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WELCOME TO

WORLD RUNNERS UNITED

We’ve developed a community for all runners seeking to connect, engage and learn from our professional coaching staff with insights, training plans and anything all you need to know about running, but didn’t know who to ask.

Our team has over one hundred years of training, competing, and coaching experience are ready to share the latest research, experts, both virtually and in person.

We will offer specific guidance for running Half Marathons, 10K, 5K marathons with specialized content and programming. Our team is so excited to have you and your families join us on this journey.

World Runners United provides coaching expertise.

MEET THE TEAM

RICK MUHR

For nearly three decades, coaching runners has been an immensely fulfilling journey in my life. I find profound joy in unraveling the intricacies of running, offering a clear approach and methodology accessible to runners of every skill level. The essence of coaching lies in understanding a runner's present fitness, discerning their aspirations, and crafting tailored training programs to propel them toward their goals. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to exceed their own expectations, guiding them toward unlocking their fullest potential on their path to self-improvement.

  • Professional running coach

  • Founder of the Marathon Coalition

  • Keynote and motivational speaker

  • Trained over 20,000 runners throughout the world

  • 32x Marathon Finisher

  • 32x Boston Marathon Qualifier

  • Personal Bests

  • Marathon 2:33:13

  • Half-Marathon 1:12:12

  • 10K 32:25

  • 5K 16:05

  • Ranked 5th in the U.S. at 100K

  • MetroWest YMCA 2023 Inspiration Award Recipient

  • Man of the Year for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

  • Carried the Olympic Torch in 2004

  • Awarded the Dr. Cynthia Lucero Humanitarian Award

  • Awarded the Community Service Award by the Mass School of Professional Psychology

  • Cancer survivor

  • Hobbies: Endurance motorcycling, flyfishing, kayaking, and connecting with others.

Coach Rick Muhr provides training guidance

COACH INDIRA

Hi my name is Indira, born in Colombia and I am known as Coach Gaby! I am a passionate athlete who loves sports, fitness and wellness. I graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics. During my time in Queens College, I racked up a list of accolades. I was the 2011 East Coast Conference (ECC) Cross Country Champion; named to the NCAA Division II All-East Region Cross Country Team, was the Queens College MVP of the year and won several XC races, Indoor and Outdoor East Coast Conference Championships in the 1,500-meter, 3k, and 5k events. In 2009, I helped the team win its first ever ECC Cross Country Championship. In 2011, I became the first athlete in Queens College history to qualify for the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship, was ranked fifth in the East Coast for Cross Country NCAA Division II and was named the 2011 ECC Cross Country Women’s Runner of the Year. In 2012, I was named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Indoor Track All-Region squad. Over a decade later, I still hold the Queens College records in the 1,500m, mile, 3k, 5k, and 6k for Indoor/Outdoor and Cross Country.

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After college, I dedicated myself more to the roads, competing in longer races like the 10k, 10 mile, half marathon and marathon. I run competitively for Central Park Track Club and I still have a lot of running goals I want to accomplish! Every summer, I attend The Running School Camp which is my favorite running family community!

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My philosophy as a coach is to understand the athlete, support them in their training journey, provide custom training to reach their maximum potential and care for reaching their goals as if they were mine.

  • Served as collegiate Division III Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/ Track and Field Head Coach                                                      Graduate of 2018 NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #44

  • Law Enforcement: NYC Department of Correction Fitness Instructor/Strength & Conditioning Coach/Tactical Trainer

  • 2018 York College Coach of the Year

  • USATF Level 1

  • USATF Level 2

  • USATF Cross Country Specialist

  • USTFCCCA Strength & Conditioning Coach

  • USTFCCCA Program Management

  • USTFCCCA T&F Technical Certification

  • USTFCCCA Test & Measurements in Track and Field Coaching

  • USTFCCCA Weight Training for the Track & Field Coach

  • USTFCCCA Sports Science for the Endurance Events

  • Over 20 Years of Training and Racing Experience

  • Self-coached

  • US Youth Futsal Level 1 Coach

Coach Indira shows how to train for a race

JOE GRANDE

I consider myself just an average Joe, but one with elite discipline. They call me a coach, but the truth is, I'm a student of the run. For over 20 years, I've guided high school athletes to excel, both on and off the athletic fields. But my passion extends far beyond the classroom. As a World Runners United Coach, I share my expertise with runners of all levels, helping them unlock their potential and conquer the marathon distance.

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My greatest assets as a coach aren't medals or accolades, but discipline and an unwavering love for the sport. I believe that dedication to your training plan, both physically and mentally, is the key that unlocks your potential. But discipline without passion is a recipe for burnout. That's why I fan the flames of your love for running. I'll share the joy of early morning sunrises painting the road gold, the camaraderie of fellow runners pushing each other, and the quiet satisfaction of pushing your limits. This journey isn't just about the finish line; it's about rediscovering the joy that lies in every stride. So, lace up your shoes, embrace the discipline, and let's chase that marathon dream together. Remember, the only bad run is the one you didn't take.

  • Director of Athletics & Physical Education

  • Teacher and coach for 22+ years

  • Masters Degrees in Education (Providence College)

  • Education Leadership (New York University)

  • Physical Education (University of Nebraska Kearney)

  • Coached and managed over 5,000 athletes

  • Coached soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, & track

  • New York Road Runner (NYRR)

  • Completed 8 marathons (5 NYC, 1 Chicago, 1 Boston, 1 Philadelphia)

  • Marathon Personal Best: 4 hours 2 min 56 sec

  • Half-Marathon Personal Best: 1 hour 44 min 8 sec

  • 150+ road races completed

  • Hobbies include … reading, gardening, cooking, golfing, and of course, running!

Coach Joe Grande teaches best practices for runners.

SEAN RICE

A veteran running coach for almost four decades, I draw upon my personal experiences as an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete.  I have coached all levels of competitive athletes from beginner to elite, youth through adult, and individuals to large teams. Over my career, I have been blessed to guide goal oriented competitors to personal achievement, including hundreds of Regional and National Champions.  As a career educator and lifelong coach, the process of teaching and learning has been at the center of my work. Consistently, I have focused on building community through running by providing shared experiences and valuable lessons in goal setting and the execution of a well constructed training plan. As the founder of the largest non-profit youth running program in the region and the director of The Running School, one of the largest training camps in America, I connect runners to other growth-minded individuals who seek self improvement through connected social experiences. I want to share a wealth of knowledge in a holistic approach to running which incorporates proper training blocks, active recovery and intentional rest, proper nutrition, cross training, and exposure to key resources in our sport. 

  • Director of The Running School Camps for advanced training

  • M.S.ED In Education

  • M.S.ED in School Administration

  • 40 Years of Training and Racing Experience

  • 25+ Years as Race Event and Meet Director

  • Coached over 150 USATF and AAU National Champions

  • USA Track & Field Level 1 Certification

  • USA Track & Field National Cross Country Specialist Certification

  • USA Track & Field Sports Sciences Certification

  • USA Track & Field Level 2 Coaching Certification

  • Safe Sport Certification

  • 2021 Positive Coaching Alliance Regional
    Double-Goal Coach of the Year Award

  • 2019 AAU Zone Coach of the Year Award

  • 2014 USATF Region 1 Coach of the Year Award

  • 35 years as a cross country, track & field, road racing circuit coach in NYC

  • Former NCAA Division 1 Student-Athlete

Coach Sean Rice advises best practices for young runners.

PETRONELA BURR

A seasoned professional runner hailing from Romania, I earned my stripes at the University of Toledo, achieving All-American status in the mile. My academic pursuits led me to a master's degree in public health education and promotion, enhancing my understanding of holistic well-being. Transitioning to coaching, I served as an assistant coach at the University of Toledo, where I honed my skills in nurturing athletic talent. Currently, I extend my expertise globally through online coaching, working with runners of all levels and diverse disciplines, ranging from the intense 800m sprints to the enduring challenges of the marathon. My commitment extends beyond personal achievements, fueled by a genuine passion for running and a desire to contribute to the health and wellness of others.

  • Romanian Champion in the 1500m

  • Balkan Champion 1500m

  • Francophone Games Medalist 

  • National record holder 4x1500m

  • Former NCAA Division 1 Student-Athlete 

  • All-American 1 mile

  • European Championships qualifier 

  • World Championships qualifier 

  • MAC champion in 1500m, 1mile, 800m -and DMR

  • Named Most Outstanding Athlete of       the Year in 2020.

  • Master’s in public health 

  • Professional Athlete for over 10 yrs

  • Coaching athletes for 3 years 

  • Hobbies: cooking, hiking, golfing,     walking with my dog (a cute labradoodle named Hopper).

Coach Petronela Burr addresses women's running issues.
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