Dan joined Blaydon Harriers when he was 13 years old after realising he was better at running without a ball than when he played football!
Dan was U15, U17 and U20 North East Cross Country champion, qualifying to run for England Schoolboys. He was seventh in the 3000m at the World School Games in Cyprus and went on to compete as a 16 year old in China, finishing in an impressive 11th place in the World Schools Cross Country.
Dan was coached by Seb Coe's coach at Loughborough University.
Dan's running career sadly came to an end when he was 22, due to injury and needing multiple operations. Unable to run and compete he turned his hand to coaching and personal training.
Dan is the Director at Wild Deer Events. He founded the company in 2019 when he saw a need for some extra local trail runs. The first event he hosted was back to one of his old routes at Chopwell Woods where he trained as a young lad. Wild Deer has gone from strength to strength, most recently hosting an event at Druridge Bay with almost 900 runners.
Dan is passionate about coaching runners of all ages and abilities and loves to see them progress. He’s always happy to critique a training plan and shouting words of encouragement on that last rep on a Tuesday night at the track!
Dan continues to give his time as a member of the club and in his day job to the wider running community in the North East.
