Ultra Running Coach

Rowan Wood Ultramarathon Coach

I’m a running coach based in the Lake District, specialising in trail running, fell running and ultra-distance coaching. I work with runners of all abilities, from those taking on their first trail 10k or ultramarathon through to experienced athletes preparing for big mountain adventures and some of the toughest races in the UK and Europe.

I’ve been running in the fells and on the trails for over a decade, and I still get the same excitement from getting out on the hills as I did on day one. I love all kinds of running – short, sharp fell races, long ultras, and big mountain days – and I love helping people discover (or rediscover) just how much they’re capable of.

My approach to coaching is personal and adaptable. Every runner is different, so every plan I create is built around your life, your goals and what you enjoy. We speak every week, adapt when life throws curveballs, and focus on keeping the process simple, enjoyable and consistent. 

As a runner, I’ve completed a wide variety of ultras across the UK and Europe, a Bob Graham Round, big mountain challenges across the Lake District, and more fell races than I can count. As a coach, I’ve helped runners achieve everything from their first ultramarathon to podium finishes at events including The Lap, Ultra Trail Snowdonia, the Lakeland 50 & 100, UTMB and CCC, as well as classic fell races and personal mountain challenges.

Alongside coaching, I’m also a qualified and experienced sports therapist. That allows me to combine performance-focused coaching with injury prevention and rehabilitation, helping runners train consistently, recover well and stay healthy for the long term. Whether your goal is your first trail race, a mountain ultra or simply becoming a stronger, more confident runner, my aim is to make running fit around your life—not the other way around.