About

I help organise and operate all kinds of events. Though I specialise in long-distance running challenges, I’ve helped organise triathlon, road cycling, mountain biking, swimming, and hiking events all over the world (on every continent). No matter how crazy your idea seems – get in touch. I’m sure I can help (and if I can’t, I’ll help you find someone who can!)

Depending on the event, the planning phase typically involves carrying out some (or all) of the following tasks:

✅ Researching the challenge (prior completions and/or attempts)

✅ Planning the route(s) (usually the biggest job!)

✅ Producing the event documentation (project plans, emergency action plans, risk assessments etc)

✅ Developing a bulletproof action plan for the event itself (including action sequences to streamline its execution)

✅ Contacting relevant authorities (councils, police, traffic management advisors, network planners etc) and obtaining permissions if necessary

✅ Setting up the live tracking page (if required)

✅ Advising on sponsorship deals and liaising with potential/confirmed sponsors

✅ Advising on fundraising (if raising money for charity)

✅ Submitting applications for Guinness World Record / FKT attempts

✅ Assisting with physical preparation (kit and equipment lists, nutrition and hydration plans)

✅ Other miscellaneous logistical tasks, such as organising vehicle hire, booking transport and accommodation, hiring kayaks, liaising with support crew… whatever needs doing!

Depending on the event, the operational phase typically involves carrying out some (or all) of the following tasks:

✅ Acting as event director / lead support crew member (managing the event and other crew members, adhering to timings, prepping nutrition and hydration etc)

✅ Navigating (if it’s a running event, I typically either cycle or run alongside the runner and do all of the navigating, so all they have to think about is running)

✅ Carrying nutrition and hydration (I typically carry all food and water and ensure adequate consumption of both)

✅ Acting as safety officer (having produced the emergency action plans and risk assessments in preparation for the challenge, I would also fulfil the role of safety officer during the event)

✅ Driving (I have a C and C+E (HGV) driving license, so I can drive campervan/RV support vehicles if required)

✅ Managing evidence collection for record attempts (ensuring the correct evidence is being collected and submitted if the challenge is a world record / FKT attempt)

✅ Minor injury maintenance (foot taping, blister treatment etc)

✅ Mountain guiding (if the challenge involves mountains I can lead ascents/descents)

✅ Kayak swim support (for example, if the challenge involves swimming across a lake, I can provide swim support in a kayak)

✅ Managing the tracking page (ensuring the live tracking is functioning properly)

✅ Liaising with press / PR representatives (scheduling interviews and press opportunities)

✅ Adapting the plan as required (reactive decision making as the event unfolds… “no plan survives contact with the enemy”)

✅ Providing emotional support / motivation / mindset advice (as an ex-Royal Marine and experienced ultra athlete, I know what it takes to push your body to its absolute limits and can provide psychological support in those tougher moments)

📹 Example video of some of the tasks and data collection I performed during a previous world record challenge: Logistics Behind Spencer Matthews’ Great Desert Challenge

Of course! If you aren’t sure whether you need professional assistance and would like to know more, or if you’ve got everything planned but just want some general advice, or someone to look over your route and/or plan, head to the Coaching page and book a One-to-One Call.

Alternatively, send me an email at taylor@taylormadecoaching.uk.

Both! For the majority of events, I’ll take the lead in all of the preparation and planning work (see “What tasks do you carry out in the planning phase?” for some examples of what this usually involves).

I’ll then typically be present for the entirety of the challenge, acting as event director / lead support crew member (see “What tasks do you carry out in the operational phase?” for some examples of what this usually involves).

However, for some events I’ll just help with the preparation and planning, producing all of the documentation and obtaining the permissions required to get to the start line, including a thorough action plan to be executed. From there, the competitor(s) and their support crew will take over and operate the event itself themselves.

And for other events, if much of the preparation and planning has already been done, I’ll help operate the challenge on the ground, managing the crew and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Nope, not at all. Though I’ve organised and operated a range of world record breaking and world first events, I’ve also managed plenty of challenges undertaken for personal adventure and/or fundraising purposes.

Absolutely. I’ve managed events of all lengths, from single-day challenges, to three-month long expeditions all over the world. It will depend on my availability of course, but don’t be put off if your challenge is a beast – get in touch and we’ll see if we can make it work.

I have the following qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science
• UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF)
• UESCA Ultrarunning Coach
• UESCA Sports Psychology
• UK Athletics Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF)
• FRA Fell, Hill, Off-Road and Trail Leader
• Safeguarding in Athletics
• Outdoor First Aid
• Paddlesport Safety and Rescue (PSRC)
• Ex-Royal Marines Commando

Yes. As a UK Athletics coach, I receive the benefit of Public Liability and Third Party Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, and Travel Insurance for all organised events, such as training sessions, club meets, social and fundraising activities, or international training camps.

The policy covers activities anywhere in the world. Cover also applies to any volunteers that help run the events, as well as the athletes taking part.

If you’d like me to help organise and operate your big adventure, send me an email at taylor@taylormadecoaching.uk. We can then arrange a call to discuss your challenge and the level of support you require, and take it from there.