Neely Spence Gracey
Head Coach
@neelysgracey
Neely Spence Gracey is an elite runner, coach, author, speaker, and mother who has built her career around helping people dream bigger and find joy and confidence through running.
Neely discovered running in eighth grade and quickly found success, ultimately becoming a four-time Pennsylvania state champion before attending Shippensburg University. There, she became an eight-time NCAA Division II National Champion while earning a degree in Human Communication Studies with a minor in Coaching.
After graduating and signing her first professional running contract in 2012, Neely launched Get Running Coaching in 2013. What began as a passion project has grown into a coaching business that has supported more than 2,000 runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in smart training, consistency, flexibility, and helping athletes build a healthy and sustainable relationship with the sport.
Neely has enjoyed a decorated professional running career, including four Olympic Trials qualifications, an eighth-place finish and top-American performance at the 2016 Boston Marathon, running the Stroller Mile Guiness World Record, and becoming the 11th American woman to break 70 minutes in the half marathon. She has represented the United States internationally and competed at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Her passion for coaching and women's running culminated in the publication of Breakthrough Women's Running: Dream Big and Train Smart in 2023, a book designed to help women understand their bodies, train intelligently, and pursue ambitious goals without sacrificing their health or lives outside of running.
Today, Neely lives in Colorado with her husband of 14 years, Dillon, and their three sons, Athens, Rome, and Oslo. She continues to compete at an elite level while coaching, writing, speaking, and navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Her current running goals include completing all six World Marathon Majors under 2:40 and qualifying for her fifth Olympic Trials in 2028.
Neely's sponsors and brand partners include JAMBAR and GUAVA Family. She is passionate about partnering with brands that align with her life as an athlete, coach, and mom and that support women, families, health, and an active lifestyle.
Certifications:
Lydiard Level 1 & 2
UESCA Running Coach
Coaching Minor from Shippensburg University
Pregnancy and Postpartum Endurance Coach Specialist
