Loughborough alumnus named as Sir Mo Farah’s new coach

Loughborough University alumnus Gary Lough has been unveiled as Sir Mo Farah’s new coach, with the four time Olympic champion returning home to the UK after six years in America.

Having retired from the track after winning gold and silver at the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, Farah will switch his attention to the roads and an assault on the marathon. It is with this in mind that he has ended his six year relationship with Alberto Salazar in favour a new partnership with Lough.

Gary Lough knows a thing or two about coaching marathon runners, having guided his wife, Paula Radcliffe, to an outstanding 2.15.25 world record that still stands 14 years on.

It was at Loughborough University where the duo met, both world class runners in the making. However Lough put his career on hold despite having finished ninth at the World Championships over 1500m in 1995 in favour of coaching Radcliffe. It was a move that paid off, with Radcliffe going on to become one of the most decorated distance runners of all time.

A PE and Sports Science graduate, Lough has a wealth of marathon knowledge, and has spent the last few years since Radcliffe’s retirement acting as a coach on Great Britain age group teams. He will now focus full-time on ensuring Farah’s marathon career is a success, with the first goal being to improve on his 2.08.21 debut at the London Marathon in 2014, the second fastest time ever by a British athlete.

Of his decision Farah said:

“I’ve got big news today – I’m moving back home, to London - I really miss home. I’ll no longer be coached by Alberto Salazar, working with Oregon Project. I want to thank each member of Oregon Project and Alberto for what he has done over the years.

“My new coach is going to be Gary Lough, who coached Paula Radcliffe through her marathons. I’m very excited to start a new project, a new start. I can’t wait to be back home.”

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: PR 17/154

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