Athletics Australia is proud to announce Ben Green as the Coach of the Month for November.

With over 15 years of experience in coaching and coach development, Ben has made an indelible impact on the athletics community in Western Australia as a coach and as a mentor for other coaches. His passion for running and commitment to developing the sport has been evident in his work, which spans across a variety of roles—from supporting recreational runners to their first 3km, guiding middle and long distance athletes to international success, and facilitating coach education across the globe.

A Personal Journey That Shapes His Coaching Philosophy

Ben’s path into athletics coaching began with his own experiences as a runner, where the values of camaraderie, a passion for self-improvement, and the resilience to overcome injuries were central to his journey. These early experiences laid the foundation for the way he approaches coaching today—one that is grounded in empathy, long-term growth, and the understanding that every athlete’s journey is unique. The influence of his former coach, Gareth Elliott, continues to resonate with Ben, shaping his coaching style and philosophy. Gareth’s focus on continual learning and adapting to the needs of athletes is something Ben strives to incorporate into his own practice, ensuring he meets each athlete where they are in their development.

“I loved the idea of being able to help people reach their goals and play a role in seeing them develop towards their running potential”

Ben’s passion for the science behind performance has been another key motivator throughout his career. Holding a Bachelor of Sports Science with First Class Honours, Ben combines his academic knowledge with years of practical experience to stay at the forefront of the latest research, techniques, and best practices. This pursuit of knowledge not only benefits his athletes by enhancing their training and performance but also informs his approach to coach education. By continually expanding his own understanding of exercise science, Ben is able to mentor and guide other coaches, sharing his insights and encouraging them to stay curious and adaptable in their own practices.

This personal journey laid the foundation for Ben’s core coaching philosophy, which is deeply rooted in empathy, long-term growth, and the belief in every athlete’s unique potential. One of the guiding principles of his approach is the concept of Driven Benevolence.

Driven Benevolence

Ben first encountered the idea of ‘Driven Benevolence’ a few years ago, and it has since become a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes a deep commitment to achieving goals and fostering success, but in a way that is caring, empathetic, and ultimately focused on the well-being of the athletes. The lecture below .

At the core of Driven Benevolence is a strong sense of drive or purpose. Ben’s coaching is not about simply going through the motions or focusing solely on outcomes like winning races or setting records. Instead, it’s about having a clear, intrinsic motivation to help athletes achieve their potential. This drive is more than ambition; it’s about constantly striving to push forward, learn, and improve—not only as a coach but also in fostering personal growth for the athletes.

The "benevolence" part of Driven Benevolence reflects the empathy, care, and kindness that Ben believes should underpin a coach’s approach. Being benevolent means that a coach doesn’t just impart knowledge or demand results, but takes the time to truly understand the needs, struggles, and aspirations of their athletes. It’s about creating a supportive environment where athletes feel valued, not just for their performances, but for who they are as people.

“The concept of Driven Benevolence is something I came across a few years ago and really resonated with me. It’s something I strive to achieve with my coaching and would encourage other coaches to explore the concept.”

In Ben’s coaching practice, this means offering not only technical guidance and a strong drive for positive results, but emotional support and mentorship, especially during difficult moments in an athlete’s journey. When an athlete faces setbacks or injuries, Ben ensures the athletes know they have someone to rely on, someone who genuinely cares about their progress beyond just hitting a performance target.

What brings Ben the most joy as a coach is the continuous positive reinforcement from motivated and hardworking athletes. The satisfaction of seeing athletes push through challenges, experience breakthroughs, and achieve personal goals is what fuels his passion for coaching.

"The most enjoyment and satisfaction I feel comes from delayed gratification," Ben explains. "It's about working with athletes over time, helping them build towards significant goals that have personal meaning."

A Track Record of Success and Athlete Development

Ben has had a remarkable track record of personal successes as a coach, with a focus on developing athletes of all ages and abilities. He currently specialises in coaching middle- and long-distance runners aged 16 and above, delivering personalised training both in person at squad sessions across locations such as Kings Park, Lake Monger, and the WA Athletics Stadium, as well as through online coaching for runners interstate and overseas.

“More broadly, as a coach I define success as the athlete’s goal attainment—their success, as defined by what they value, is what I aim for.”

Ben’s coaching longevity and consistency are reflected in his extensive experience with athletes. He has coached some runners for over 10 years and many others for more than 5 years, developing strong, enduring relationships with his athletes. His dedication to their growth has seen numerous successes, including:

Assisting young athletes in securing scholarships to prestigious universities like Harvard and Penn State.
Coaching athletes to national representation, including senior athletes like Alain Dutton (Australia 800m & 1500m) and Karen Blaney (Ireland, Half Marathon), alongside junior athletes such as Jordan Makins, Jonas Aranda, and Jason Ramsden.
Mentoring athletes to become National Champions, with highlights such as the National 10km Championship title for a standout runner.
Guiding multiple athletes to National Track Finals, including two athletes in the Australian 1500m Final.
Achieving success at the state level, with athletes becoming multiple WA State Champions, including Angie Ross (3x consecutive Female 1500m Champion) and Alain Dutton, Luke Burrows, and Thomas Moorcroft, who each secured multiple Male 800m titles.
Witnessing runners thrive in iconic WA road and ultra-endurance events such as the C2S, MRU, and Transcend, where many completed, medalled, and won.

Ben identifies several key traits that contribute to the success of endurance runners. These include trust in their coach and the training program, self-belief, patience, effective communication, the ability to reflect and learn, and a strong determination to improve. These characteristics, he explains, allow athletes to work sustainably with their coach, enabling them to develop the essential physiological and biomechanical adaptations needed for optimal performance. Over time, this approach leads to improved aerobic capacity, speed, strength, stride symmetry, and adaptability, all of which are critical for long-term success in endurance running.

What Athletes Say About Ben

💬 “I [have] seen significant improvements in my race times…and gained more confidence in my ability…Thank you!!!”
💬 “’I’m so grateful for the guidance and mentorship Ben has provided, and I highly recommend him to any runner looking to take their training to the next level.”
💬 “He’s transformed my approach to running.”

Giving Back to the Coaching Community

Ben’s impact as a coach extends far beyond his individual athletes; he has become a key figure in the development of coaches across the globe. Through his work as a coach educator, Ben has facilitated programs for Athletics Australia, Athletics West, and even World Athletics, where he has shared his wealth of knowledge and experience to elevate the skills of coaches at all levels. His approach goes beyond simply passing on technical expertise—he is deeply committed to supporting coaches in their professional growth, helping them refine their craft and build confidence in their own coaching journeys.

“I’ve really valued and enjoyed the opportunity to facilitate coach education locally for Athletics West, nationally for Athletics Australia, and internationally for World Athletics,” Ben reflects. This commitment to education is evident in the way he connects with coaches, offering valuable insights, mentorship, and guidance. His ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging has made him a trusted mentor to countless emerging coaches, empowering them to build strong, sustainable coaching practices. Ben’s efforts in coach development not only strengthen the athletics community but also ensure that the next generation of coaches is well-equipped to inspire and lead their own athletes to success.

What Other Coaches Say About Ben

💬 “I learned so much about exercise science, but what really stood out to me was how he made every participant feel seen and heard. His ability to build genuine relationships made the whole experience feel personal, not just educational.”
💬 “Ben's communication style is what really sets him apart…It’s clear he cares about developing us as coaches, not just teaching us the facts.”
💬 “His ability to break down complex exercise science concepts was impressive…I left feeling motivated and supported.”

A Strong Support Network

Ben’s success as a coach is not only attributed to his individual efforts but also to the strong network of mentors, colleagues, and supporters he has cultivated over the years. Through Front Runner Sports, where he works with a team of eight coaches, Ben has created an environment of collaboration that helps him and his team continually evolve. “It’s a terrific way to stay engaged, learn from others, and have a team with different skill sets to ensure we can always be improving ourselves and our runners,” Ben explains. This team-oriented approach is vital to Ben’s coaching philosophy, where continuous growth is prioritised.

One of Ben’s most valued mentors is Raf Baugh, with whom he has worked closely for over 13 years. "Raf has been an outstanding boss, mentor, and friend," says Ben. Their ongoing partnership focuses particularly on developing their Front Runner Elite athletes, ensuring they receive the best support possible.

Ben also credits Dick Telford, a respected figure in the athletics community, for his ongoing wisdom and guidance. “I always value any opportunity to talk with or learn from Dick Telford, who has been generous with his wisdom over the years,” Ben shares, demonstrating his appreciation for the knowledge that has shaped his coaching approach.

“I’ve worked closely with Raf Baugh over the past 13 years. He’s been an outstanding boss, mentor, and friend”

In the realm of coach education, Ben has been fortunate to have the support of colleagues like Lindsay Watson, Nik Hagicostas, and Volker Hermann, who have played a crucial role in his growth as a coach educator. Their contributions have greatly influenced his ability to mentor others in the coaching profession.

On the home front, Ben is supported by his wife Keely, an accomplished athlete and experienced coach in her own right. Having Keely in the household provides both a professional and personal source of support and insight, further enhancing Ben’s coaching practice.

Within the Front Runner Elite Squad, Ben is also backed by exceptional leaders like Angie Ross, Kai Metzner, and Thomas Moorcroft, who demonstrate the squad’s values each week as Track Captains. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping the culture of the squad.

Finally, Ben credits Alex Dreyer, a former Front Runner junior coach and Team GMAN squad captain, as an essential part of his coaching journey. “Alex has always been in my corner supporting my coaching journey,” Ben says, acknowledging the impact of long-standing relationships that help shape his ongoing success.

Coaching Legacy

Ben Green’s contributions to athletics as a coach and coach educator have made a profound difference to the lives of many athletes and coaches alike. His commitment to excellence, his ability to adapt to each athlete's needs, and his genuine passion for helping others reach their goals make him a deserving recipient of the November Coach of the Month award. Through his work, Ben has not only excelled as a coach but has empowered others to excel, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of athletics.

“Moving forward, I want to help more coaches coach to the best of their ability, just as I’ve been afforded the opportunity to do,” Ben shares.

To learn more about Ben’s coaching services, or to get in touch, you can reach him at frontrunnersports.com.au.

November Coach of the Month: Ben Green