Meet the Coaches
Paul Barron
BTF Level 2 Coach
I’ve been coaching at the Ashford Tri Club and independently for over 10 years and I mostly focus on technique in swimming and running (although I also lead bike rides and have delivered a few bike-skills sessions for novices). I am currently a Level 2 Coach and have a number of additional qualifications including:
– Open Water Swimming
– Strength and Conditioning
– Head Coach
I have served the Club as Head Coach for a few years up to 2023 and enjoyed that additional responsibility. I am experienced in planning/helping with training plans but my philosophy is to encourage members to own their own plans and not become a slave them.
Lorna Cheshire
Coach
No Bio yet
Ian Dunning
BTF Foundation Coach
Hi, my name is Ian Dunning but you can call me Dunners as everyone else does.
I have been a member for over 10 years and ATC have supported me from sprint distance triathlon up to the full distance.
In 2025 , I started my coaching qualifications as wanted to give something back to the club and help others on their triathlon journeys.
I am a firm believer in the phrase ‘love your hobby‘ and encourage all members to enjoy each & every session.
Each month, I help organise a bit of park run tourism, to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and/or milestones but really it is an excuse to provide cake at an ATC social. These events are often an excuse to dress up in a costume as they are often themed.
Outside of triathlon, I am an Ambassador for Dover Waterfront 5k your way, a support group for anyone living with and beyond cancer, their families & friends.
Finally, I have a passion for football and love a bit of friendly banter just as well as I am an enthusiastic Liverpool supporter.
I look forward to seeing you at a club session soon.
Aurore Festaud
England Athletics Run Leader
I’m an England Athletics Run Leader (LiRF), and I coach and coordinate running sessions for the club.
I joined Ashford Tri Club in 2022 after a few years of training for and racing triathlons on my own, looking for some like-minded people to train with.
I mainly race sprint distance triathlons, and save the longer events for trail running, which has become a bit of an obsession — especially if it involves the Alps. I usually end up planning at least one holiday each year around a race.
I enjoy leading relaxed and inclusive sessions, and nothing makes me happier than seeing new members come along, give it a try and grow in confidence.
Amanda Francis
BTF Level 2 Coach
Body Confident Sport Qualification
I enjoy helping athletes build confidence and enjoyment across all three disciplines of triathlon.
While running is my personal preference, I particularly enjoy coaching swimming — especially supporting our newest swimmers and those returning to the water after time away. I aim to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where athletes can improve their technique, confidence, and consistency at their own pace.
I’m passionate about helping beginners feel comfortable, supported, and part of the club community from their very first session.
Cris Francis
UKA Coach in Running Fitness
I am a passionate and athlete-focused running coach dedicated to helping runners of all abilities achieve their goals, whether that is completing a first 5K, improving race performance, building confidence, or developing long-term consistency in training.
I have held a UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness qualification since 2019, my focus is on endurance running.
I am a keen long distance triathlete, trail runner and cyclist.
As a coach, and having coached many individuals and groups, I aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where athletes feel motivated, challenged, and supported throughout their running journey.
Lee Gladwell
BTF Level 2 Coach
Specialist areas
– Head Swim Coach
– Swimrun racing
– Long Distance Triathlon
– Non-scientific approach to training!!
I did my first triathlon back in 2010 and came stone cold last! Three years later I was fortunate enough to represent GB at the European Long and Middle distance championships, which I put down in no small part to the support from the club. Since then I have taken part in many “stupid” races across Europe and have loved testing myself against the harshest environments and courses.
To help give back to the club, I took my Level 1 coaching course in 2013 and progressed to Level 2 in 2016. I subsequently took on the role of head swim coach, setting the sessions and organising the amazing coaches for our Thursday swimming. It gives a huge sense of satisfaction watching how members progress throughout the year and the confidence that our sessions give to participants. I will also help run some open water sessions during the summer months.
I’m more than happy to offer advice on all areas of swimming, Swimrun and triathlons, just drop me a line or see me on a Thursday at the pool.
Stefan Hayes
BTF Level 1 Coach (Swim)
My triathlon journey started back in 2012 with a pretty simple goal — complete the London Triathlon with a group of mates. That one race turned into something much bigger, and I’ve since taken on every distance the sport has to offer, racing and competing alongside some great friends who’ve made the whole journey what it is.
Living with haemophilia, I also wanted to show that it doesn’t have to be a show-stopper — and triathlon has been my way of proving exactly that. If you’re managing a bleeding disorder and wondering whether a sport like this is possible, I hope my journey shows you that it is.
These days my passion is the pool. I love swim coaching and get a real buzz from watching people’s technique click into place — there’s nothing quite like seeing someone who struggled with their stroke suddenly find their rhythm in the water. Whether you’re just finding your feet in the water or looking to take time off your swim split, that’s where I want to help.
Peter Heckel
Coach
No Bio yet
Mark “Higgs” Higginson
BTF Foundation Coach
BTF Swim, Bike, Run Leader
After realising that I was massively unfit back in 2015, I looked at joining a run club when I moved to the Ashford area. I found one with Beginners2Runners. I went from not running very far to 5k, then onto 10k and a half marathon…or two. While with B2R, I became a Team Leader (Their version of a coach) and helped others to run and reach their personal running goals.
In 2019 I entered and completed my first marathon – Brighton! What a ‘race’ that was… I ran that marathon with friends until about mile 16 where we began to part ways as we moved into our marathon grooves, or at least I’d say that. Mile 18 was a nightmare as my knee “popped” and I had to walk 3 miles. I then stupidly decided to run walk to the finish, but at least I completed it. In 2021 I then moved onto my first ultra-marathon (Run to the Sea – Brighton) that was fun to a point but doing it alone was tough. From there a friend of mine kept talking to me about Tri-Clubs, telling me I need to join one as I would not regret it or even look back; so after about a year of him mentioning Tri’s to me I gave in and began speaking with Ashford Tri Club, eventually joining them after all the Covid-19 lockdowns. I can say that my friend was right… I haven’t regretted joining. Dorney Lake Tri has become my favourite tri, finishing 2nd in my age category on my first attempt. I have also completed a few Duathlons and another Ultra marathon – Escape Meriden.
I have also completed British Triathlon’s Swim, Bike, Run Leadership course and regularly lead training sessions for the club.
Rob Kendall-Wallace
BTF Level 2 Coach
I joined Ashford Tri Club in 2019 after completing my first triathlon and have never looked back! Every time I am around this mad group of people, I’ll have a smile on my face (or a grimace if I’m racing).
I became a British Triathlon level 1 coach in 2023, before upgrading to Group Coach (level 2) in 2025.
You’ll mostly see me on Thursday nights coaching swimming, or doing something most would consider stupid in the gym. In 2025 I did my first middle distance triathlon and am currently getting stuck into my next big challenge…fatherhood.
If you want help balancing training around work, especially those on shift work, give me a shout!
Ruth Newman
Coach
I have an ASA (Swim England) Level Two Swimming Teacher qualification, which includes a coaching module. My background is as a teacher, rather than a coach and my role at ATC is to teach basic front crawl to members who are new to competitive swimming. In my lane, we focus on mastering the basics of front crawl, breathing, water skills, improving technique through drills, working on endurance, and preparing less experienced swimmers for their first tri swim. I learned to swim properly as an adult myself, so understand the needs of adult learners and the challenges of learning a new physical skill later in life.
Iain Mills
BTF Foundation Coach
Having previously been an occasional runner and cyclist, I completed my first sprint triathlon in 2019 and was hooked. Since then I have raced as often as I can, and competed at all distances up to middle although I prefer the intensity of the shorter distances, and I enjoy combining travelling with the sport, competing in Australia, Portugal and France.
In 2024 I moved to Ashford and added Hythe Bay Triathlon to my list of events, and having really enjoyed that experience, and benefitting from the club membership that came from entering, I joined more and more club events, getting a lot from them, especially the swim training, and in 2025 decided to complete the Foundation Coaching Course with BTF. Hopefully this is just the start of my coaching journey as it is something that I really enjoy. Having previously worked as a diving instructor, and less formally as a ski instructor, it is fantastic to see people develop their skills, and see how even small incremental improvements can build over time into very significant gains.
I sit very comfortably in the Veterans category, and am particularly interested in how Masters athletes need to adapt their training, racing and lifestyles to continue to get the best out of themselves, staying healthy and injury free.
Adey Porter
BTF Level 2 Coach
No Bio yet
Mandy Swinerd
Coach
No Bio yet
Robert Swinerd
BTF Level 1 Coach
I am a passionate and dedicated fitness professional with a strong background in coaching, swimming, and endurance sport. As a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer, Swim England Level 2 Swim Teacher, Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach, and Level 1 British Triathlon Coach, I am committed to helping individuals build confidence, improve performance, and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Since joining the club, I have completed and thoroughly enjoyed many triathlons across all distances, gaining valuable experience in training, racing, and supporting others within the sport. My personal involvement in triathlon allows me to bring real-world insight, motivation, and enthusiasm to my coaching approach.
I am passionate about helping people of all abilities achieve their goals, whether they are learning to swim, improving fitness, preparing for competition, or taking on new challenges for the first time.
Max Ransley
Coach
I’ve been Men’s Captain for the club since the start of 2022 having joined back in 2013. Over the years I’ve re-learnt to swim, run and ride properly and raced sprint, standard, half iron and iron distance events. As part of the ATC team that set up the original Ashford parkrun I have since developed an obsession for parkrun which I’ll always incorporate into my weekly training. I have a Level 1 coaching qualification and I’ve spent a few seasons pool and track side helping others improve their swim and run. A firm believer in the ethos of “leave no one behind “and “anyone can do triathlon” it is great to support club members old and new, share in their successes and challenges, whilst forming good friendships along the way. We have a team saying in the club “#allabouttheblue’ which is very apt sums what we are all about.
Mark Whittingham
Coach
No Bio yet