ABOUT US
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About DW Performance
I'm Dean Williamson, founder and head coach of DW Performance and a dedicated running coach with a passion for helping runners push beyond their limits. I’m a serving soldier in the British Army with nearly a decade of experience as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) and a proven track record of helping athletes at all levels achieve their goals.
Since 2019, I’ve been coaching runners of all abilities, holding England Athletics coaching qualifications and combining proven training methods with real-world experience from both the military and competitive sport.
Currently part of the Army Elite Sports Programme, I compete at the high level across multiple distances and was honoured to be selected to represent England over the Half Marathon distance.
Dean Williamson – Founder of DW Performance
Running Coach | PT | Massage Therapist
My Personal Bests
5K
14:26
Half Marathon
65:25
10K
29:59
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Marathon
2:17:45
Having served with Airborne forces for over 10 years and passing All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (P Company), in 2016, I bring extensive experience preparing soldiers for the demanding AAPPS, combining physical conditioning, mental resilience, and structured training to meet the highest standards
Alongside run coaching, I’m a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist, allowing me to provide a fully rounded approach to performance from tailored training plans and advice on strength programmes to recovery and injury prevention.
Whether you’re chasing a new PB, building fitness from scratch, or training for a demanding military course, I bring discipline, motivation, and the expertise to help you reach your potential.
Justin Mills – Head of
Strength & Conditioning
With nearly 20 years of experience coaching athletes at every level from world and Olympic champions to elite teams such as West Ham United, Essex Cricket, and Essex Rebels Basketball, Justin brings a wealth of high-performance knowledge to the running community.
Holding a master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning and a UKSCA accreditation for 14 years, Justin specialises in optimising movement, improving performance, and reducing injury risk through smart, progressive training.
Since teaming up with Dean several years ago, Justin has been passionate about making the benefits of strength & conditioning accessible to runners of all abilities. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, building resilience for longer distances, or looking to stay injury-free, his tailored approach helps you run stronger, faster, and with greater confidence.
Max Walker – Running Coach
Specialising in trail running.
I’m a coach at DW Performance, an England Mountain Runner, and a qualified Sports Massage Therapist. I’ve competed at a high level in endurance sport, including elite-level mountain running and triathlon, and I’ve completed multiple arduous courses during my service in the British Army.
My coaching philosophy is built around understanding the individual athlete. I’m driven by how different athletes respond to training physically and psychologically and how we can unlock their potential. I have a particular interest in the mental side of performance and helping athletes of any level find that extra gear when it matters most.
Personal Bests
• 5K – 14:22
• 10K – 29:38
• Half Marathon – 66:18
• Marathon – 2:21:57
I currently specialise in mountain and trail running, helping athletes improve performance across varied terrain while building durability, confidence, and race-day resilience.
If you want to improve your running, push your limits, and train with purpose, get in touch.
