Our Coaches: We have several qualified coaches who are supported by a rota of parents and qualified assistants, all of whom are DBS-checked. Our lead junior coaches include

Paddy McGrath is a UK Athletics (UKA) Level 2 coach and ran for Ireland and Northern Ireland at track and cross country. He’s coached all levels from beginners to the winning junior team at the English National Cross Country champs and several international runners.

Peta Bee is the founder of Cookham RC. She has 3 UKA coaching qualifications, a degree in sports science and a Masters degree in nutrition. She ran for Birchfield Harriers and Wales, is the fitness writer for The Times newspaper and Performance Editor of Athletics Weekly.

Gary McCafferty ran for London Irish AC and Scotland as a junior. He was coached by Paddy McGrath during his teenage years and was a member of the junior team from London Irish AC that won the English National Cross Country title.

Nikki Dilley is a qualified UKA coach and was a highly accomplished runner at national level during her teenage years, competing for Bedford & County AC and Wycombe Phoenix Harriers.

Clair Snelham is a UKA coach. She ran for Belfast Olympic AC and Northern Ireland in her youth. Clair has completed several marathons and, like all of our coaches, still runs.

Magda Bennett is a teacher and has run 7 marathons in the last 7 years. In 2012 she held the Guinness world record for the fastest marathon time dressed as an insect!

Laurie Cormack is qualified coach and experienced runner who has progressed through the ranks after joining Cookham RC as a beginner herself several years ago.