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
Adam Tills
Being a natural born Cheerleader-Coaching Runners was a natural fit. As a kid/younger person, I was not athletic and running was not even a consideration! Fast forward to 2017 when my now husband inspired me to put on my first pair of running shoes and after our first race together I was hooked! Since then I have run hundreds of races-including many in EC, over 20 Half Marathons and 7 Full Marathons. I mostly Coach new runners running their first big race and teach them all the things they need to know, but also am that person they can come to when things get tough. Having the experience of being that new runner really helps others to know what to expect and how to figure out all the things during training. I have Coached a number of people running EC in the past few years and it brings me so much joy to see the pure emotion when accomplishing that big thing! 2 years ago, I had the privilege to put the 10k medal around the neck of the last finisher-who ran her first ever 10k after conquering some health issues-what a moment!
Celebrating those finish lines is one of my favorite things on Earth and EC is easily one of my favorite places to run and cheer!
emaill: coachadamt1@gmail.com
Web: www.coachadamt.com
Instagram: @coachadamt
Steph Cloutier
Steph grew up loving running in Minnesota before moving to Eau Claire to pursue both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. While there, she proudly competed for UW–Eau Claire under Coach Schwamberger. She still calls Eau Claire home and loves the beauty and variety of the Eau Claire Marathon course. Over the years, Steph has competed in every distance the Eau Claire Marathon offers—and still can’t pick a favorite!Steph has been coaching with North Coast since 2024 and truly enjoys sharing her love of running with others. She believes that flexibility paired with consistency is key to success, and that enjoying the process along the way matters just as much as the finish line. Working full time and raising two young kids, Steph understands busy schedules and excels at helping athletes train for any race in a way that fits their lifestyle.
Link to northcoast: https://northcoastrunning.com/stephcloutier
Contact: steph@northcoastrunning.com (or through website linked above!)