Danny Docherty racing at the Chicago Marathon

PERSONALIZED COACHING · SMART TRAINING · LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT

Train With Purpose. Race With Confidence.

Personalized running coaching built around your goals, your life, and the athlete you want to become.

"A place where community and sport come together."

At Docherty Coaching, our mission is to create meaningful opportunities for athletes and coaches to grow through sport. Danny's experience as an athlete, coach, and athletic director has inspired a place where community and sport come together — consistent, welcoming spaces where people can show up, train with purpose, and grow from the experience.

Meet Danny

Who it's for

Coaching for runners at every level.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or somewhere in between — Docherty Coaching meets you where you are. Danny works with recreational runners, competitive age-groupers, and everyone in between.

Runners new to structured training

Athletes returning from injury or time off

Competitive runners seeking a PR

Marathoners and half marathoners

Trail and road runners

Runners who want accountability and a plan

Coaching Options

Coaching Packages

Bronze

The foundation.

Personalized weekly training plan via Final Surge
Up to 1 hr/month coach communication
Daily workout tracking & feedback
Customized pace zones
Annual race planning
Periodic performance & mindset support

Silver

More connection.

Everything in Bronze
Two monthly coaching calls or one in-person meet-up/run (local athletes)
Up to 2 hrs/month communication

Gold

Full partnership.

Everything in Silver
Two monthly coaching calls or two in-person meet-ups (local athletes)
Up to 3 hrs/month communication
Expanded performance & mindset support

Flexible Fit

Built around you.

Fully customizable — choose any combination of Bronze, Silver, or Gold offerings
Pricing tailored to your selections
Ideal for athletes with specific or evolving needs

Schedule a coaching call or meetup with Danny — current or prospective clients are welcome.

Schedule a Call

Your Coach

Danny Docherty

Danny is a competitive marathoner and two-time U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier based in Minnesota. He brings the same discipline and curiosity he applies to his own training to every athlete he coaches.

His coaching philosophy is simple: build a plan that fits your life, then execute it consistently. No shortcuts, no one-size-fits-all programs — just thoughtful, progressive training built around you.

Full background

2×

U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier

USATF

Level 2 Youth Specialization (2021) · Level 1 (2013, Stillwater MN)

USTFCCCA

Endurance Specialist (2016, Seattle) · Technical Certification (2015, Winona MN)

Lydiard

Foundation Level 1 & 2 (2013, Boulder CO)

Athlete Results

What athletes say.

"I took 6 years off from running a marathon and thanks to Coach Doc I achieved a new PR in my first race back — faster by nearly 30 minutes. How could you not want to work with someone who knows the work required to run a 2:22 marathon?"

Dan Slagle

Marathon runner

"Danny's expertly guided coaching has kept me healthy, excited about running, and faster than I've ever been. I've set PRs in every distance from 10K to the marathon. That is coming from a 44-year-old guy with 3 young kids and a dynamic work schedule."

James Nietfeld

Age 44, Chanhassen, MN

"I started working with Danny before my first ever marathon at age 43. With Danny's help, I ran a 2:56 and qualified for Boston. Since then, over another 8 marathons, Danny has helped me push my time down to a 2:31."

Sam Ives

Boston Qualifier

"He's helped me integrate 'becoming a stronger runner' seamlessly into my everyday life — never the other way around. Since working with him, I've set PRs from the 5K all the way to the marathon."

Kelly Niederloh

5K to marathon PR

"The 2025 Twin Cities Marathon was an absolute breakthrough race for me — a 9-minute PR. The last 5 miles were my fastest out of the 26.2. I felt so strong, so prepared, and was having so much fun."

Taylor Jackson

Twin Cities Marathon

"I went from a 4:15 marathon in my early 20s to a 3:23 in Chicago last year — fast enough to qualify for Boston. Boston was one of those 'some day' dreams for me which is now a reality."

Carolyn Dienhart

Boston Qualifier, Chicago Marathon

See all athlete stories