COACHES

COACH CLARA

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Coach Clara Peterson has been running competitively for almost her entire life.  As young as the fourth grade Clara knew that she would be a runner.  Clara achieved early success as a 4 time California State Champion in in High School which then gave her the opportunity to compete at Duke University.  At Duke Clara became a 5 time All-American and by her senior year was one of the fastest college distance runners in the country.  
Following her college career, Clara married her college sweetheart (an 800 meter runner from UNC) and began her career as a professional runner and coach.  As a professional runner Clara moved up her distance to the marathon. She became one of the top marathoners in the country after placing 16th at the Olympic Trials, running a 2:35.  Clara has raced in a variety of distances both on the road and trails.  She has managed to continue to run and race throughout 4 pregnancies and still continues to race and win local races around the Bay Area.  
Throughout the years Clara has coached all levels of runners and all ages.  She has enjoyed coaching elementary, middle and high school kids and has successfully helped many of her adult athletes meet their goals in a range of distances.  Clara’s goal for her runners to make running fit into their lives, push past limits they never thought possible and to have running enhance their lifestyles and general health.  Currently living with her husband, four children and 2 dogs in Marin County, Clara always saves time to give the gift of running and improvement to anyone who is ready to run and work hard! .