Ian Jakeway has been running since he was eleven years old when he was invited by his gym teacher to join a running club. In 1975 he qualified as a coach and was involved with a couple of other clubs until 1990.
After some time off due to work he became a junior coach at Bolton Harriers in 2008.
He works with the 10-15 year old youngsters on Tuesday and Thursdays between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and his sessions cover general athletics, shot put, javelin, balance and coordination. The majority of his athletes compete in Track & Field events, Cross Country races, Young Athletes League and the Indoor Sports Hall League. When the club is running normally he also runs a Saturday morning javelin throwing session.
Ian has had 10 years on the committee at Bolton Harriers and has been club President.
Coaching achievements
Ian has many coaching achievements for the simple reason he includes every single junior that has come through his group and become an athlete for life. They are his main achievements, there are many of them and it is something he is very proud of.
Individually Katie Oakley was a county javelin thrower and a county 1500m runner. She represented Greater Manchester at the Fell Running Championships and the British Athletics Championships.
What the athletes and parents say about him
Ian is an amazing coach and I feel I have achieved my very best because of him in my time at the club. He has also given me the confidence to take part in competitions and I feel I have his full support in everything I do at the club. He doesn’t leave anything to chance and is very meticulous in his training.
Ian puts a lot of time into coaching the juniors. He is big on drills and mechanics to get them running correctly at a young age. He obviously puts a lot of preparatory work into it and is so passionate about athletics.
I first noticed him buzzing around the track giving the youngsters a run for their money. I instantly knew my daughter would enjoy being in his group.
Ian is often seen along the route at race events shouting encouragement to his group members and indeed anyone in a Bolton Harriers vest. He is just such a supportive coach with his group and the club at heart.
How Ian describes his role as coach
I just enjoy coaching the young athletes. I am not overly concerned with competition and just want to help kids onto the ladder of a lifetime of athletics. I have been running for 65 years and I haven’t stopped yet. I want the same for my group.
Ian’s philosophy is ‘athletics for life’. It has to be fun and if it isn’t then kids won’t do it, he plans his sessions six weeks in advance and always has a plan B so is never caught out by weather conditions etc.