Scott Kelly

Timonium Trail Training Coach

Coach Scott Kelly first crossed a timing mat at a small local 5K race back in 2013. What he remembers most about that morning was the exciting sight of so many people being so awake and having so much fun, so early in the morning. (Mornings aren’t always his favorite time.)

After that, there was a period of burgeoning interest in running solo before he joined a Charm City Run 5K training group in 2017, hoping for a fun outlet during a difficult time in his life. Going into 2018, peer pressure and a growing circle of friends got Scott to think about trying longer distances.

Not long after his first half marathon efforts at the Little Patuxent River Run and Shamrock1 Virginia Beach, Scott was diagnosed with Stage 4 blood cancer. He made up his mind to continue to hike, trot, fumble, and sometimes run, ticking off four more half marathons during his treatment. It was then that Scott got to know the genuine kindness and positivity of the running community, from friends and coaches to the strangers he continually met on the run. Running became a way to stay centered, stay positive, and continue to find strength and a sense of adventure.

Once Scott’s cancer was in remission, his attitude towards running shifted even further. Whether slow, fast, hectic, focused, grinding, or gliding, every new run was a chance to celebrate being alive, see new sights, experience movement, and unearth gratitude. These open-minded, humble, grateful thoughts helped shift Scott towards like-minded folks in the Baltimore-area trail running community. Since 2019, Scott has completed 2 trail marathons, 4 ultramarathons, and numerous smaller races. The trail community is special, and your pace matters much less than your spirit of adventure. Coach Scott would enjoy having you along to explore trails, get muddy, get lost (not very), and experience another side of running. Onwards! Follow your coach on Instagram! @scott_not_astronaut