Meet the Coaches
Karyn Hoffman
2022 will be Coach Karyn’s seventh Gold Country Marathon Training Program! As a coach, her euphoric moments are getting people across the finish line, helping them to accomplish their goals. Karyn’s numerous accomplishments include the following:
- RRCA Certified Coach Level I and Level II
- 50+ marathons, including 22 consecutive at CIM
- 2022 PB at LA Marathon 3:19
- Marathon pace leader at CIM the past 14 years (3:50-3:55 groups)
- Urban Cow pace leader, Big Sur pace leader
- Three Boston Marathons
- Seven 100 Mile Endurance Runs including 5 Western States finishes
- 2019 Kona IronMan Finisher with over 25+ IM finishes
Robert Cathey
THEO WIRTH
After hanging up his soccer boots in his late 20s, Theo dove headfirst into running around the early 2000s. The journey led him to run his first marathon, the California International Marathon. Since then, Theo has racked up over 100 races, spanning from 5Ks to marathons and ultra-marathons.
But his true passion lies in sharing this wealth of knowledge to help fellow runners achieve their goals. Whether coaching middle and high school athletes on cross country and track teams, guiding beginners gearing up for their first 5K/10K or half marathon, or working with ultra runners across different age groups—Theo has been there for them all. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the journey, and Theo is here to make sure others enjoy every step of it.
DAN LOPEZ
Although always an active person, Dan acquired a passion for running later in life. When his son was diagnosed with Leukemia at five years old, Dan and his wife, Audrey, joined Team in Training, an organization dedicated to training first time marathoners who raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. After completing the marathon, Dan was hooked! He stayed on with Team in Training for two more seasons serving as a mentor to new marathon trainees. He hasn’t stopped running since, having completed dozens of marathons, half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks, and his enthusiasm for helping new runners continues.