smrac distance make running a habit; consistency brings success

Coaches

HEAD COACH - Noel Stoddart
Noel started running for Elswick Harriers in his home town of Newcastle Upon Tyne before making his way down the country and settling at Borough of Hounslow AC. There he enjoyed success as part of the club's winning winter relay teams and set his best track times. He still likes to get out for a run between coaching sessions and makes a racing comeback in Met Leagues most Novembers!

In 2002 Noel started working for the late Kim McDonald, coach and agent to many of the finest distance runners of the 1990s and early 2000s.  He went on to become an IAAF agent and to coach the successful PACE Sports Management Marathon Squad.

Noel decided to leave PACE and concentrate on coaching in the UK in 2006. As part of the England Athletics Mentoring Programmes Noel shares good practice with other experienced coaches and mentors several new coaches.  He is a Board Member of the Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC) based at St Mary's University College.

Qualifications:  UKA Level 3 Performance - Endurance, MSc Sport and Exercise Sciences

COACH - Dave Daniels
Dave ran for Richmond & Twickenham AC long before it became St Mary's Richmond AC and is still the club's 10,000m record holder. After retiring from competition Dave became a fixture at the old Feltham track, looking after Hounslow's youngest distance runners. Athletes who have passed through Dave's hands on their way to greatness include Scott Overall and Mo Farah.

Qualifications: UKA Level 2 - Endurance

Tim and cranberry juice

Tink with Middlesex XC Medal 2009

ASSISTANT COACH - Tim Haughian
Tim is a contemporary of Scott and Mo from Hounslow and was a school boy international having won medals at English Schools track championships. His kick is still a very powerful weapon! Joining in with the oldest boys his slightly older head keeps things sensible.

Qualifications - UKA Level 1

ASSISTANT COACH - Ian O'Brien
A parent of two members of the squad and a local Deputy Headmaster.  Ian is a member of our senior and veteran men's cross country teams and has a good eye for the improvements athletes can make when running.

Qualifications - UKA Level 1

ASSISTANT COACH - Tink Taylor
Tink has represented England at XC and has won county and area medals both on the track and the country. Tink is a Learning Support Assistant and these skills come in handy as she enthuses the youngest members of the squad, teaching them some key running skills. As a former international athlete she also has a role to play as a mentor to developing athletes.

ASSISTANT COACH - Noel Hall
'The Other Noel' has been training and racing for a very long time! His experience is invaluable when teaching young athletes the discipline of middle distance training and his enthusiasm is infectious.