Elite Experience. Genuine Connection. Meet Coach Emily Durgin.

Meet Coach Emily

Emily’s journey in the sport began on the coast of Maine with a 1500-meter race at her local summer track program, where she fell in love with the pure joy of competition. From that moment, she built her career on discipline, resilience, and an unwavering passion for running, ultimately establishing herself as one of the top road racers in the U.S. With a national title and multiple top-10 finishes at the Olympic Trials on her resumé, Emily is proof of what’s possible through patience, consistency, and steadfast belief.

We’re thrilled to welcome Emily to the Hammer & Axe coaching team, where she’ll bring the same passion, focus, and belief that have defined her own success to the athletes she works with.

Read on as Emily shares more of her story—how she got started in the sport, favorite moments from her professional career, future goals in the marathon, and what excites her most about coaching other runners.

→ Work with Coach Emily

Hi Emily! Welcome to The Hammer, and welcome to HAX! Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in Standish, Maine and am a true East Coast gal! I have been running professionally since 2018 and have run for New Balance Boston, Under Armour Dark Sky, and Adidas. I am Boulder, CO newest resident and excited to be training fully in CO with my main focus on the roads and marathon.

Where did your running journey begin? Was it love at first sight, or did it take a while for you to find your passion?

I started running in grade school for my local usatf summer track program! Like any young track athlete I started with the field events and short sprints. One meet they had no one signed up for the 1500 and my coach told me that was her event and I should try it…I did and won the race ! This was the start of my love for “distance” running 

From your time at the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies!), what were the biggest areas of growth that allowed you to pursue a professional career? What were the biggest challenges of college running?

Going to UConn was the best decision I ever made. I made lifelong friends with my teammates and fell back in love with the sport. Being a top high school runner in Maine and then transitioning to college was not easy. I’m very fortunate that I had support during this time of my life. It allowed me to slowly improve and by the time I was graduating I was just finding my confidence. My coach encouraged me to continue racing at the pro level and due to training at a pretty conservative degree in college, I had a lot more room to improve ! 

The biggest challenge was finding the balance between your training and social life! College years are some of the best of your life. Go to the football games and basketball games, hangout with your friends after practice, and have fun! A happy runner is a fast runner :)

If you had to pick one favorite memory from your pro career so far, what would it be?

Winning my first US Championship title at the cherry blossom 10 miler.  I had finished in the top 3 at multiple road races over the years so to finally break that tape was special! Winning races is no easy feat at the pro level so that first win will forever be a special moment in my career.

What are your goals moving forward, can be results- or process-specific!

My goal is to continue to be a student of the marathon and get more specific training under my belt between now and the 2028 olympic trials. I have now run 2 marathons in my career and believe I have so much more room to grow in the event!  I cannot wait to race a major in 2026.

Why do you want to become a coach?

To help people test their bodies like they never have before! I have so much love for this sport and want to share how much it can provide to your life. I will help you chase big goals and set PRs in any distance. Or just get you back into a healthy running routine.  

Get Coached By Emily Durgin

Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for a path back into running after time away, Emily is the perfect coach to be alongside you for the journey.

Spots are limited - Apply today!