: Complete safeguarding training, hold current DBS checks (for those working with juniors), and undertake continuing professional development to maintain and enhance their coaching skills.
Our Coaching Standards
UKA Qualified
All coaches hold recognized UK Athletics qualifications
Ongoing Development
Regular CPD courses to maintain coaching excellence
Safeguarding
All coaches complete safeguarding and child protection training
Passion for Coaching
Dedicated volunteers who love helping others achieve their goals
Interested in Coaching?
We're always looking for enthusiastic members to join our coaching team. Whether you want to become a qualified coach or help as an assistant, we provide support, mentoring, and funding for qualifications.
We offer:
- Funding for coaching qualifications
- Mentoring from experienced coaches
- Flexible volunteering opportunities
- Ongoing CPD support
Requirements:
- Enthusiasm for helping others
- Commitment to learning
- DBS check (we arrange this)
- Safeguarding training (provided)
Interested? Contact secretary@hbac.co.uk to learn more about coaching opportunities at HBAC.