James Gibb
James Gibb has been a DCS Coach since 2017 and is the captain of the annual DCS Track Series Team. His coaching specializes in helping runners of all abilities improve their running technique. This enables them to become stronger, fitter, and less injury-prone. James himself is coached by Lee Harris, one of the UAE’s leading running coaches, biomechanics experts, and seasoned ultra-runner.
In 2018, leading global running company ASICS chose James from over 600 applicants to be one of the inaugural 12 ASICS FrontRunners in Dubai. ASICS selects FrontRunners based on their common passion for running and moving their mind and bodies. FrontRunners get the world moving, sharing their passion, knowledge, and inspiration.
James uses video analysis to capture each runner’s form. He works with them to review their progress and identify areas to correct. James works with runners of all abilities, ages, and fitness levels.
In January 2019, James and his DCS teammate Maekele Asmellash helped guide and pace a young blind Jordanian runner Hasan Tayem in the Standard Chartered Dubai 10K. James and Maekele helped Hasan secure his best-ever 10K result. This is a great example of the ethos and spirit of DCS as a true community club.
In June 2019, DCS announced James as ‘Runners Runner of the Year’ at their annual awards. Club members voted to ‘recognize someone who has been most inspiring this season and epitomized the ethos of the club, promoting running to runners of all levels.’
James is also a regular race competitor. He has a 5K personal best of 18:42, 10K personal best of 38:51, and Half Marathon personal best of 1:26.
There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul.”
Every time I run it's with the mindset that if I die at this race, it's OK."
I run because if I didn’t, I’d be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.”
