TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

Female runner in athletic gear, smiling, holding a race number, standing outdoors near a white van and banner.

Agnieszka Kaminska

Paul Wilson made an excellent job turning me a ‘flat lands” runner, recovering from hamstring injury into a mountain goat in just a few months.

I was welcomed to Paul’s Summit Ultra community of runners, who gave up their time to help me recce the route before the race with Paul showing me all the tricky parts of Lakeland 100 route. Seeing everybody working hard during the local sessions coached by Paul and preparing for a wide range of races was really inspiring and we all celebrated their achievements as one big team.

My training plan was fun - every session was different and adjusted to my (growing fast!) level of fitness. I received feedback and race specific advice, which prepared me well for race day.

The race was an unforgettable experience, and I never doubted about finishing this iconic and one of the hardest ultramarathons in UK. Seeing Paul waiting to greet me on the finish line was a nice surprise. That’s how great coaches work: from asking “what would you like to achieve?” - right to the finish line!

Lakeland 100
A man with a shaved head, beard, and tattooed arms smiling and leaning on a railing decorated with colorful prayer flags outside a stone building with Himalayan Craft Fayre banners.

Luke Jackson

Six months ago, on a journey to surpass my personal running boundaries, I decided to reach out to Paul at Summit Ultra. My aspirations in the running sphere were growing, and after delving deep into research, Paul's name consistently emerged as a beacon of excellence. Not only are his personal achievements in running utterly staggering, but his reputation as a top-notch coach precedes him. I've always believed in the power of surrounding myself with high achievers—individuals whose passion and dedication echo my own aspirations. Paul is undoubtedly one of those people.

What has impressed me the most during these six months under Paul's training isn't just his vast knowledge and personalized training regimens; it's the close-knit community he's cultivated. Summit Ultra is not just a coaching platform; it's a hub for enthusiastic runners to come together, share their stories, motivate each other, and revel in each other's successes. This sense of camaraderie is hard to find and even harder to foster, yet Paul has achieved it excellently.

Accomplishing my Bob Graham Round was a dream turned reality, and while my determination played a part, Paul's unwavering support was instrumental. I can still vividly recall the excitement in his eyes as I approached the finish line, as if he was reliving every step of his own achievements through me. That genuine thrill, coupled with his unyielding belief in my capabilities, has fueled my spirit.

In essence, working with Paul hasn't just transformed me as a runner; it's enriched my life by introducing me to a fantastic community and by demonstrating the heights one can reach with the right mentor by their side.

Bob Graham Round
A person running on a mountain trail in outdoor gear, with hills and cloudy sky in the background.

After signing up to the 7 valleys race for 2025, I joined the 13 Valleys WhatsApp group for women. Ange organised a downhill skills session in February and although I didn't know anyone, I was made to feel so welcome when I joined other women at Loughrigg to work on descending skills with Ange providing coaching giving tips, feedback and also takeaways to practice on when out in the fells on my own.

It's definitely helped me build my confidence descending over the year and practice, practice, practice. She also led me to discover the summit ultra coaching and community which I've been part of since the end of May and has made a massive difference to my confidence and consistency in training and racing this year. 

Whether in weekly group hill sessions or out on a fell race, having the positive support and helpful nudge of encouragement and belief to push myself to see what I can achieve, summit ultra coaches help me be my best. Ange inspires me through planning and having big adventures, finding joy in the fells while getting stronger and more competitive as her running progresses, which is really motivating as someone early in my running training.

7 Valleys 100K

FIONA CURRY

Emma Taylor

started training with Paul in January as I’d got a place in the Lakeland 50 and wanted to have a coach to get me ready. Paul came highly recommended from friends and it’s clear to see why! He is passionate about running and enjoying what you’re doing, he puts together manageable training plans and supports you all the way.

He helped me get a 42 minute PB at the Ullswater Way 20 and was there to see me finish.

Come Lakeland 50 weekend I felt absolutely ready to take on the 50 miles. Paul made sure I’d got everything sorted ahead of race day - nutrition, kit, etc so I was going into the race with nothing to worry about. I got round the course, smiling the majority of the time, I absolutely loved it and I know that’s mainly down to Paul and how prepared I was for the race. He really cares about the people he trains and is there supporting you, popping up at points of your race to cheer you on.

Lakeland 50
A man standing outside a store with a sign that reads 'sale now on' and another sign in the window advertising paddle board hire. The man is wearing a blue and orange jacket, green shorts, and colorful running shoes, smiling at the camera.

Tom Hall

Six months ago, on a journey to surpass my personal running boundaries, I decided to reach out to Paul at Summit Ultra. My aspirations in the running sphere were growing, and after delving deep into research, Paul's name consistently emerged as a beacon of excellence. Not only are his personal achievements in running utterly staggering, but his reputation as a top-notch coach precedes him. I've always believed in the power of surrounding myself with high achievers—individuals whose passion and dedication echo my own aspirations. Paul is undoubtedly one of those people.

What has impressed me the most during these six months under Paul's training isn't just his vast knowledge and personalized training regimens; it's the close-knit community he's cultivated. Summit Ultra is not just a coaching platform; it's a hub for enthusiastic runners to come together, share their stories, motivate each other, and revel in each other's successes. This sense of camaraderie is hard to find and even harder to foster, yet Paul has achieved it excellently.

Accomplishing my Bob Graham Round was a dream turned reality, and while my determination played a part, Paul's unwavering support was instrumental. I can still vividly recall the excitement in his eyes as I approached the finish line, as if he was reliving every step of his own achievements through me. That genuine thrill, coupled with his unyielding belief in my capabilities, has fueled my spirit.

In essence, working with Paul hasn't just transformed me as a runner; it's enriched my life by introducing me to a fantastic community and by demonstrating the heights one can reach with the right mentor by their side.

7 Valleys 100K, Abrahams Tea Round

Ange brings both years of experience and a genuine love of being in the fells to her coaching. She is kind and empathetic, while empowering her athletes to achieve success - whatever that looks like for them.

After a long absence from fell running, Ange has helped to improve both my overall fitness and my confidence in areas where I've always struggled - particularly down hill running. As well as encouragement, she is able to give practical, easy to implement guidance that leads to noticeable results and real progress.

Perhaps her best feature as a coach is her complete lack of judgement and ability to meet clients where they are, be that experienced runner or absolute beginner. The joy she finds in running and sharing her experience with others is inspirational, and makes being coached by her an experience that's about much more than running further or faster.

Return to fell running

JODIE

Tristan Reid

Being coached by Paul, following my return to running, has been a game changer for me. I have complex physical and mental health issues that puts limitations on what I am capable of. Paul's understanding and advice has meant that I've been able to focus on more realistic, yet still challenging goals. His intelligently thought out training schedule has given me the structure and motivation that I need and this with great support from Paul throughout has enabled me to successfully complete my first Lake District Round, the Espresso Round. This was a massive confidence booster for me and I am only weeks away from attempting the next big Lakeland adventure.

Espresso Round
A smiling woman wearing a black cap, glasses, and a blue athletic jacket, holding a commemorative medal, standing in front of a green backdrop with logos for Montane and Lakeland 50 & 100.

Liz Walkelin

Paul is an excellent coach. He guided me smoothly through my training for the Lakeland 50, avoiding injury and managing illness in a way I could not have done alone. He was always there at the end of the phone or text message to support me when my confidence wobbled and his reassurance and skill in adapting to my issues kept me going. He understood the needs of an older runner and adjusted his programme accordingly so that I achieved my goal of completing the event whilst gaining so much strength & fitness and having fun along the way. I’m very grateful.

Lakeland 50
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