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5K Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches

What type of runner are you?

Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

5km Exercise Science 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 Strength & Conditioning 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

John Carstens

John Carstens

Kansas City, MO, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Exercise Science

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

Backroads Endurance

Backroads Endurance

Noblesville, Indiana, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Exercise Science

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

Harvey Nelson - McKirdy Trained

Harvey Nelson - McKirdy Trained

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

5km Exercise Science 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

Andy McGhee

Andy McGhee

Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

5km Strength & Conditioning 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.

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

Jordan Colby

Jordan Colby

Chico, CA, USA

5km Exercise Science Competitive

5.0 (1) 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.

Jordan Colby pairs DPT/OCS clinical expertise and VDOT O2 coaching with distance-racing experience (2:44 marathon) to offer private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $99.99

Tom Myers

Tom Myers

New York, NY, USA

5km Strength & Conditioning Exercise Science

5.0 (1) 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.

Tom offers diligent, supportive coaching for 800m–marathon runners. VDOT O2-certified with NASM corrective training, he builds individualized plans and rehabs injuries.

Starting at $50.00

Pete Simon

Pete Simon

Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

5km Strength & Conditioning Nutrition

5.0 (1) 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.

Pete, VDOT O2 coach with 17+ years as a British Army PT instructor, offers in-person and remote VDOT plans, runTRAIN cross-training, private coaching and consultations.

Starting at $45.00

David Abbott

David Abbott

Sacramento, California, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Cross Training

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.

David helps runners 40+ get stronger, stay healthy and improve with strength, injury-prevention, and high-low training. Offers consultations.

Starting at $50.00

Richard Airey

Richard Airey

Seneca , South Carolina, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Exercise Science

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.

Rich blends 30 years of racing/coaching, Leadville top-20 finishes and a strength-first RunningWOD approach to boost longevity. Consultations available.

Starting at $75.00

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Acolman, CDMX, Mexico

5km Strength & Conditioning Competitive

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 2 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Juan Carlos guides beginners to 5K–marathon athletes with science-based, structured plans. VDOT O2 & RRCA L2 certified; offers private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $30.00

Conner Benson

Conner Benson

Georgetown, Texas, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Exercise Science

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.

Conner blends VO2 testing, exercise physiology and strength/biomechanics expertise to coach competitive, high school and masters runners remotely.

Starting at $90.00

Daniel Farrugia

Daniel Farrugia

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

5km Strength & Conditioning Competitive

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.

Daniel guides beginners to ultras with 27 years' experience, VDOT O2 and Athletics Australia Level 2 credentials. Offers in-person, remote, group coaching and training plans.

Starting at $50.00

Forrest Hamilton

Forrest Hamilton

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Competitive

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.

Forrest offers VDOT O2-certified, NASM-informed plans blending endurance, strength, recovery and injury prevention for beginners to marathoners; private coaching and training plans available.

Starting at $80.00

Rob King

Rob King

Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States

5km Exercise Science Competitive

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 2 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Rob King offers remote and limited in-person private coaching to middle-, high-school, collegiate and recreational runners in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Triangle.

Starting at $150.00

Stuart Lamp

Stuart Lamp

Decatur, Alabama, United States

5km Exercise Science High School

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.

Stuart builds tailored plans and offers consults for runners and triathletes of all levels, from beginners to national champions. Explore his coaching.

Starting at $49.99

Andy Mellor

Andy Mellor

England, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

5km Strength & Conditioning Competitive

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 uses a broad athletic background and VDOT O2 certification to craft tailored plans for runners (1600m to ultras). Offers consultations, private coaching and training plans.

Starting at $20.00

Cary Morgan

Cary Morgan

Vestavia, Alabama, United States

5km Exercise Science Competitive

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

Cary Morgan offers remote private coaching grounded in exercise science and PT expertise. VDOT O2, RRCA, UESCA-certified for all distances and levels.

Starting at $125.00

Andrew Samuels

Andrew Samuels

New York, NY, United States

5km Strength & Conditioning Competitive

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

Andrew tailors in-person and remote plans for busy runners (5K–marathon), pairing VDOT O2 & RRCA coaching with NASM strength work to prevent injury and boost speed.

Starting at $150.00

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 Certified Strength and Conditioning and Exercise Scientist 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 Certified Strength and Conditioning with 5K training experience. This targeted approach helps you train smarter and reach your race goals.

Online coaches on V.O2 provide personalized training plans, feedback via messaging, phone calls and/or in-app commenting, and progress tracking without requiring in-person meetings. Most adjust your plan based on your weekly feedback and performance.