THIS IS BARRY MULLIN

Published: 08/04/2025, by: Alex Courbat | Photography: Joseph Ironmonger

Barry’s journey into running wasn’t exactly a smooth ride – but that’s exactly what makes him such a unique running coach today. As one of Sports Direct’s new Running Ambassadors, we sat down with him to talk about how he started running, bouncing back from a life-changing heart condition and becoming a coach.

Barry Mullin’s first steps in running weren’t exactly planned. It all began with a challenge. He was 19 when he just signed up for his first marathon, not knowing what he was getting into. “I did it for the crack,” he laughs. Then, like many first-time marathoners, he wanted to improve, so the next year, he did it again. “I still didn’t really know what I was doing, but that’s when I started to fall in love with running,” he says. But just as things were starting to get good, life threw him a curveball – one that would change everything.

In his early twenties, Barry was diagnosed with a heart condition and needed a pacemaker. Out of nowhere, he had to take an entire year off from any exercise. “It was a huge shock,” he recalls. “One minute, I was running and playing sports, and the next, I couldn’t do anything.” It was a tough time, but it ended up setting the stage for the kind of runner Barry would become.

When he finally got the green light to exercise again, he didn’t waste any time. He went right back to the sport that felt the safest – running. “No contact, minimal barrier – it was the easiest way to ease back into fitness,” he explains. So, after months of recovery, he laced up his trainers. Getting back into it wasn’t about picking up where he left off, though – it was about starting fresh and getting his confidence back.

A big part of Barry’s coaching philosophy is about balance. “Life gets in the way – work, family, you name it,” he says. “I always tell my clients it’s okay to miss a run. Don’t stress about the plan. If something comes up, just pick up where you left off.” Flexibility is key. “Every runner has their own story, their own needs,” he explains. “What works for one person might not work for another. As a coach, my job is to adapt and find what works best for each person.” This personalised, down-to-earth approach is what makes his coaching so effective.

But the end of the day, there’s only one thing that really matters to Barry: “I always ask, ‘Did you give your best effort today?’ That’s the most important thing,” he says. And when it comes to marathons, his advice is simple: enjoy the ride. “A marathon is about more than just crossing the finish line. It’s about soaking in the whole experience, especially if it’s your first one.” And you can take his word for it. His favourite race, The Belfast Marathon in 2022, wasn’t his fastest, but it was by far his most rewarding. “It was the first one after I had my pacemaker and it wasn’t my best time, but it was the best race I’ve ever run,” he smiles. “I felt prepared, I enjoyed every step, and I finished strong.”

Looking ahead, Barry’s still aiming high. His ultimate goal? A sub-three-hour marathon. “I’ve come close – 3:03 and 3:02,” he says. “I know I can do it. It’s just a matter of time.” Through it all, one thing remains for sure – Barry stays grounded in the mindset that’s guided his every step: running is about enjoying the process, being patient with yourself, and always aiming to be better than you were yesterday. Keep an eye on what he has to say, and you’ll see exactly what he means.