Paul McRae, a native of New Zealand and graduate of Western State College and University of North Florida has competed for 15 years as a professional runner both internationally and nationally.

Anyone who runs in Jacksonville has probably seen him on the road, at one of the many local races, or training with groups. Paul’s biggest asset is his passion for running and his desire to listen and help people get and reach their potential. Paul is currently employed as a therapist with Jacksonville’s Child Guidance Center. He loves this job and finds it interesting that this is also a place where he encourages his clients to take ownership and strive to be successful.

Paul’s running achievements include competing in the 1993 and 2004 World Mountain Running Championships, as well as the 2002 World University Games in the 5000m on the track. While at Western State College of Colorado (WSC) 2000-2004 Paul was part of the school’s national team to win the NCAA Division II cross country championships four consecutive times, something which had never been achieved in any division at the NCAA Championships, finishing as high as 7th. Also, while at Western State college, Paul finished 3rd in the NCAA Division II Indoor 5000m when his WSC teammates finished first through sixth.

His coaching career began in 2004 when he graduated from WSC and became an assistant coach. He then, after moving to Jacksonville to get his Master’s in counseling, coached for two and a half years as Graduate Assistant with the University of North Florida cross country and track teams. Paul then began Personal Running Solutions in 2007 as he saw a need in Jacksonville to not only help local runners but promote the sport he loves and is passionate about.

Paul’s local achievements include winning the 2005 Jacksonville Track Club Male Athlete of the year. Paul has also won or placed high in many of the local road races in Jacksonville. He has also been as high as second in the Jacksonville Bank Marathon when he set his personal best of 2:27:50. He continues to race often and can be seen fighting for the win with other local elite athletes.

Life time Personal Bests:
Mile – 4:05
5K – 13:57
10K – 28:53
1/2 Marathon – 64:35
Marathon – 2:27:50