Your Coaches

Jan Bailey – Founder & Head Coach, The Runshack

Jan Bailey is the creator and head coach of The Runshack, a performance-driven coaching community built on passion, consistency, and connection. With experience as both an athlete and coach, Jan has developed a reputation for combining science-led training with a personal, athlete-first approach — helping runners of all levels perform at their best while keeping the joy of running at the heart of everything they do.

A lifelong competitor and respected figure in the UK Masters endurance scene, Jan’s achievements on the roads, cross country and track are a testament to his own dedication and deep understanding of the sport. He is a four-time Nottinghamshire V45 Cross Country Champion, a British Masters V45 1500m Champion, and a Midland Masters 1500m Champion, with numerous podiums and county titles to his name.

Jan has proudly represented England Masters on multiple occasions — across 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances, as well as cross country. His age-group successes include national titles over 5K and 10K, and three appearances at the Masters International Cross Country Championships: Santry (Dublin), Tollcross Park (Glasgow) — where he was part of the winning team — and Belfast (Northern Ireland).

On the roads, Jan’s range and consistency as a distance runner are reflected in personal bests that few masters athletes can match:

• 5K – 15:12 (age 48)

• 5 Mile – 25:21 (age 48)

• 10K – 31:49 (age 48)

• Half Marathon – 1:10:03 (age 49)
  
  

These performances highlight not just raw ability but a commitment to intelligent, purposeful training — qualities that underpin his coaching philosophy today.

Through The Runshack, Jan has created more than just a coaching platform; he’s built a community of driven, supportive athletes and coaches united by shared goals, honest feedback, and a love for the sport. His approach blends structure and flexibility, tailoring each plan to the individual while maintaining a strong emphasis on communication, accountability, and enjoyment.

Jan’s belief is simple: progress in running comes from consistency, not perfection — and the best performances come when athletes feel supported, understood, and inspired. Under his leadership, The Runshack continues to grow as one of the most dynamic, inclusive, and athlete-focused coaching environments in the UK.

Samantha Harrison – Runshack Coach

Samantha Harrison is one of Britain’s leading long-distance runners and a world-class endurance athlete now bringing her experience and expertise to The Runshack coaching team.

Hailing from Nottingham, Sam’s rise through the British distance running ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. A latecomer to elite athletics, she has established herself as one of the UK’s fastest ever female distance runners — combining natural talent, relentless work ethic, and an analytical approach to training and performance.

Her competitive résumé includes representing Great Britain & Northern Ireland at major international championships. In 2022, she finished 6th in both the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the European Championships in Munich, before going on to place 9th at the World Half Marathon Championships.

In 2023, Samantha ran a breakthrough 2:25:59 at the London Marathon, finishing as the top British athlete and moving to 6th on the UK all-time list — a performance that comfortably surpassed the qualifying standard for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Off the track, Sam is widely respected for her grounded, athlete-first mindset. She has set multiple course records, including the world’s fastest female parkrun (15:37 at Long Eaton), and boasts personal bests of 30:51 for 10K, 67:08 for the half marathon, and 31:11 for 10,000m.

As part of The Runshack coaching team, Sam brings world-level insight, real-world experience, and a deep understanding of the demands of modern endurance running. Her coaching philosophy focuses on consistency, balance, and enjoyment — helping athletes at all levels unlock their potential while maintaining long-term health and motivation.