Longford Striders is led by experienced leaders and coaches who hold England Athletics qualifications in Leadership and Coaching in Running Fitness (LiRF and CiRF). Leaders organise and guide safe, inclusive group runs, while coaches focus on developing running technique, training structure, and event preparation. We also have a friendly team of group helpers who are experienced members of the group and are always happy to support new runners and assist with our structured courses.

Stuart Sahan -  Group Leader & Coach in Running Fittness (CiRF)

Hello and welcome. I’m Stuart Sahan, Group Leader at Longford Striders. I’ve been running for nearly twelve years, taking on everything from hard-earned 5k efforts to the long grind of full marathons. A particular highlight was running the London Marathon in 2017, a memorable milestone in my own journey. Alongside leading the group, I run Sports Therapy One, where I support people through injury rehabilitation, sports massage and wider musculoskeletal care across Coventry and Kenilworth. My background includes working as Head Sports Therapist for Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC, and I hold a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy. I’m also qualified as a Coach and Leader in Running Fitness with England Athletics, a Licensed VI Guide Runner and hold both Level 3 Personal Trainer and Level 2 Gym Instructor certifications.

What matters most to me about running is the sense of community it creates. Shared miles, small conversations and steady progress bring people together in a way few other activities can. Whether someone is returning from injury, building confidence or taking on a new challenge, being part of a supportive group makes every step feel a little easier. At Longford Striders, we do our best to make sure every runner feels welcome, included and encouraged, whatever their starting point or pace. You’re always welcome to come along and give us a try.

Kelli Sahan - Run Leader (LiRF)

I’ve been running for twelve years and have covered distances ranging from 5k to ultra marathons (40 to 63 miles). I have a particular interest in supporting beginners who are just starting out in the world of running. You will often find me supporting our Couch to 5k runners and leading the Jeffing group, which focuses on a mix of running and walking, as well as supporting returners and improvers on the weekly Sunday runs. I am always happy to support anyone who is concerned about pace, so you can rest assured you will never be on your own. I look forward to seeing you on a group run soon.

Jeannie Noonan - Run Leader (LiRF)

Hi LfS group! If you don’t already know me, I’m a regular attender of the Sunday morning sessions. As one of the mid-pace runners amongst the group, I’m always happy to run, or otherwise support, anybody of my own comfortable social pace, or slower. If you’re new to the group and unfamiliar with any of the social run routes, I’m always happy to keep an eye on newbies to keep you on course too. I hold the Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification due to my background in leading Couch to 5k courses over several years and also leading varied training sessions for a large local running club. Look forward to seeing you soon!