Ultra Running Coach

Maggie Dempsey - Mountain Strong Coaching

I’m a full-time endurance coach based in the Lake District, specialising in building strong, resilient runners through bespoke run coaching and strength & conditioning. My coaching is designed to help athletes train consistently, move well, and perform with confidence whether you’re preparing for your first race or aiming to compete at the highest level.

With deep roots in the mountains and over a decade of experience in endurance sport, I work with athletes of all abilities, from recreational runners to elite competitors. My personal racing background spans ultra marathons from 50km to 100 miles, where I consistently placed within the top 5–10 female finishers, as well as multi-day stage races covering up to 200 miles. I’ve also competed in triathlon and Half Ironman events. This firsthand experience allows me to fully understand the physical and mental demands of endurance training and race day performance.

My coaching approach blends sports science with real world application. I use a data driven yet holistic methodology to deliver measurable, sustainable progress while accounting for the realities of everyday life. Every athlete I coach receives an individualised programme tailored to their goals, lifestyle, training history, and capacity for recovery. You don’t have to fit your life around the plan the plan is built around you. By considering external stressors such as work, family, and previous injuries, I help athletes maintain consistency, build long term progress, and avoid the cycle of burnout and injury.

I’m a UKA Trail & Fell Coach, UESCA Ultra Running Coach, and Level 4 Strength & Conditioning, Mobility, and Biomechanics coach. This broad skill set allows me to take a truly comprehensive approach to athlete development improving movement quality, building strength and durability, reducing injury risk, and supporting athletes through rehabilitation and return to performance phases when needed.

I’ve helped athletes build strength, move better, and unlock new levels of performance through integrated run and S&C coaching. My focus is not just on race results, but on longevity, keeping you healthy, resilient, and progressing year after year.

My goal with every athlete is simple: to help you feel strong, confident, and prepared in both training and racing, while building a body that can handle the demands of endurance sport.