THIS IS FINLAY HAMPTON
Published: 08/04/2025, by: Alex Courbat | Photography: Joseph Ironmonger
For Fin, running started as a way to push his limits and discover what he was made of. Now, it’s a way for him to help others be the best runners they can be – so it only makes sense for him to be one of Sports Direct’s new Running Ambassadors. To kick off this new relationship, we caught up with Fin to talk about how he started running, his coaching journey and his new perspectives.
For someone who's completed 100 marathons and run more ultras than most could ever imagine, you'd expect a story of relentless drive and clear goals. But for Finlay Hampton, coach, writer, and runner, the journey’s been less about ticking off achievements and more about discovery. “I kind of got into running because I’ve always run,” he laughs. “I used to do cross-country and track from about 9 or 10, but really, I’m a failed footballer.” For Fin, football was everything growing up. “Football was the sport,” he reflects, thinking back to his teenage years when the beautiful game consumed him. But life had other plans. His dream of going pro never came true, but his love for sport stuck around. Enter running.
“It’s funny, because I didn’t choose running,” he admits. “I think running chose me. It was always in the background.” But it wasn’t until his university years, studying physiotherapy, that running became more than just a hobby. “Physiotherapy was great, but it didn’t feel like I was fully living. Running, on the other hand, felt good. I loved testing my limits.” And so, over the next few years, he ran. A lot. Marathons, ultras, personal challenges – you name it, he probably ran it. He constantly pushed himself to new extremes, diving deep into the world of endurance running. Until, one day, something changed.
“The biggest realisation came after I finished my 100th marathon in Wandsworth Park,” he recalls. “I thought it would be this huge moment, like unlocking a big achievement. But in the last two minutes, I realised I was done with that cycle. It was time to move on.” That moment was a turning point. Suddenly, it wasn’t about the numbers or hitting milestones anymore – it was about something deeper. His focus switched to what would become his true calling: coaching. “I didn’t want to be known for being some exceptional athlete. I wanted to be known for being a good coach,” he says. Now, that's exactly how he sees himself – not as a competitive runner, but as a coach helping others realise their potential. Running is still a part of his life, but it's something he fits in, rather than letting it dictate everything. “Instead of running three hours a day, I now do about 45 minutes, which gives me more space to coach.”
For Fin, running has always been about pushing limits and discovering what you’re made of. But he’s quick to point out that the biggest challenges aren’t always the physical ones. “The biggest challenge as a coach is getting people to believe in themselves. It’s amazing how often they hold themselves back. They don’t see how much further they can go.” That’s the lesson he shares with his clients, whether they’re training for a 5K or an ultra. It’s about finding belief in your potential and not limiting yourself based on what you think you can do.
So, what does it take to become a good runner, according to him? Simple: enjoyment and consistency. “Enjoyment is paramount. Without it, you’re never going to perform your best,” he insists. “Look at Federer or Serena – they make it look effortless because they’re in a state of flow and pure enjoyment. That’s when the magic happens.”
“The biggest challenge as a coach is getting people to believe in themselves”
But enjoyment alone isn’t enough. Consistency is the secret ingredient. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing it regularly, with joy,” he says. “You can do that with just a few good sessions a week. Quality over quantity. Always.”
For many of his clients, finding that balance is tough, though. “People get caught up in thinking they need to run five or six times a week, but it’s just not realistic, especially with full-time jobs,” he explains. “It’s about setting realistic goals and sticking with them. Three solid runs a week will do more than five rushed ones.”
When asked about his proudest achievements, he doesn’t point to his 100 marathons or any specific race times. “I don’t feel particularly proud of finishing 100 marathons” he says. Why? Because Fin realised one thing – that no one moment is bigger than another. “It’s all part of the journey” he says, smiling. “That means the proudest achievement is still to come. I don’t want to rest on what I’ve done. It’s the next challenge that excites me.” And it’s that mentality – to always be excited about the next step – that makes Fin such a unique coach.
One thing’s for sure – running chose him, and now he’s using it to help others unlock their potential, one step at a time.
