• I can’t speak more highly of Joe Ward who owns the Manly Beach Running Club. I had serious anxiety around group running, joining races, etc and was a lone runner for my entire life, concluding it just wasn’t for me. I needed a reboot to get out of a rut so I decided to give it a go. Despite what my brain was telling me, look at me now! Feeling fit, running at 5:30am with the kindest and most supportive group I’ve ever met. If 5:30am seems early, after your first session you will be hooked. The tips and tricks Joe teaches us are easy to digest but oh so helpful. The best part is he emphasises the need for us to just have fun and not take things too seriously (other than preventing injuries ❤️). You are truly missing out if you haven’t run with Joe in Manly. Paradise with a dose of feel good fitness.

    Eric Emerick Avatar Eric Emerick
    December 13, 2024

    Joe is undoubtedly one of IF NOT the best running coach ANYONE could ask for. Not only is he a good running coach- without trying he is a GREAT life coach. He understands what it takes to get the best out of every athlete regardless of their ability level. His dedication to not just the craft of running but more so the craft of life. I have learned so much from our catch up chats- often these chats stay from running and more about being a complete and better person which eventually leads back to running Joe has guided me though 4 races so far this year (2024) - each performance better than the one before. One race being a huge non scheduled PR for a trail half marathon. Words can not articulate the respect I have for Joe and I can guarentee that if you engage Joe as your running coach you will only move forward and be a better runner and person from that day forward

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    Bobby Buche Avatar Bobby Buche
    July 29, 2024

    I couldn’t recommend Manly Beach Running Club and Coach Joe more highly! He is a true professional and continuously guiding and helping all the runners of the group! Not only Joe but the entire group, it is the most welcoming and friendly community. I wouldn’t be making the progress I am without this group! Thank you 🙏🏽😊

    Katrina Palffy Avatar Katrina Palffy
    September 15, 2024
  • Great club! It helped me achieve my running goals and was lots fun doing so.

    Jake Garth Avatar Jake Garth
    July 27, 2024

    Injured and feeling very under prepared, I contacted Joe to coach me for my 3rd Sydney marathon. Joe has been amazing! His knowledge and experience in running coaching is incredible. I never knew you could train for a marathon without tears and injuries and that there is such a thing as smart training! Thank you, Joe!

    Sussana Rien Avatar Sussana Rien
    September 1, 2025

    I always look forward to my sessions with the Manly Beach Running Club at 5:30am - and trust me, that’s saying something for someone who loves a good sleep in! Running with this group has completely changed how I think about training. I’m usually a solo runner, headphones in, doing my own thing. But being part of the Pinkies—the nicest and most supportive group of runners I’ve ever met - has made it so much more fun. Time flies by, even during hill sessions. And then there’s super coach Joe. I must admit, I was a little intimidated by the idea of running with a group led by an ultra-marathon champion, but Joe is super down to earth and a genuinely nice guy. He’s a self-confessed running nerd and knows pretty much everything there is to know about running. He’s always sharing tips and tricks to help us train smarter and get better. No matter what our goals are, he pushes us to give our best. He’s also been a massive help in tackling one of my biggest challenges—mindset. If you’re looking to smash a PB, get fit or as Joe would say become “accidentally awesome” at running, I can’t recommend the Manly Beach Running Club highly enough!

    Tri Tran Avatar Tri Tran
    February 5, 2025
  • I have been coached by Joe for almost two years now. He has been an amazing coach and mentor. Before joining with MBRC , the furthest I had ran was 10k. Since joining I have completed two road marathons and a 50k ultra marathon, I would not have been able to do his without Joe. His experience and knowledge will be unmatched. His resume speaks for itself. The club has been huge support on my sobriety journey. I would highly recommend Joe and Manly beach running club , if you’re looking to smash your running goals. You will not be disappointed.

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    John Shanahan Avatar John Shanahan
    June 14, 2025

    This club is more than just a casual run club. It really helps you to improve you running and reach your goals. It’s also wonderfully supportive. Having moved from Melbourne not knowing anyone it’s been a great way to get fit and meet positive and kind people. There is a run every day except Saturday at 5.30am. So just showing up at that time feels like an accomplishment. You’re always greeted by coach Joe who gives personalised training. He’s a seasoned ultra marathon runner with a wealth of knowledge. His positivity and support motivates everyone and he’s more than happy to have a chat and answer any running questions afterwards over a coffee. So if you’re in Manly or visiting I would highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their running and run alongside one of the loveliest beaches in the world.

    krystynamailer Avatar krystynamailer
    September 15, 2024

    I cannot recommend Coach Joe highly enough! His passion and enthusiasm for running are absolutely contagious, and his dedication to his clients is unmatched. From the moment I started training with Joe, I felt supported and motivated. Joe’s attention to detail in every aspect of my training plan was impeccable, ensuring that I stayed on track and most importantly, injury-free! What truly sets him apart is his ability to tailor the training to my unique needs and circumstances. After giving birth to my second child, I never imagined I could achieve such a significant milestone so soon. Thanks to Joe’s expert guidance and unwavering encouragement, I ran my first marathon just 8 months postpartum and completed it in under 3 hours and 45 minutes. Full credit to my program set out by Coach Joe! If you’re looking for a coach who genuinely cares about your success and will go above and beyond to help you reach your goals, look no further. He is simply the best!

    Melinda Horneman Avatar Melinda Horneman
    July 23, 2024