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Meet The Team
Brennan Townshend
Brennan is an elite ultra trail runner, professional running coach, and former professional cyclist based in the Lake District, UK. He lives with his family in the heart of the Northern Lakes, where the mountains shape both his training and coaching philosophy. With over 16 years of endurance sport experience, Brennan has competed at an elite level across cycling, triathlon, and fell, trail, and ultra running. His background across multiple disciplines gives him a deep, well-rounded understanding of performance, resilience, and long-term athlete development. Athletic Achievements Running Brennan has delivered standout performances across some of the most competitive races in the UK and internationally. His results include: Winner – Three Peaks Fell Race (2x) Winner – UTS 50km (UTMB World Series) Winner – Garmin Mourne Sky Race Winner – V3K Ultra Winner – Skiddaw Fell Race Winner – Newlands Memorial Race Winner – Buttermere Sailbeck Winner – Grisedale Horseshoe On the international stage, Brennan represented Great Britain at the 2022 European and World Trail Running Championships, contributing to a team bronze medal at the World Championships. Additional accolades include: Runner-up – English Fell Running Championships (2022) Former UK Skyrunning Champion UTMB Experience Brennan’s experience competing in the global UTMB World Series provides a direct advantage to the athletes he coaches. Racing at the front of international ultra trail events means he understands exactly what it takes to perform on the most demanding courses in the world - from pacing and fuelling strategies to technical descending, climbing efficiency, and race execution under fatigue. Proven performances against elite international fields Extensive experience on technical, mountainous terrain Deep understanding of ultra-distance race demands and strategy View Brennan’s full UTMB profile and race results: https://utmb.world/runner/1640163.brennan.townshend For the athletes he coaches, this translates into practical, real-world insight—not just theory. Brennan applies lessons learned from elite competition to help athletes prepare effectively, avoid common mistakes, and perform with confidence on race day, whether they are stepping up to their first ultra or targeting high-level competition. Cycling Before transitioning fully into running, Brennan competed as a professional cyclist, racing at an elite level across the UK and Europe. His cycling career included: Competition at elite national and international road races Experience racing in high-performance team environments Strong results in stage races, road races, and time trials Development within the professional cycling pathway, building a deep understanding of endurance physiology and race strategy His time in cycling laid the foundation for his endurance career, developing the aerobic capacity, tactical awareness, and training discipline that continue to underpin his success as both an athlete and coach. Coaching Experience & Philosophy Brennan has been coaching endurance athletes for over 12 years, helping athletes of all levels maximise performance, prepare for key events, and achieve long-term progression. His coaching is grounded in science-driven methodology, combining data analysis, structured training principles, and real-world racing experience. He focuses on building durable, resilient athletes capable of performing consistently in demanding environments. Brennan’s approach is highly individualised, recognising that every athlete responds differently to training. His programs are designed to optimise performance while balancing lifestyle, recovery, and long-term development. Qualifications & Education UK Athletics Qualified Running Coach United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy – Running Coach Association of British Cycling Coach BSc Sport & Exercise Science (Manchester Metropolitan University – final year) Continuous professional development remains central to Brennan’s coaching, ensuring his methods evolve alongside the latest research and best practice in endurance performance.


Kat Townshend
Kat Townshend is an experienced road, fell, trail and mountain running coach, combining elite racing insight with real-world mountain experience to help runners reach their potential. As co-founder of Townshend Performance, she works with athletes of all levels - from road runners developing speed or stepping onto trails, to experienced ultra racers - delivering structured, personalised coaching built around long-term development. Built Around Your Development Kat’s coaching focuses on developing you over time: Stronger and more durable Aerobically fitter More efficient across road and terrain Consistent in your training Not just for your next race, but for where you’ll be in 6–12 months and beyond. A former track and cross country runner as a child and dedicated road and mountain runner, Kat brings experience across multiple disciplines - from speed development on the road and trail to technical mountain racing. Combined with her background as a mountaineer and alpinist, and balancing training as a mother of two, her coaching is grounded in real life - understanding fatigue, terrain, and how to train consistently around work and family. Qualifications & Experience UK Athletics Level 2 Coach UESCA Certified Ultramarathon Coach Fell & Mountain Running Coach Level 2 Personal Trainer 7+ years coaching experience Her coaching blends evidence-based training, strength work and terrain-specific preparation - supporting everything from faster road running to confident movement in technical mountain environments. As an active competitor in the UTMB World Series (UTMB Index 553), Kat brings current race experience directly into her coaching, with multiple podium and top-5 finishes in EU and UK trail races. How Coaching Works Structured, progressive training that evolves as you do Ongoing adjustments based on your response Clear guidance so you understand the process Support across training, racing and recovery The aim is simple: help you keep moving forward. Coaching Approach “Train smarter. Build stronger. Perform when it counts.” Individualised plans - not templates Long-term development over quick fixes Built around your life, not ideal conditions Focus on consistency, durability and confidence Who It’s For Road runners looking to develop speed and performance Road runners transitioning to trail or ultra Trail and fell runners wanting structure Ultra runners aiming to progress Busy athletes balancing life and training Bespoke Coaching is more than just a plan - it’s learning how to train, stay consistent and adapt, so progress lasts. Start Your Development Train with purpose. Build something that lasts.