Max and Julie Coleby Retire After Decades of Service

Summary:

As former Team GB athletes, Max and Julie led the program for over two decades, during which they not only guided the team to numerous records but also deepened the club’s connections with the community through various events and organizations, most notably was Max confounding the Great Northern Run and both working to raise millions of pounds for charity. Beyond their impressive accolades, they selflessly devoted countless hours to this organization, leading the club with pride and embodying the values of Team Durham.

Their years of service was recognized in 2019 where they were honoured with the “Outstanding Contribution to Sport” award, given to staff or volunteers who have gone above and beyond their role.  The dedication they have given truly reflected the university’s motto of “Inspiring the Extraordinary,” exemplifying for hundreds of athletes and community members what it means to be a part of Team Durham. 

It is due to their excellence as coaches and leaders that the organization will feel their absence so profoundly. In March 2023, Max and Julie informed Team Durham staff that the 2023-24 season would be their last, marking the end of their remarkable 22-year tenure in June 2024. We bid them farewell with the deepest respect and gratitude for their unwavering commitment. While they leave behind a legacy filled with coaching accolades—including BUCS medals and Team GB age group selections—it was their coaching philosophy that truly set them apart. As they’ve said: “Our objective was always that, regardless of an athlete’s starting level, they would leave us as better athletes than when they joined, provided they were willing to put in the work.” Max and Julie are truly special people and exceptional coaches, whose impact will resonate far beyond their years with Team Durham.

Running and Coaching Careers:

Max and Julie began their coaching journey with Durham in 2001, brought on board by then-head coach Peter Coates to help manage a club of just 10 athletes. Upon Peter’s departure in 2011, the couple took over, leading the club through a period of exponential growth both in participation and performance. Under their leadership, the team achieved numerous BUCS medals and broke multiple records, including:

• DCH Records: Men's 200m and 400m, Women's 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 5000m, half marathon, marathon, heptathlon, javelin, and long jump (tied).
• DUAXC Records: Women's 400m hurdles, 5000m, and 4x400m relay; Men's 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay.

Notably, many of the second and third-best performances in these events were also achieved by athletes coached by Max and Julie. For instance, the DUAXC men’s 400m hurdles record was successively held by Ollie Robinson, Will Ritchie-Moulin, and Daniel Rees, all coached by the pair. As expected, numerous indoor records for events such as 60m, 150m, 300m, 400m, 600m, and 1000m are also held by athletes they mentored.

Beyond these remarkable achievements, their contributions to the running community in the North East have been profound, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Additionally, Max was Course Director of the 1995 World Cross Country Championships and Race Director of the 2001 English National Cross Country Championships - both events staged on the university playing fields and surrounding fields.

Personal:

As they conclude their extraordinary coaching careers, Max and Julie look forward to spending more time with their three daughters and five grandchildren and pursuing their many personal interests.

We cannot thank Max and Julie enough for their immeasurable contributions to the club, the university, and Team Durham.

Conclusion:

With profound respect and heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the legacy of Max and Julie Coleby and we are excited to continue benefitting from their experience and expertise through their appointment as Honorary Presidents for DUAXC.