Stetson Childress, owner of Dark Horse Endurance

Stetson Childress — a small-town kid turned Division 1 runner with conference titles under my belt and a passion for helping others unlock their own greatness.

My running journey started just like yours might have: raw ambition, little direction, and a lot of Googling. In high school, I had talented teammates but lacked the structure that could’ve taken me further. It wasn’t until I made it to Bethel University and Northern Kentucky University that I learned how to truly train with purpose — not just to run fast, but to win smart.

At Bethel, I became an NAIA National Qualifier, cracked the Top 45 in the nation for the 3k, and broke school records. I lived the highs, the grind, and the gritty middle miles most people skip over. But what shaped me the most wasn’t the races I ran — it was the ones I helped others run.

A person stands on a dirt trail overlooking a turquoise lake surrounded by dense evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

A group of nine young athletes, six men and three women, standing on a podium outdoors after a race event, smiling, some with their arms around each other. They are dressed in athletic clothing, and the woman at the center holds a trophy. The background shows trees and an overcast sky.

A group of seven runners in matching Bethel team uniforms standing together after a race, in a grassy outdoor setting with tents and other people in the background.

After college, I was asked to coach three high school athletes. What happened next changed everything. One kid had never even qualified for state — four months later, he finished 4th in the state in the 3200m. Another? Runner-up at the state cross-country meet. I realized then: all some people need is belief, expectation, and someone willing to walk through the fire with them.

That’s why Dark Horse Endurance exists. Not everyone starts at the front. But I’ll show you how to finish like you belong there.

I combine science-backed training with personal support. You’re not just getting templates — you’re getting training cycles customized to your level, goals, and life. Whether you’re running your first 5K, gunning for a PR, or trying to get recruited, I’m here to help you thrive through:

We started by building a base, focusing on consistency and endurance. We made running a habit and learned how easy days help build strength.

We will start by increasing aerobic base and adding on mileage, focusing on tempo workouts and threshold to make sure we have a polished race pace, and adding volume. Finding the balance between recovery and quality sessions.

We will have a base of strength building and adding on heavy mileage, goal-specific workouts. Taper and sharpen for top-end performance, and make sure we focus on nutrition, recovery, and mental prep.