Alem Kahsay is a former world-class runner and top level competitor in worldwide running events from 1990 to 2000. He was a member of the Ethiopian national team from 1988 to 1993. Alem coaches all levels of running through professional. Since 1998, he hasbeen the head coach and assistant coach at a private high school. He is currently coaching boys and girls indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country at Packer Institute High School.

Q&A with Alem

What program do you coach?
Group Training

What languages do you speak?
English, Tigrigna, and Amharic.

How would you describe your coaching style?
My coaching style puts a focus on perfecting form and technique while also emphasizing the need to stretch and warm up before and after runs. It’s important my clients have great form because it makes them better runners while preventing and reducing injuries while running.

What is your proudest coaching moment?
My first five years as a coach at Hackley High School, our team won the state cross country championship. I was very proud of myself for contributing to this win as it was my first experience as a coach and also the school’s first win as a running team.

What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
Speed and tempo workouts are my favorite—speed because it allows me to look carefully at my clients’ form and technique, tempo because I can see how steady they run. This is important because I’m able to gauge what pace they can run and if a negative split is possible.

How many years have you been coaching?
More than 20 years

Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below.
• USATF Certified Athletics Official
• USATF Coach
• NYRR Fred Lebow Runner of the Year Award: 1996, 1997
• NYRR Team for Kids Appreciation Award
• 2004 Hackley High School Varsity Girls Cross Country Coach Ivy League Champion Coach Award

What is your favorite place to run in New York City?
My favorite place to run is the Central Park bridle path.

What is your favorite NYRR race?
My favorite race is the NYRR Staten Island Half and also the NYRR Club Championships (both races in which I was the past champion).

What is your personal running motto?
My favorite running mottos are “Run hard, race easy” and “Always like to win.”