Tim

“Sean is incredibly knowledgeable on all things running and fitness. Sean coached me for 8 months and brought my 5K down more than 90 seconds and took 40 minutes off my marathon PR to break 3 hours!

He was very flexible on scheduling and thoughtfully answered countless questions on training theory, mechanics, run strategy, and diet. Sean had a great ability to gauge the fine line between tolerance for mileage build and avoiding injury. He strategically pushed me out of my monotonous training routine with a mix of speed work necessary to attain the level of physical and mental ability required to hit my goals.

Perhaps most importantly, he is a very down to earth person who genuinely wants to see you succeed. I highly recommend working with Sean!”

Steve

“I started training with Sean in January 2013. This is our 5th year together. I've been coached by a lot of endurance athletes over the years and Sean is the best of the mix combining technical know-how, progress & feedback, real-time motivation, and ultimately results.

Having Central Park as our track is extraordinary. We have an unlimited number of locations to run. And Sean is a speed work whisperer.

The progress I've made on 100s, 200s, 400s, 800s, miles and an endless variety of other sets is why I keep coming back to Sean every year. We use the 5th Ave Mile as my annual marker set. And 2018 was my fastest 5th Ave mile!”

(updated from 2015)

Jackie, mom

“My daughter's been coached by Sean for six years.

His technical knowledge is excellent, but more importantly, Sean is just a really good person, building kids' confidence and love of the sport while pushing them to see what they're capable of achieving.”

Michael

“I first meet Sean after taking on a drunken bet that I couldn't complete a marathon. It was 8 weeks out and Sean gave this rather out of shape Stock Broker strange look up and down, cringed and said he'd take on the challenge.

I proved to him I could be committed. He trained me 2-3 times a week and I got from couch to sub 4 marathon in 8 weeks. I couldn't have done it without you dude!

Thanks for your commitment, drills, structure and vision. Now I'm training for Lake Placid Ironman!”

Pakhi & Dave

“My husband and I had the pleasure of training with Sean in preparation for the 2017 NYC Marathon.

While we had previously run several marathons, we knew we needed to incorporate speed and hill work in order to enhance our performance. Not only did Sean help us to improve our technique, he challenged us beyond what we thought we were capable of achieving.

Each training session was carefully constructed to help us to improve our performance and build mental stamina. It was clear to both of us that Sean is passionate about coaching. A sign of a good coach is someone who recognizes your potential and challenges you to achieve it. After training with Sean, I was able to achieve my personal best in a marathon.”

Dr. Amir

“It has been more than a year that I am training with Sean. His dedication, commitment to my success, and knowledge of exercise physiology, is exceptional.

He has been extremely flexible and patient with me and my tough and busy work schedule, meeting me very early in the mornings no matter what the weather condition is -- summer and winter. He is also very disciplined in his coaching, and supportive in his training methods.

Based on my goals, he created a personalized and tailored training program both outdoors and at the gym, which has helped me to improve my form, technique, and speed.

More importantly, he helped me go through a serious knee injury which I thought would end my running journey. Running and training with Sean is rigorous but really fun!”

Ella

“My summer training with Sean couldn't have gone any better.

He helped me rebuild my strength and endurance after an injury all in the span of a few weeks. Following my time training with him, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and have had the most successful cross country season of my running career.

I'm very excited to continue working with him in the future.”

Christian

“Struggling with plateaus and disappointing races was the norm for me; as is for many runners. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing your potential and not being able to tap into it!

Sean Fortune coached me through three years of collegiate races and exponential growth.

I smashed my personal bests and hit new highs in both physical fitness and personal maturity through his rigorous regimens.”

Josh

“Sean has been a terrific coach.

I started training with him because I wanted to race the 5th Avenue Museum Mile. Due to injury we only had 8 weeks to get me race ready but through Sean’s rigorous program he was able to help me come in 5th in my age group (out of 320 runners).

As an older runner (I’m 45) with prior racing experience, Sean has been the perfect coach – he recognizes that older runners are more injury prone and he knows how to push you to your physical and pain-threshold limits without risking injury.

Sean has been great at keeping me motivated and focused and I always look forward to our workouts. I can’t recommend him highly enough! “

Laurie

“ I have been running off and on since college, but working with Sean has really elevated my running to a new level.

He encourages me to push my speed and endurance. I am running stronger and faster than ever before.”

Debbie

“ I met Sean when I was 18 and decided to run track for Hunter College. He was one of the coaches. I had some experience running in high school, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Within 2 years of being coached by Sean, I transformed as an athlete and was able to crush events from the 800m to the 10k.

As a coach, Sean taught me how to prep for each race/workout, how to properly execute each workout, and how to recover. After 2 years of no running and battling an injury, Sean began to coach me back into running after I graduated from college! Today, he continues to coach me with patience, tons of positivity, and lots of enthusiasm! Sean makes me feel like an Olympian with every workout. Everyday that I continue to improve, Sean is there to support me and remind me to celebrate even my small progress along the way.

I owe a lot of what I know about running to Sean. He's the best!!”

David

“Sean has a combination of infectious enthusiasm and tremendous know how.

I couldn't have completed my first half marathon without him!”

Ed

“Coach Sean Makes Running Fun Again! He also makes you a lot faster. I’m 61 years old and I have improved by 1:20/mile over a 10-mile run in the four months I’ve worked with Coach Sean. Few people my age improve that much, and those runs are fun. Coach Sean has taught me a lot of different speed workouts to incorporate into a weekly regimen of two speed runs, two recovery runs and one long run each week. The weekly workouts with him are challenging for sure, but he both pushes and encourages at the same time. It’s been a run-changing experience for me.”

Jessie

“I decide to train with Sean as he came highly recommended and he is a runner himself. He was also very flexible working with my grueling work schedule, meeting me at 6am in the mornings during the week. I can not recommend his coaching enough! He really motivates you and gets the best out of you. He is also an incredibly nice, funny guy and super supportive. There have been a few times he’s talked me through the anxiety prior to race starts. His workouts are always different and exciting and although I dreaded the early morning wake up I definitly always enjoyed the workouts. My goal was to have a good race in Boston which I felt was anywhere under the qualifying time of 3:35:00. I had a huge PR, 3:25:53 and probably my best race. Even though it pored rain the entire time I felt strong the whole race and ran negative splits. I really owe my conditioning and the race results to working with Sean.”

Greg

“I’ve been training for over a year with Sean. I’ve gotten considerably faster, and truly enjoy Sean’s intense workouts. He is pushing me more than I ever would have on my own because I wanted to get faster and in better shape. Sean is a great guy who knows what he is doing, and would gladly recommend him to anyone looking for any level of running training.”

Ariela

“Sean is an amazing running coach and an exceptional person. Few other people could get me out on a bitter cold morning or after a long day at work. He enhanced my confidence, attitude and approach to running and made it an exceptionally meaningful experience. Whatever your level, Sean caters to each individual client and customizes his training to ensure each client reaches his/her potential and leaves a changed person. I have 100% confidence that Sean will not only meet your expectations but will beyond exceed them!”

Mary

“The will to win is worthless without the will to prepare!” Coach Sean well prepared me for NYC Marathon. He demonstrated positive energy, encouragement, and expertise. One of the great attributes that Coach Sean exhibits are his listening skills and providing extra motivation on days when you just don’t want to run! I can’t thank Coach Sean enough for believing in me and empowering me to cross the finish line! Forever grateful, Mary Trezza”

Steve

“I’ve been training with Sean since July 2013. I knew Sean from a time I was coached by him at Urban Athletics back in ‘08 and had good memories of then so wanted to see what one-on-one coaching might be like.

During that brutal winter last year, Sean and I trained outdoors every single week. Usually 2x a week. Seriously, we didn’t miss a week. That’s the kind of coach I want. Rain, sleet, snow, freezing temps — he showed up for me and helped make me a better overall athlete.

I mostly depend on Sean for my speedwork. He keeps me accountable, on track, and informed of the progress I’m making through his solid feedback. This has made a big difference in my running speed and strength.

He’s very knowledgable, direct, and to-the-point which is my preference for a coach. I’m not much for chit-chatty coaches and he’s not that. I want Sean as a coach, not a friend. Tells it to me like it is. Acknowledges breakthrough workouts. But also tells me when my performance and output stinks.

Highly recommended”

Margot

Margot age 12 - 14.3s 100m, 67s 400m, 2:47 800m

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune specializes in working with youth track runners, both middle distance and distance. Since 2008, he's coached hundreds of middle school and high school runners to personal bests.

“Sean first helped our daughter love running, then improved her technique and built her self-confidence through serious competition. She loved the group and Sean’s approach to coaching.”

— Father, Josh

Nick age 17 - 4:06 1500m 2010 Junior Olympic Finals, 2:01 800m 2011 Armory

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune has national-level success privately coaching high school runners. Many of them have gone on to NCAA Division 1 schools, and some to the Junior Olympic Finals

“Sean truly transformed me from an average high school athlete, to a runner able to compete at a national level”

Junior age 20 - Manhattan College 1:53 800m

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune coaches post-collegiate elites to personal bests

“Running under Sean has been a great learning experience. He has helped me in my ambitions of becoming an elite runner and of becoming a coach in the future. Running with Sean I can say will make you a well rounded person. You will develop as an athelete and as an individual person. He emphasizes technical details and he brings a positive atmosphere to those around him. By far one of the best coaches I’ve had.”

Stewart age 14 - 56s 400m, 2:15 800m, 5:02 mile 2nd place 2010 Gotham Games

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune coaches one-on-one year round in Central Park: winter, spring, summer, fall. When conditions are bad we go indoors onto the treadmill or indoor track

“Stop reading this testimonial and go run, preferably under the excellent coaching of Sean C. Fortune, also a good friend”

Josie age 16 - Cross Country and Track

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune privately coaches one-on-one or groups

“Having Sean as one of my coaches with a group of other girls was not only a ton of fun, but he also inspired and pushed each one of us to become faster, stronger, and all-around better runners. Sean commended our efforts and knew our strengths, and we all have great respect for his coaching!”

Gabe age 14 - Track and Cross Country 2:20 800m, 21:48 VCP 5k

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune leads by example. His love of proper training and hard work rubs off on the runners he coaches

“I began running with Sean a year ago, and in my time with him I cannot honestly say that there has been a single day when I have not wanted to go to practice. Sean has such a charisma, such love for running, which rubs off on all those around him, so every day we put all our hearts into our running. He has always been there helping us and guiding us, going out of his way to train us to reach our potentials, and because he will do anything for us, we will do anything for him. We, as a group, love Sean and love running with him because he is not the aloof impersonal school coach so many of us have had. He is the down to Earth coach, and friend, who teaches not only to run fast, but to love the sport of running as he does.
”

Alex age 17 - 2:07 800m NYRR TNAR, 2k Steeple 7:06

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune coaches every middle distance and long distance event on the track, including the Steeplechase. He is a multiple time USATF Nationals Club Championships scorer in the Steeple

“Sean expanded my knowledge of the running community, increased my skills as an athlete and made me a better runner overall all while understanding the challenges of balancing my academic life with my love of running.
”

Max age 14 - 800m in 2:17 2nd place 2011 Gotham Games

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune creates open track and cross country schedules for heightened, non-scholastic competition

“Sean has truly helped me take my running to the next level. Under his direction, I’ve reached a level I previously couldn’t have imagined reaching, and, more importantly, had a great time!
”

Norma age 23 - 1hr 38m 1/2 Marathon and Road Racer

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune develops personalized marathon running plans to compliment one-on-one coaching

“Ever since I’ve started working with Sean, my running has improved immensely including my love for the sport. Sean has helped me develop a training plan that Is customized for me and he has given me the structure and discipline I needed. He is an amazing teacher and is extremely patient with every little detail. I have more confidence and than ever that I can be the best runner I can be thanks to Sean!
”

Tracey age 35 - Road Racer, Adventure Racer, Future Marathoner

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune works privately with runners in a friendly environment to overcome weaknesses and build on a runner's strengths

“Back in 2009 I signed up for the Tunnel to Towers Run. My goal was just to walk/jog and just finish. Low and behold after putting my mind to it I was able to jog (very slowly I may add) but didn’t stop the whole time. Shortly after this event, and doing extensive research I came across Sean Fortune. It was because of the time I spent with him as a coach, that has allowed me to go further than I ever have. He takes the time to explain things, analyze you and above all else gives you the encouragement you need to succeed. It is because of him that I will end up being a lifetime runner. I may not be the fastest person out there, but because of him I have grown to love the sport.
”

Jenny age 36 - First-time runner, aspiring racer

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune creates a judgement-free environment where a new runner can focus solely on getting better and improving their running

“I never realized running could be so fun. Sean is such a terrific coach. He’s patient, encouraging, inspiring. He has a bag of tricks that has broken down the whole mystery of running and how it is I can actually get better at it.
”

Gina age 48 - Marathoner and Ultra-Marathoner

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune coaches experienced marathoners and ultra-marathoners. He implements a wholistic approach that includes strength training, stretches, recovery modalities, and diet, to help keep the runner healthy and continually training

“I can’t swear on many things but one thing I am sure of, training with Sean will make you feel better in every sense of your body and mind. He focuses on your strengths and weakness in running form and your racing strategy. What I like about Sean is he explains each detail of running in how you can benefit to making your running effective and fun. He has adjusted my workouts to my level and has made me a stronger runner. He has given me the confidence and guidance that I need to motivate me to do more than I would ever do on my own. When I am training with Sean I am increasing my mileage and have been eating less junk food, I highly recommend Sean, you won’t be disappointed. I have been training with Sean for the past 2 years and has gotten me ready for each race, half marathon and for the NYC marathon and I have been very pleased with the results.
”

LIZ AGE 33 ASPIRING ROAD RACER AND MARATHONER

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune never "dumbs down" workouts or training. He respects all levels of runners and adjusts workout intensities to the individuals ability and goals

“When I first started training with Sean a year ago, as soon as he mentioned being a running coach, my immediate response was “I’m not a runner, I can’t run.” A year later, somehow he’s transformed me from someone afraid of running to someone who’s pursuing racing plans. His coaching and guidance has shown me that my body can do things I never thought were possible. I can proudly say now, that I am, after all, a runner, and that’s all thanks to Sean.
”

Jack age 15 - Cross Country and Track

For UES Running Coach Sean Fortune his coaching profession is personal. It's not just a "job." Coach Sean lives, breathes, studies, and practices running daily.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know, and training with Sean, both individually and with the group. I feel that I have become faster and stronger under his guidance. In addition, running with the group has also been great. I look forward to continuing to work with Sean in the coming years.
”

Max age 15 - Track and Cross Country 2:27 800m

New York City Running Coach Sean Fortune is a successful competitive runner having won multiple New York Road Runner's races. He understands the needs of every type of runner - from beginners to elite. He relies on his over 20 year experience of running (both individually and on Nike sponsored team), USATF Level II education, and vigorous healthy lifestyle to inform his coaching decisions

“I can’t think of any other open running program to join besides running with Sean. During cross country season in the fall of 2011, I wasn’t in the leading group, not even close. However, Sean’s running program brought me from being an average - inexperienced runner, to a runner who is capable of training 6 days a week and placing well in the fast heat the last race. So far, I am surprised by how fast I could run my favorite events. Not only that, I enjoyed the program, the people I ran with and right now I feel more confident about earning medals in some of my school’s races.
”

LIZ AGE 46 ASPIRING ROAD RACER AND MARATHONER

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune loves working with all ages, abilities, and levels, of runners. Master runners enjoy a renewed love for running when working with Coach Sean

“For over 25 years I have chosen running as my preferred method of working out. However, it wasn’t until I began training with Sean last spring that I would call myself a runner. Sean has re-taught me a life lesson through his couching - Argue for your limitations and they are yours to keep. He has shattered all of my mental limits! I didn’t even consider — no fathom that I had the ability to run as fast or as far as I now have! All of my limitations were in my head. With Sean’s help and guidance — this year I will be running my first 1/2 marathon … next year the full! It doesn’t matter if he is training/coaching current athlete’s — past athlete’s-reformed couch potatoes — he opens your doors to the possibilities that lIe within you! I could write more, but I owe him 4 miles today :-)
”

Charles age 17 - Cross Country and Road Racing 1:25 NYC 1/2 marathon

NYC Running coach Sean Fortune consults with a new runner to define their goals, motivation, and training history. He factors in their lifestyle, history of injuries, time constraints, to create a workable training schedule that fits their unique needs

“Training with Sean has completely transformed me as a runner. I have a new understanding of the sport, my body, and training methods that have made me an exponentially better runner since I started working out with Sean. I came to him with goals for the winter, and under his coaching and dedication, we turned them into realities.
”

Deb age 45 - Marathoner and Road Racer

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune creates innovative treadmill workouts when the weather is unsafe to train outdoors. As a former certified personal trainer at Equinox - 85th St. on the UES of Manhattan, she has years of experience personal training running and strength training to gym goers

“Sean’s been inspirational and motivating. I have been a runner for 20 years. After a hamstring injury a few years, I had been unable to regain my momentum. Since working with Sean, my running has been completely reinvigorated.
”

Luca -- age 14 --  56 sec 400m PR, 24.00sec 200m PR, Regional qualifier in the Junior Olympics 400m, 2012 Gotham Games Champion 400m

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune is a former Nike sponsored runner through his previous club team. As a successful competitive runner who's won multiple New York Road Runners' races, he understand the unique needs of highly competitive runners.

“Practice with Sean always had me working hard. I never felt like I could go home with extra energy. I could never be more thankful for the hard work that brought my 400 time down 5 seconds in the course of 3 months”

Dan --age 33--  1/2 marathon 1:38, aspiring marathoner 

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune has created a specialized stretch routine that he uses for himself and all of the runners that he coaches. It's an integral part of any runner's program. It contributes to being injury-free and heightens any athletes mobility and flexibility which adds in a more dynamic and ultimately efficient and faster running stride

“In 2012 I made the decision to get healthy and start running. I
consider myself a competitive person and it wasn’t long before I moved
from novice runner to aspiring marathoner. One name came up every time
I asked around for the best coach...Sean Fortune. Sean is not just an
extremely attentive and skilled trainer, he is an elite runner
himself. He understands the ups and downs a runner goes through in
their quest to just get in shape or prepare for a marathon. He’s the
best in the business.”

Alisa -- age 37 -- former high school and college track athlete

NYC Running Coach Sean Fortune specialize in training runners for the New York City Half Marathon, NYC Marathon, and the Boston Marathon. Since 2008, he's coached hundreds to personal bests in all distances

“I have always loved running. I ran track throughout high school and college and when uninjured, run every day. I thought I was a good runner too- until one day I saw Sean Fortune working with another runner on a treadmill and I could not get over how fast he was running. I started training with Sean shortly after and was amazed by what Sean could get me to do. One run with Sean felt like ten runs that I would do on my own. Sean somehow finds a way to get you to surpass your previous boundaries and reach new goals. Each session, he delivers a training regimen filled with intervals that get your heart rate up more than you ever thought was possible. He keeps detailed records of your past runs and helps you to beat those past times. Each time I train with him, I feel like I worked harder than the time before. It has helped me stay in shape after pregnancy and has allowed me to run faster when I run on my own. He is also genuinely concerned and attentive to any injuries/physical limitations – when I injured my foot, he immediately referred me to an excellent physical therapist who dealt mainly with runners. I look forward to running with Sean time and time again because I know I am guaranteed my hardest workout of the week.”