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5K Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

107 coaches found

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Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (75) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Will Baldwin builds personalized plans and ongoing coaching for beginners to competitive runners, focusing on faster, healthier, and more enjoyable training.

Starting at $29.99

Danny Mercado

Danny Mercado

West Covina, California, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (10)

Danny guides runners—from beginners to competitive athletes—leveraging NCAA titles, Olympic Trials marathon experience and Hall of Fame honors. Offers training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $99.00

Dylan Belles

Dylan Belles

Eureka, Missouri, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (48) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Dylan Belles—VDOT O2 coach, 2x Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and former Brooks pro—offers remote private coaching for beginners to elites (1600m–marathon).

Starting at $150.00

Nicholas Hilton

Nicholas Hilton

Flagstaff, AZ, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (25) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Nicholas Hilton, VDOT O2 & USATF L1 certified, brings nearly 20 years' experience and a 2:16 marathon PR to coach beginners through competitive and masters runners; offers private coaching and plans.

Starting at $20.00

John Carstens

John Carstens

Kansas City, MO, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (19) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

John Carstens uses VDOT-based speed work and hands-on coaching to get runners PRs, prevent injury, and adapt plans. Offers training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $50.00

John Reniewicki

John Reniewicki

Baltimore, Arizona, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (13) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

John, VDOT O2-certified pro at Under Armour HQ, helps beginners to Olympic hopefuls hit PRs from 800m to marathon. Offers consultations, training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $60.00

Steve Crnic

Steve Crnic

Denver, CO, USA

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (11) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Steve, Brooklyn-based VDOT O2 coach and gait analysis expert, uses a 2:40 marathon PR plus footwear and mechanics know-how to reduce injury risk and help runners progress.

Starting at $49.95

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Albany, New York , United States

5km 2mi/3km Nutrition

4.9 (51) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Matt blends elite racing (5x All‑American, 2008 Olympic Trials & Boston qualifier) with DPT and VDOT O2 coaching, biomechanical tech, training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $47.00

Will Small

Will Small

St. John's, NL, Canada

5km Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (9) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Will Small offers 20+ years' experience and VDOT O2 training with periodized, time-based plans delivered via V.O2 app for beginner to competitive runners.

Starting at $45.00

Backroads Endurance

Backroads Endurance

Noblesville, Indiana, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (7)

Blake helps runners recover and improve speed using DPT and CSCS expertise; from beginners to pros, he offers private coaching and consultations. Learn more.

Starting at $25.00

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (6) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Matt coaches beginners to elites with evidence‑based plans (USATF L1, VDOT O2). His athletes include Olympic/World qualifiers, a 7th at Paris 2024 and a 2025 World Champs marathon bronze.

Starting at $100.00

Kevin  Huwe

Kevin Huwe

Chattanooga, TN, U.S

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (6) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Kevin offers remote VDOT O2-certified private coaching for 1600m–marathon, using VDOT plans that took his marathon from 2:55 to 2:27 and produced athlete PRs.

Starting at $80.00

Colin Cronin

Colin Cronin

Savannah, Virginia, United States

5km 2mi/3km High School

4.9 (11)

Colin coaches high-school to masters runners with D1 and marathon experience. Remote & group, plans & consults to build fitness, mindset and race results.

Starting at $47.00

PW Performance Coaching

PW Performance Coaching

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (4) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

PW offers VDOT O2‑certified remote and consultation coaching for beginners to competitive runners, plus nutrition, biomechanics and private coaching.

Starting at $30.00

Adam Burum

Adam Burum

Houston, Texas, United States

5km 2mi/3km High School

5.0 (3) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Adam coaches 800m–marathon runners with collegiate and road-racing experience and VDOT O2 certification. He offers training plans, private coaching and consultations (in-person or remote).

Starting at $25.00

Rod Koborsi

Rod Koborsi

San Francisco, California, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (3)

Rod pairs elite racing (8-time All‑American; 5th US 5,000m, 13:26) with coaching for 800m–marathon runners, offering private coaching and training plans.

Starting at $75.00

Andre Laboy

Andre Laboy

Los Angeles, California, United States

5km Competitive Mental Skills

5.0 (3)

Andre Laboy, NYC coach and ex-collegiate runner (14:12 5K, 2:56 M). Builds structured 5K–marathon plans; private in-person, remote & group coaching.

Starting at $20.00

Harvey Nelson - McKirdy Trained

Harvey Nelson - McKirdy Trained

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

5km 2mi/3km Competitive

5.0 (2) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Harvey pairs VDOT O2 certification and NAU elite experience (5K 14:14, HM 1:01:46) to coach beginners through Boston-qualifiers via remote plans and consults.

Starting at $15.00

Chucky Bizzarro

Chucky Bizzarro

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States

5km Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (2) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Chucky coaches beginners to competitive runners (5K–marathon) remotely. VDOT O2-certified, he offers run analysis, check-ins, and private coaching or training plans.

Starting at $100.00

Andy McGhee

Andy McGhee

Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

5km Competitive Nutrition

5.0 (2) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Andy guides beginners to elite runners (5K–marathon) with VDOT O2-backed training, nutrition and strength work. Offers bespoke training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $79.95

Find Your 3K Running Coach on V.O2

How 3K Coaching Works on V.O2

Every coach on the V.O2 Marketplace builds 3K training around the VDOT methodology - the individualized training-pace system developed from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels. Instead of a template pulled off a shelf, your training starts from your current fitness and your goal, with a purpose behind every workout. Most coaches begin with a detailed questionnaire, then deliver structured workouts with individualized paces - many of which sync straight to your watch - and adjust the plan as your fitness, schedule, and life change.

Why Runners Pick a 3K Specialist

Coaches who list 3K training among their specialties have prepared athletes for exactly this kind of goal, so you get guidance that is specific rather than general advice stretched to fit. Every profile shows the coach's background, coaching style, and pricing up front, and every review is written by an athlete who actually purchased coaching from that coach. Not sure who fits? You can message a coach directly with questions before you buy anything.

Start 3K Training This Week

Filter by product type, specialty, language, or price, compare profiles side by side, and start 3K training built around you - not a one-size-fits-all download.

The Research Behind Your 3K Paces

VDOT comes from Dr. Jack Daniels - a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist Runner's World called "the Albert Einstein of the sport" and named "The World's Best Running Coach." His book Daniels' Running Formula is the same material coaches study for the V.O2 Certification exam. Every 3K plan on the marketplace traces back to that research, not a generic pace chart pulled off the shelf.

FAQ

Pricing varies by coach and by product type - a one-off consultation costs less than ongoing private coaching. Every coach on V.O2 publishes pricing directly on their profile and listings, and you can use the price filter to keep your search inside your budget.

Coaches on V.O2 use the VDOT methodology, developed from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels. A recent race result or fitness estimate produces your VDOT score, which sets individualized paces for every workout type - and your coach updates them as your fitness improves.

A training plan is a structured program you follow with individualized paces; private coaching adds an ongoing relationship where the coach reviews your training and adjusts as you go. Many coaches on V.O2 offer both, plus one-off consultations - each listing shows exactly what's included.

Coaching on V.O2 isn't a static download. Most coaches adjust your plan based on your feedback and progress - a missed week, a niggle, a schedule change - so your training stays realistic instead of falling apart.

Dr. Jack Daniels: a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World. His research is what sets your 3K paces - not a generic age-based chart.

V.O2 Certified coaches have passed an 80-question exam authored by Dr. Jack Daniels, scoring 80% or higher. It's one of three credentials shown on coach profiles alongside USATF and RRCA, and it's optional - not every coach holds it.

USATF (USA Track & Field) and RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) both run tiered coaching-education programs covering training science and coaching practice - separate from V.O2 Certified, which is V.O2's own credential built on Dr. Jack Daniels' methodology. Coaches can hold any combination of the three, and all are optional.

First, look for coaches with experience in your target distance, relevant specialities, and positive reviews. Or, search for coaches by location, product type, and price. Once you’ve narrowed your search, read the coaching bios to ensure the coach is the right fit for you. You can also message coaches directly to ask about their approach and whether they're a good fit for your goals.