Meet the Coaches
Erica Fountain
Erica is a Level 3 Performance Coach with Athletics Australia and a former elite middle-distance runner with nearly four decades of involvement in the sport. Growing up surrounded by high-performance athletics, running has always been a central part of her life. Her father was a highly accomplished track and road runner, famously winning the inaugural Gold Coast Marathon, and his influence helped shape Erica’s passion and dedication to the sport from an early age.
As a junior athlete, Erica established herself as one of Australia’s leading middle-distance runners, becoming a multiple-time National Junior Champion in both the 800m and 1500m events. Following high school, she accepted a scholarship to the University of Arkansas in the United States, where she competed as part of the renowned Arkansas Razorbacks program.
During her collegiate career, Erica earned All-American honours on five occasions and set numerous Australian national records. After university, she continued her career as a professional athlete while also working as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Arkansas, gaining valuable coaching experience within one of the world’s most respected collegiate athletics systems.
Erica proudly represented Australia at international competitions, including World Cup Challenges and the Commonwealth Games, competing against some of the world’s best athletes. Her years in elite sport provided extensive experience in training methodology, race preparation, recovery, and athlete development at the highest level.
Today, Erica leads the UTC and works closely with local schools and community sporting organisations to help athletes of all ages and abilities develop their confidence, fitness, and enjoyment of running. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where athletes can challenge themselves, improve, and achieve their individual goals — regardless of experience or ability level.
Running remains Erica’s lifelong passion, and she continues to train and compete herself, embracing the challenge of pushing her own limits while inspiring those around her to do the same.
View Erica’s official Athletics Australia coaching profile here:
Athletics Australia Coach Profile – Erica Fountain
Mark Fountain
Mark Fountain is a former professional middle-distance athlete and highly regarded athletics coach dedicated to developing runners of all ages and abilities. As a Level 3 Performance Coach with Athletics Australia, Mark combines elite-level experience with a modern, athlete-focused coaching philosophy centred around long-term development, confidence, and performance.
Throughout his athletics career, Mark proudly represented Australia on the international stage, competing against some of the world’s best athletes and gaining firsthand experience in elite high-performance environments. His achievements include multiple National Championships, Australian records, and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal. Specialising in the 1500m during his competitive career, Mark developed a deep understanding of training methodology, race preparation, recovery, resilience, and the mental discipline required to succeed at the highest level.
Working alongside internationally respected coaches within world-class training systems helped shape Mark’s approach to coaching. His experiences as both an athlete and mentor allow him to provide athletes with expert guidance, personalised support, and a strong understanding of the physical and mental demands of the sport.
Mark is passionate about creating positive and motivating training environments where athletes feel supported, challenged, and inspired to improve. His coaching philosophy focuses on building strong athletic foundations through a balanced approach to endurance, speed, strength, mobility, and recovery. He believes every athlete is different and takes pride in tailoring programs to suit the individual — whether they are chasing their first personal best, progressing through junior pathways, returning from injury, or striving for national-level competition.
Known for his approachable nature and genuine investment in athlete development, Mark sees coaching as far more than simply delivering training sessions. He is committed to mentorship, building confidence, and helping athletes unlock their full potential — not only as runners, but as people.
View Mark’s official Athletics Australia coaching profile here:
Athletics Australia Coach Profile
Johnnie Bowman
Johnnie Bowman is the self-appointed Director of Energy, Enthusiasm, and Whistle Operations at the club. An Athletics Australia Accredited Recreational Run Coach, Johnnie plays an important role in creating the fun, supportive, and welcoming environment the group is known for.
While his official duties include assisting with timing, blowing the whistle, and keeping training sessions running smoothly, Johnnie’s real specialty is keeping everyone’s spirits high — usually at maximum volume.
Whether it’s cheering athletes through tough sessions, offering highly questionable motivational advice, or making sure nobody starts a rep early, Johnnie brings enthusiasm and positivity to every session.
When he’s not overseeing whistle-related responsibilities at training, Johnnie can almost always be found helping out at Ocean Grove Parkrun, where his enthusiasm somehow starts before sunrise. His commitment to the local running community is second to none, and he takes great pride in supporting runners of all ages and abilities — especially if there’s a stopwatch involved.
Known for his humour, encouragement, and ability to appear exactly where he’s least expected, Johnnie has become a favourite among athletes and parents alike. While some may question how many whistles are truly necessary during one session, nobody questions the energy and positivity he brings to the group.
Every great training squad needs someone who keeps morale high, brings the laughs, and makes training enjoyable — and for this group, that person is Johnnie.