2X Olympian · USATF Level 3 · IAAF Certified
Kathy Butler is a Boulder, Colorado-based running coach with 20+ years of professional athletics and the highest coaching certifications in the sport — offering personalized training plans for runners worldwide, from track athletes to ultra marathon runners.
20+
Years as a Pro Athlete
2×
Olympic Competitor
21
World Championships
5K–100mi
All Distances Coached
Whether you're a track athlete chasing a PR, a trail runner preparing for your next ultra, or a road racer targeting a Boston qualifier, I offer a tailored coaching program to help you reach your full potential.
USATF Level 3 and IAAF Academy certified — the highest international coaching qualifications. Formerly chair of USATF Coaching Education and a USATF Coaching Education Instructor.
No cookie-cutter programs. Every plan is built around your goals, schedule, and life. Powered by Final Surge with smartwatch sync, training logs, and flexible adjustments.
4× Olympic Trials qualifiers, 2× Team USA road selections, 12 high school state champions, World Series Final berths in trail and triathlon, and marathon PRs slashed by 20+ minutes. From first-timers to elites.
The Coaching Record
26+
Years of
Coaching
12
High School Colorado
State Champions
4×
Olympic Marathon
Trials Qualifiers
50
States — One Athlete,
Every Marathon
Online coaching since 2012 — athletes on national teams worldwide
Run Boulder athletes have earned 2× Team USA road selections, 4× Olympic Trials qualifications, and World Series Finals berths in trail & triathlon
Coaching experience spans high school, collegiate, post-collegiate, and online — at every level of the sport
My Background
I was a professional athlete for 20 years before becoming a coach. I competed in 2 Olympics (Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004), 21 World Championships in track, cross country and road, including 5 top-20 finishes at the World Cross Country and a team bronze medal.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Exercise Physiology and Biology. That scientific foundation shapes every training plan I write.
Read My Full StoryReal Athletes, Real Results
"Kathy has transformed my running over the past three years. I ran a trail marathon, a 55k, a 50 miler, and ultimately the Leadville 100. During the race I had never felt stronger or more durable — that was all due to Kathy's excellent coaching."
— Ali Hummelberg, 2nd Place · Leadville 100 2022
"Kathy has been with me every step of the way along my triathlon career — from amateur to pro. Her experience as a distance runner with a long career gives me a lot of confidence in her training."
— Sam Teller, Amateur to Pro Triathlete
Credentials
Join athletes from around the world who've achieved marathon PRs, Team USA selection, and race podiums with personalized coaching from Kathy.