Running with Intention: Meet Jacob Hunter

Meet Coach Jacob

For Jacob, success at the highest level has always started with joy, team camaraderie, and an intentional focus on what’s possible. From his early achievements at Loudoun Valley High School to competing at the top tier of the NCAA for the University of Virginia, Jacob has remained grounded in his genuine love for running and the challenge of competition.

We’re excited to welcome him to the Hammer & Axe coaching team, where he’ll guide athletes in chasing their own breakthrough goals. Read on to hear Jacob’s story in his own words — his favorite memories, what set the most successful teams apart, advice for others managing T1 diabetes or other challenges, and the lessons he hopes to pass on as a coach.

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

A lot of my life has revolved around being active, and I think this had a lot to do with me being one of nine siblings. Our house was always chaotic and filled with energy, and I loved it. Outside of my family environment, I loved playing basketball, baseball, and other random games with my friends. Being an active kid was a necessity for me, and I think running really just fit who I was. It matched my energy, my competitiveness, and my need to always be moving. After I saw the success and fun my brother had with the sport, I realized it was something I could have success in. Come freshman year of high school, I started taking it more seriously. It became the perfect outlet for all that drive I’d always had growing up. I went on to have an absolute blast with the sport—winning two Nike Cross National Championships with my team, breaking high school relay records at New Balance Nationals, and winning individual state championships in multiple events. The mix of success and fun I had being with such a close and passionate group of guys was what led me to continue my running career at the University of Virginia.

Being a Type 1 diabetic has been another part of who I am and what I’ve learned throughout my life. It shapes how I train, race, and tackle challenges in life. Managing blood sugar, nutrition, and high-intensity workouts has forced me to be able to handle having a lot on my plate. Moreover, it has made me really good at adjusting on the fly when nothing goes as planned (which is basically every day). Some workouts feel twice as hard because of it, and some days my blood sugar likes to keep me guessing—but it’s also taught me just how far I can push myself when the circumstances aren’t perfect. 

How did you get into running? When did you know that it was something you wanted to pursue in college and beyond?

I got into running originally because I saw not only how successful my parents and brother were in the sport, but how much they enjoyed it as well. I knew if I really dedicated myself to it I could get very good, and that’s exactly what happened. I knew it was something I wanted to pursue in college and beyond after winning my first Nike Cross Nationals team title with my team in 2017. I think that season really showed me how much I loved running and being part of such a tight-knit group of guys all working towards similar goals. The bond between you and your teammates in running is really special, and I knew I wanted to continue forming these bonds in college and beyond. Moreover, the feeling you get after running fast in a long, hard race is an unbeatable experience. 

What do you think set Loudoun Valley apart in allowing you and your teammates toward such success both at the state and national level?

I think the 2 things that set us apart were coaching and how close and relaxed our team was. My parents cared so much about every kids’ success and knew we were capable of doing special things in high school and beyond. My mom was very intentional about checking in on our health and wellbeing while my dad was there to give us tough love and keep us humble. In regard to our team, we were always hanging out with each other outside of practice which helped us become like a family — something that is essential for having a high performing team. We knew when to be serious, but also didn’t take things too seriously at the big races. We had fun, trusted ourselves, and believed in each other. We probably spent just as much time running as we did laughing, and I think that played a lot into our success as a team.

What is your favorite memory from running at the University of Virginia?

My favorite memory from running at UVA was when we won the team title at the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2024. This was such a special moment because it was my last track season, and winning an ACC Title was always of the utmost importance at UVA. To see the program get better and better each year and finally get that title was so special for not only me but everyone who had been a part of this program for 4 or more years.

As a runner with T1 diabetes, what’s something that most people may not know about how it affects you in training and competition? What advice would you give to other runners with T1D?

Being a runner with Type 1 diabetes comes with a lot of hidden challenges most people don’t see. On an average day, I would say I would normally always feel worse than my non-diabetic teammates, and I’m always having to keep an eye on my blood sugar before, during, and after runs. During runs, I have to worry about going low, and even when I think I’ve got things under control, there’s always some uncertainty in how my body will respond. I also have to be much more careful with my diet than most runners — keeping track of my carb count, using the correct amount of insulin, and making sure my meals and insulin doses line up well with practice. Even with all that planning, races bring a whole new challenge—adrenaline almost always sends my blood sugar spiking, which can make pacing and performance unpredictable.

The biggest piece of advice I would give to others running with T1D is to try not to focus on how diabetes holds you back. Look, I know that diabetes is such an infuriating disease sometimes. However, you truly can do anything that other non-diabetics can do, so why not focus on that. I am not downplaying the difficulties of diabetes at all, but simply letting you know that life as a diabetic becomes so much more enjoyable and fulfilling if you focus on everything you CAN do with the disease. The best thing you can do is learn from your mistakes in handling your diabetes rather than letting the bad moments of the disease take over your thoughts and confidence.

Now that you are done college running, what are your goals in the sport moving forward?

I am currently just having fun with running right now and writing my own training. However, I am starting to really ramp up my mileage and plan to possibly enter into some races down the road. I may be starting with a little Turkey Trot so stay tuned!

What are you most excited for in becoming a coach?

I’m excited to step into coaching because it gives me the chance to create the same caring and intentional environment that helped me succeed. My coaches pushed me to chase goals that really mattered, taught me how to outwork others, and showed me what team camaraderie and friendship are all about. I’d love to give that same kind of support to athletes and help them grow not just in their sport but in life too.

Get Coached By Jacob Hunter

Jacob is excited to work with any athlete passionate about becoming a better runner, no matter their current level. With patience, structure, and experience, he’s ready to help you train smart and reach your goals.