Running Career & Achievements
Will Baldwin is a highly accomplished distance runner turned coach, known for both his competitive success and contributions to the running community. Raised in Oklahoma, he discovered his passion for running in high school and went on to compete at East Central University, where he set school and conference records during his collegiate career. After college, he immersed himself in elite training environments, moving to Flagstaff, Arizona to train alongside some of the world’s best runners, pushing his limits and achieving outstanding race times.
Key Achievements:
- Personal Bests:
- 5K – 14:27
- 8K – 24:18
- 10K – 30:18
- Half Marathon – 1:07:30
- Marathon – 2:21
- 50K Trail – 3:20
- 60K Trail – 4:36
- 50miles – 7:24
- Hall of Fame Honor: Inducted into East Central University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023 in recognition of his collegiate record-setting and overall contributions.
- World Record Pacer: In 2019, Will served as a pacer for ultrarunning star Jim Walmsley during Hoka’s Carbon X Project, helping Walmsley break the 50-mile world record.
- Record-Setting Marathon Pacer: He also had the honor of pacing Canadian Olympian Natasha Wodak when she set the Canadian national marathon record (2:23:12).
- Mountain Race Coach: Will is the official coaching partner for the famed Pikes Peak Marathon, providing guidance to runners tackling the intense altitude challenge.
Coaching Credentials & Philosophy
As a coach, Will Baldwin brings the same level of excellence and dedication to his athletes. He is a USATF Level 1 Certified Coach and VDOT O2 Certified Coach, ensuring a strong foundation in the science of training. He has coached hundreds of runners of all levels; from beginners to veterans, helping busy professionals qualify for the Boston Marathon and runners achieve milestones like their first ultramarathon finish. Will’s track record of success and athlete satisfaction speaks for itself: on the VDOT O2 coaching platform he is currently the top-ranked coach, with more five-star reviews than any other coach in the marketplace (a testament to the results he delivers).
Will’s coaching approach centers on personalization, consistency, and genuine support. He draws from a wealth of experience and is “fueled by a genuine care for his clients,” crafting training plans that fit each individual’s schedule and background. He believes in keeping training fun and sustainable, building structured consistency for long-term progress, and maintaining personalized accountability to adapt as a runner’s life evolves. Known for being highly responsive, Coach Baldwin adjusts training on the fly when needed, ensuring his athletes stay on track even when life throws curveballs. By removing guesswork and tailoring every workout, he makes the training process both effective and enjoyable for his clients.
Featured Expert in the Media
Coach Baldwin’s expertise and insights are recognized in the broader running community. He has been featured as a running expert in multiple publications, including Runner’s World, Men’s Journal, Lifehacker, and Incline Magazine. This breadth of media coverage, alongside his role as a trusted coach for events like the Pikes Peak Marathon reflects Will’s standing as a respected authority in the running world.
With a combination of elite running experience, professional credentials, and a proven record of helping others succeed, Will Baldwin embodies the expertise, authority, and trustworthiness that runners seek in a coach. Whether you’re aiming for a new personal record or just looking to run stronger and smarter, Coach Will Baldwin has the background and commitment to guide you to your goals.