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5K Competitive Runners Coaches

What type of runner are you?

Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

5km Competitive Masters

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

Leah Rosenfeld

Leah Rosenfeld

Los Angeles, California, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (21) 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.

Leah offers VDOT O2-certified, evidence-based coaching from Flagstaff experience, crafting joyful, individualized plans for 5K to marathon runners.

Starting at $39.00

Megan Cooke

Megan Cooke

Hillsborough, North Carolina, United States

5km Competitive Masters

4.9 (57) 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.

Megan builds tailored plans for beginners to BQ hopefuls, blending VDOT O2, 15 yrs D1 coaching, elite marathon/ultra experience, plus nutrition and mental skills.

Starting at $30.00

Dylan Belles

Dylan Belles

Eureka, Missouri, United States

5km Competitive Masters

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

Amy Sitar

Amy Sitar

NY, NY, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (37) 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. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Amy Sitar coaches runners of all levels—Head Coach of the NY Flyers marathon program offering private coaching and consultations to help athletes reach goals faster.

Starting at $75.00

Kristyn R Smith

Kristyn R Smith

New York, New York, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (30) 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. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Kristyn pairs eight years coaching, 26 marathons (8 Boston) and VDOT/RRCA/ACE credentials to create training plans and private coaching. Book a free intro.

Starting at $45.00

Nicholas Hilton

Nicholas Hilton

Flagstaff, AZ, United States

5km Competitive Masters

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 Competitive Masters

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

Michelle Baxter

Michelle Baxter

_, Minnesota, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (28) 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. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Michelle coaches beginners to Boston hopefuls, and pregnant/postpartum women. VDOT O2 & RRCA Level 1. Offers remote plans, consultations, private coaching.

Starting at $32.00

Jennifer Andrews

Jennifer Andrews

Interior, BC, Canada

5km Competitive Physical Therapy

5.0 (15) 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.

Jennifer coaches all levels with an effort-based approach that fits busy lives; offers VDOT O2-certified training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $45.00

Tiffany England

Tiffany England

Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, United Kingdom

5km Competitive Masters

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. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +2

Tiffany offers private and remote coaching for beginners to competitive runners. USATF/VDOT O2/RRCA-certified, 6x Boston finisher; prioritizes communication.

Starting at $190.00

John Reniewicki

John Reniewicki

Baltimore, Arizona, United States

5km Competitive Masters

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 Competitive Masters

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

Caroline Högardh

Caroline Högardh

Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

5km Competitive Masters

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.

Caroline Högardh offers remote coaching for middle to marathon runners. VDOT O2 certified, she emphasizes injury prevention, strength and flexible plans.

Starting at $120.00

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Albany, New York , United States

5km Physical Therapy Masters

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 Masters

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

Caitlin Rushlander

Caitlin Rushlander

Mars, Pennsylvania, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (8) 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.

Caitlin coaches remote/group runners (1600m–marathon) with VDOT O2-based plans, emphasizing 'Train, Don't Strain' and consistency; offers private coaching for tailored progress.

Starting at $120.00

Ann Alyanak

Ann Alyanak

Bellbrook, OH, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (7) 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

Ann crafts efficient remote 5K–marathon plans from pro racing and collegiate coaching experience. USATF L1, VDOT O2. Private coaching.

Starting at $139.00

Katie Fedoronko

Katie Fedoronko

Chicago, Illinois, United States

5km Competitive Masters

5.0 (7) 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.

Katie helps runners build consistent, injury-resistant fitness with VDOT O2 coaching, nutrition and strength guidance. Offers plans and private coaching.

Starting at $35.00

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

5km Competitive Masters

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

5K Coaching for Runners Chasing Speed, Not Just Miles

Short Distance, High Demands

The 5K is unforgiving: three-plus miles of sustained near-max effort where fitness, pacing, and race execution all have to line up. 5K coaches on V.O2 use the VDOT methodology - the individualized training-pace system from two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist Dr. Jack Daniels - to calibrate your VO2max and threshold workouts precisely, so your interval sessions build real speed instead of just fatigue. From high schoolers chasing a varsity time standard to masters runners rebuilding speed after years of distance work, marketplace coaches cover every stage of a competitive 5K career.

Built for Track Season and Road Races Alike

Whether you're racing on the track, at a local road 5K, or building 5K speed as a foundation for longer distances, a coach tailors your interval structure and recovery to your specific race calendar.

Get Faster With a 5K Specialist

Compare coaches by specialty and pricing, read reviews from athletes they've coached, then message one directly to start a plan built around your goal time.

FAQ

VO2max interval pace and threshold pace drive most of a 5K build - both calculated from your current fitness, so your hardest sessions build real speed instead of just fatigue.

Dr. Jack Daniels: a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World. His VO2max and threshold pace research is exactly what 5K training draws on.

V.O2 Certified coaches have passed an 80-question exam authored by Dr. Jack Daniels, scoring 80% or higher. It's optional and sits alongside USATF and RRCA as one of three credentials shown on profiles.

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.

Yes! All coaches on this page specialize in 5K. You can further refine by speciality, product type, or language to find your ideal coach.

Yes! These coaches specialize in Competitive Runners, Injury Prevention, and Masters Runners and are experienced in helping runners with these specific needs. Check individual profiles for more details about their coaching philosophy and approach.

Yes! The coaches on this page combine expertise in Competitive Runners with 5K training experience. This targeted approach helps you train smarter and reach your race goals.

Yes! The coaches on this page combine 5K training expertise with experience coaching Competitive Runners and Masters Runners.