Trail Running & Marathon Coaching

I work with runners of all abilities, helping them take their potential to the next level, while enjoying their time on the trails (or roads!) in the process.

I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the top 1% globally.

I work with athletes to help them put the entire puzzle together, from nutrition to injury prevention to training and racing, whilst building a plan that fits their schedule and life demands.

This includes…


WEEKLY TRAINING PLAN, DAILY FEEDBACK

Get a weekly training plan that can change based on the demands of your busy life, while receiving actionable coaching feedback after every training run. Grow into your ultimate potential as a trail runner while enjoying the process along the way!

I WORK WITH…

Professional and elite trail runners competing for podium finishes and national team places.

Busy moms and dads with demanding schedules that still want to show up strong and reinforce their love of running.

Post-collegiate athletes making the transition into road running or trail running careers.

Athletes working toward their first 50K, marathon, or trail race.


Reach out to Rhys!

Think I can help? Reach out for a free 45-minute consultation call.

You can also follow me and my work on social media:

Go back

Your message has been sent

Warning
Warning
Warning
Warning.


Testimonials

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rhys has been such an awesome coach to work with! He’s super flexible and always quick to respond whenever I have questions or need to make changes. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping you succeed. I’m really grateful for all his help in reaching my goals for this season!

— Laurence L.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I am 56 years old, living in very flat Ontario. I only started running regularly in the summer of 2025. Prior to working with Rhys I had competed in just two 5K races. After 16 weeks of training, I ran the Mourne Skytrail and came third in my age group, beating my original goal by a full hour. Through a constant feedback loop in which I was able to give nuanced and accurate assessments of my running, Rhys was able to build an evolving plan that targeted my specific needs.

— Ivan L.



Current Location: North Vancouver, BC
Brand: XACT Nutrition
Distances: Short-Trail / 50K / Sub-Ultra

Strava: Rhys Desmond | Profile
UltraSignup: Results
ITRA: Results

2025

4️⃣ Javelina Jackass 31K
4️⃣ Trail Coureur des Bois de Duchesnay 34K
6️⃣ Ultra-Trail Harricana 28K
🔟 Gorge Waterfalls 30K
☑️ Quebec Mega Trail 50K National Championships

2024

🥇 Sulphur Springs 20K
🥈 Ultra-Trail Harricana 42K Classique
7️⃣ Quebec Mega Trail 50K
9️⃣ Gorge Waterfalls 50K
⏸️ Squamish 50K – National Championships

2023

🥇 The Bad Thing 50K
🥈 Falling Water Trail Marathon 42K
🥉 Sulphur Springs 50K

UTMB: UTMB Index

2026 Racing Plan:
⏭️ Run Ridge Run 25K
⏭️ Vancouver Sun Run 10K
⏭️ Trail des Collines 16K
⏭️ Whistler Half Marathon 21K
⏭️ Alpenglow 35K
⏭️ Elphinstone Ascent 7K
⏭️ Squamish 23K
⏭️ UTHC 30K
⏭️ Canadian Championships – Vertical 7K & Classic Mountain 10.5K

Race-Day Mantra:

✅ Be smart.
✅ Work hard.
✅ Have fun.


Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to my weekly email newsletter and get actionable insights every week to propel your running career forward.

My newsletter features expert insights based on my experiences as an elite athlete & coach, conversations about trail running culture more broadly, and how to optimize your training and performance toward your next race. Sign up for free to get all articles directly to your inbox!