Our ProgramKids Run the Nation- (KRTN), is a customized running program for young athletes ages 4-14 (we are happy to accept 3 & 4 year olds who are eager to run too!), infused with a healthy dose of FUN!
Each session includes specific goals to help our young athletes run with better form; run more comfortably and gain confidence in themselves and their athletic ability.
Coach JoyOur beloved Coach Joy! Former exceptional High School XC athlete. Current UNCW student and Carolina Beach Lifeguard--and
"Simply the Best! |
Our Coaches
Billy Block
KRTN Program Director & Head Coach Head Coach: Cape Fear Academy Cross Country/ Track & Field Life long runner and running/sport enthusiast! 40+ years (really??!) of running and competing in races from 400m to 26.2 miles--along with many sprint & Olympic distance triathlons--and it's still a thrill every time I line up to race! I am fortunate to have competed in some the biggest and best races in the country including the NYC Marathon, Boston Marathon, Marine Corps. Marathon, Country Music Half, Chicago Half literally hundreds of 5k & 10k race--and this area's own Wrightsville Beach Marathon--numerous times. I am extremely grateful for the fantastic coaching along the way that helped me achieve so many dreams & goals. I am even more grateful for the opportunity to coach young athletes in the sport I love. 
Owen MarishOwen is a fantastic addition to the KRTN coaching staff! He's a valuable member of the UNCW Track & Team, and Cross Country Team.
Stats: 2021-22 (Freshman): Made team as walk-on...Posted team's second best time in 800 Meters (1:56.81 at CAA Championships) and 1,500 Meters (4:10.17 at Duke Invitational). High School: Ran track for Collingswood High School...Competed for Coaches Charles and Colleen Witte...Earned First-Team All-County and All-Conference...Set school record with 1:55.16 time in 800 Meters...Finished 17th in state of New Jersey in 800 Meters...Group 2 state runner-up...Finished seventh at Meet of Champions |
Rob Ward
Coach (Racer Extraordinaire/2017 Boston Marathon Time 2:54:56) I’m a runner and triathlete born and raised in England. I moved to Wilmington with my wife Clair in August 2015. We are both Elementary school teachers; I currently work at Alderman Elementary in 2nd Grade. Clair is 3rd Grade Teacher at The Friends School of Wilmington. I came quite late to running, and ran my first 10k in 2010 whilst living in South Korea with Clair. We were teaching English as a second language and embraced the running scene in South Korea: they are obsessive runners! More recently, I spent my last two years in England (2013-2015) training with a local Triathlon club, I completed numerous races at Sprint and Olympic distance. Highlights were racing in London at The ITU World Championship Sprints and completing Ironman 70.3 UK ( The toughest half distance course in the world- think 15% gradient hills!). After moving to Wilmington, I dedicated myself to running, joining the Wilmington Road Runners, breaking all my PRs (5k 16’56’’ and 10k 35’58’’- Cardinal Strut/ Half- 1’19’.36 - Battleship ). My career running highlight has been completing the Boston Marathon in both 2017 and 2018. I finished, last year, with a PR 2'54'56 in the howling wind and rain ..what an amazing race experience that was! This year, I'm switching back to triathlon; come and chat to me about my training for Ironman Texas in April! I love combining my elementary teaching experience with my passion for running and look forward to assisting Coach Billy, Andrew , Kristen and Claire in inspiring the next generation of runners. 
Andrew Wilson Coach (and Ultra/Trail specialist) |
Kids Run the Nation-Wilmington, NC
