RUN WITH
CONFIDENCe

Running Coach Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Guiding you to train and race with confidence whatever your distance. USEAC Certified

Simon Piper

about ME

HELPING OTHERS ENJOY EVERYTHING RUNNING
HAS TO OFFER.

With 25 years of competitive running experience, racing distances from 5k to 100 miles across Europe. I am currently ranked in the top 2% of runners in Britain for my 50+ age group. With performances including a half marathon time of 1.18.30 (2024) and a marathon time of 2:43:14 (2025,PB).

Driven by my passion for running, food, and travel, I created SP Tours. This offers you a chance to come and join me for running adventures around the world and share the experiences with the Sole Performance community.

Running is my passion, I became an USEAC certificated coach; to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, to help others enjoy everything running has to offer

As a coach, I take pride in being part of my athletes’ journeys, helping them achieve their goals. While we may not all break world records, we can accomplish amazing things together. My coaching philosophy is rooted in having a balanced approach, making the most of each individual’s unique potential.

In addition to running, I am a passionate Sourdough baker and a qualified chef. I firmly believe that achieving our goals shouldn’t mean sacrificing everything. My mantra is simple: eat well, train hard, be happy.

Train with confidence

Package Options

£45 per month

This Coaching option includes:

Free initial consultation
Easy to follow Personalised training plan, synced to your devices.
Coach check in once a month
Plans reviewed monthly, based on current performance
Pre-event Performance Planning Session
Free standard welcome pack

£85 per month

This Coaching option includes:

Free initial consultation
A personalised, in-person coaching session (1 hour) every month to support your progress
Easy to follow Personalised training, synced to your device.
Plans reviewed Bi-Weekly based on current performance
Pre-event Performance Planning Session

Coach Check in bi weekly, via phone, video call,
Unlimited email enquiries
Nutritional guidance
Free Standard welcome pack in your first month when you sign up
Running gate and form analysis

£115 per month

This Coaching option includes:

Free initial consultation
Easy to follow Personalised training – updated weekly
Stay on track with regular support: 2 x 1-hour face-to-face coaching sessions every month
Unlimited Contact via, WhatsApp or email
Coach check in weekly via video call, or Phone
Pre-event Performance Planning Session
Nutritional guidance
Free Premium welcome pack in your first month when you sign up
Running gate and form analysis

Client feedback

Don't take my word for it read what they have to say!

“I joined a trip organised by Simon to the south of France to run the Nice marathon in Nov 2024. Amazing organisation and communication. Simon knows what runners need to perform well on the day but to also take in the local culture and sights. 5 out of 5. ״

Russell AvensLong distance runner

“Amazing service and support, always a fast response time!״

Mark Rogers

European marathon tours made easy. With the race researched, hotel, flights and transfers booked, all I had to worry about was running! Simon’s encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge on training, nutrition and race strategy eased any worries and ensured a calm build up to marathon day. It was great to see so many of us return from that tour with PB times and awards. Looking forward to joining another.

Dewi TomasRunning Tourist

Simon is a highly motivated supportive runner which alone allows you to learn a lot. We took on the challenge of the Valencia Marathon together, Simon arranged the trip, and it didn't disappoint. The hotel was in a great location near to the race start and the beach, was a short run away, for a coffee in the sunshine. Leading up to the event Simon was supportive, we had discussed my training and race strategy I was going to take, this led to an enjoyable run, super event, super coach and a ran a PB that day!

Ian KennardMarathon PB Runner

Simon's 2025 Malta Marathon trip was so well organised. Everything from the flight, transfer and accommodation was organised, even perfect running weather was provided! Sharing the experience with like-minded runners made the PB even more special.

Will MorganFirst time tourist

I flew out to Nice for the marathon with Simon’s help to arrange, and what a fantastic trip it was. Great flights, transfer and accommodation that was close to the centre and also less than a 10 minute walk to the start line. Fabulous trip to the South of France so kudos to Simon/Sole Performance for the help with arranging!

Aimee Greasby

Simon is a great guy, very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He has been instrumental in achieving my goals, would highly recommend!

Will

Simon Piper's training plan was a game-changer for me. He started by understanding my goals and then provided a detailed plan. Simon was always available for support, making the process smooth and reassuring. Using TrainingPeaks for the first time was easy, especially with its seamless Garmin integration. The plan kept me accountable and made running enjoyable rather than a chore. Although I didn't hit my target time at the London Marathon, I regained speed and felt positive about future training. I highly recommend Simon Piper's training plans and would definitely use them again.

Sam ManiFirst time marathon runner

Run of The WEEK

"The best running route is one that makes you want to run it".

As a passionate runner, I frequently get asked for running route suggestions. Many runners find themselves stuck in a routine, repeating the same routes week after week. To help break this monotony, I decided to dedicate a page to offering fresh running routes for you to explore. If you're fortunate enough to own a smartwatch with mapping capabilities, I will include GPX files in all of my run reports. Having the mapping feature on my watch has been a game changer. It has given me the confidence to venture out and discover new routes, not just locally but also while on holiday, turning every run into an exciting adventure. My current watch is the Garmin EPIX 2, and I can't recommend it enough. I specifically chose this watch for its mapping features, which make it feel like having an ordnance survey map on my wrist, complete with built-in sat-nav. It's truly a game changer for any runner looking to explore new paths.

Running routes should combine enjoyment and safety, and offer a challenge, a scenic view, or just a chance to see friends out running. But beyond that, your route should be motivating, whatever that means to you.

Todays run of the week features two runs both starting and finishing at the 3 Cliffs Bay just west of Swansea. If you fancy a weekend of running glorious trails in the Gower, I can highly recommend these two routes.

I can highly recommend the Campsite at 3 Ciffs bay, it’s a family favourite. If you are staying in the local area there is parking available within the campsite grounds or at Parkplatz Penmaen ( https://w3w.co/drives.cover.blackbird ) which is about 200m from the start finish point of both runs.

is about 200m from the start finish point of both runs.

Sea to Summit

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/399240889

This route descends from the carpark down towards the beach before climbing up to the costal path. The route has stunning views across 3 Cliffs Bay then hugging the cliff towards Oxwich after a couple of miles you will drop down on to the beach, which is quiet even in the hight of summer, be prepared to get your feet wet as you cross a small stream in the middle of the beach. Once you have left the beach you will start the climb to the Cefn Bryn Trig Point. There you will find stunning views of Oxwich Bay and the River Loughor. Its about 3 miles uphill to the trig point before dropping back down to the carpark.

Distance: 9 miles / 14.5km

Terrain – Trails / Beach (Trail Shoes recommended but not essential)

Elevation 310m / 260 ft

Street lighting – none

Toilets – At the end of the beach there are public toilet facilities located near the main car park on the shorefront at Oxwich Bay

Woodland and Costal Path

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/292769107

From the campsite office you follow the road into the campsite before taking the large gate in front of you picking up the public footpath. After winding though the woods you will need to cross Pennard golf course (This is a public footpath) The next few miles will take you through some woodland and urban trails leading to Caswell Bay where you can pick up the costal path. Depending on the tide at Caswell you can either run on the beach around the headland or take the coast road and cut the corner without getting your feet wet. The remainder of the routes hugs the cliffs with stunning views all the way back to 3 Cliffs bay. There is a little café/shop just after 9 miles if you need refreshments.

Distance: 11.3 miles / 14.5km

Terrain – Trails / Beach (Trail Shoes recommended but not essential)

Elevation 317m / 270 ft

Street lighting – none

Toilets – As you exit the trails at Caswell Bay at the end of the carpark.(5.5 miles)

3 Cliffs Bay – The Weekend Away

All the training was well worth the memories

RUN WITH
CONFIDENCe

Simon Piper

about ME

Train with confidence

Package Options