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James Thie

James Thie

Running Coach

Team GB Coach Tokyo Olympic Games
Performance Director Athletics Cardiff Met
Coach of Saucony sponsored Elite running group Team Thie

James is one of the UK’s most prominent and respected endurance coaches. He was selected as team coach for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 (and the World Athletics Championships 2022) where he was entrusted to help Team GBs distance runners with all aspects of their race preparation in the Pre-Games preparation camp and the Olympic Games themselves. 

James is the Performance Director for Athletics at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he also coaches both the University team and wider group of runners in the Cardiff area including his elite Saucony supported group ‘Team Thie’.

James is in high demand as a coach, speaker and commentator at athletics events worldwide. He has been recognised by the British Milers Club (2017) and Welsh Athletics (2018 & 2020) with Coach of the Year Awards. 

Prior to his selection to Team GB Olympic coaching staff he has held Team Staff/Coach positions with British Athletics teams at World and European level for Junior and Under 23 competitions. 

As a runner, James was a sub-4 minute miler who finished 4th in the IAAF World Indoor Championships over 1500m and also made finals at European Championships and Commonwealth Games. He is the current Masters World Champion at 1500m.

James has coached 14 athletes to senior international appearances so far.

With such pedigree in his own running and amongst his athletes, you might be forgiven for thinking James to be something of an elitist. Such notions are quickly dismissed when you meet him and see that his passion for running extends to all levels of the sport. 

Away from his elite group, James has worked with hundreds of non elite athletes over the years, including coaching groups of runners as part of Welsh Rugby star Gareth Thomas’ BBC TV show ‘Alfie’s Angles’. Where a group of new runners took on the task of running the Cardiff Half Marathon. 

Never afraid of taking on a challenge, James won Crufts ‘Fastest Man & Dog’ competition and competed in the European Dog Running Championships alongside his dog Pre.

Working with James, you will find his knowledge impeccable, his passion infectious and his approach to running a mix of modern science and old school common sense. 

James’ Role at Training Focus Camp

James will head the coaching staff during the weekend, coaching all running sessions & delivering whole group seminars, small group practical workshops and co-ordinate and host our expert panel sessions & Q&A’s.

Outside of the timetabled activities, James will be present throughout the camp to chat all things running in a relaxed and informal manner during meals and social times. 

I can’t wait to get started so that I can share my passion for the sport with runners of all abilities and from all walks of life. 

James Thie

Head Coach Training Focus Camps

When we set to search for a Head Coach for Training Focus Camps we had a very long list of skills and competencies and a very short list of candidates we thought might match up to that level. Chatting with James, we quickly realised that he was the man for the job and we were delighted when he agreed to take on the role.

James is a coach of the highest quality, with a track record of developing athletes to the top levels, as well as supporting and developing athletes across the spectrum of experiences and abilities. His attitude and approach to coaching match up perfectly with what we are trying to do – Develop better runners, whilst having fun doing so.

We think James is the perfect Head Coach for Training Focus Camps and we hope you agree.

Gavin Smith

Running Trips Director

Hear more from James

Podcast

Listen to James on the Running Trips Podcast. James will be a regular guest on our Podcast with his first episode coming up soon. Keep an eye on our social media for further information.

Social Media

Follow James on Social