Dylan Belles

Dylan Belles started running as a high-school sophomore after playing baseball and wrestling. In his own account, cross country initially offered a way to prepare for wrestling, but soon became the sport he wanted to pursue. He walked on at UNC Greensboro, where training around Paul Chelimo helped shape both his competitive ambitions and his interest in coaching. [1]

After college, Belles moved to Flagstaff and spent eight years there, qualifying for two Olympic Marathon Trials while learning from other runners and coaches. His work expanded from youth and community sessions to his own coaching business. He describes coaching as the longer-term calling within his running career, working with athletes across ages and ability levels. That combination of racing and teaching helps explain why his marathon story includes community programs and individual athlete development as well as his own results. [1]