Run Coaches
Maria Long
"My name is Maria Long and I've been a run coach since February 2022! As a Level 2 RRCA Running Coach and Youth Coach, and UESCA Trail Running Coach, my runners range from beginners to advanced, road and trail, as well as youth. My personal experience with running ranges from 5ks to the Marathon distance, as well as some sprint triathlons. What I've learned in training, racing, and certification courses has helped me show my runners that it's not as complicated as it seems, they're not alone in their struggles, and it's possible to still see progress even if the training isn't perfect."
Link: www.BrightsideRunning.org
Contact Info: coachmarialong@gmail.com
Danny Docherty & Run Minnesota
For Danny Docherty, running has always been about community, curiosity, and growth. After a competitive career that took him from All-State honors in Minnesota to NCAA Division I racing at Loyola Chicago—and eventually the U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon—Danny discovered his true passion: helping others thrive in the sport.
Danny is a lead coach with Run Minnesota, where he directs the winter, spring, and summer training programs. There, he works with runners of all backgrounds, creating welcoming, structured environments where athletes build consistency, confidence, and connection.
Through Docherty Coaching, Danny also partners 1:1 with athletes of all ages and abilities. His coaching style is personalized, purposeful, and relationship-driven—focused on understanding each athlete’s goals, life demands, and unique path in the sport. Whether someone is chasing a PR, returning from injury, or finding joy in running for the first time, Danny brings thoughtful planning, clear communication, and long-term development to every training plan.
Across all his coaching, Danny sees running as a powerful vehicle for challenge, community, and personal growth. His mission is simple: meet athletes where they are, guide them with intention, and help them discover what’s possible when training becomes a meaningful part of their life.
Websites:
Run Minnesota website: train.run-minnesota.org
Personal Coaching: docherty-coaching.com
Contact info:
Run Minnesota inquiries: coach@run-minnesota.org
Personal Coaching: docherty.coaching@gmail.com