After 34 years, Jim Helton retired from a career in education (teacher/principal/superintendent). Since retirement, he has worked as an educational consultant for a state association, and started his own personal coaching business, “Run to the Top, LLC.”
Holding a USA Track and Field Level 1 and Level 2/Endurance coaching certifications, Helton’s coaching philosophy is based on helping athletes achieve personal bests; in turn, those enable teams to achieve at a championship level. He has been fortunate enough to coach past Illinois High School State Champions/trophy winners, numerous Illinois High School All-State runners, and thousands of PR’s in track and cross country. In addition, was named “Coach of the Year” in high school cross country twice by the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association.
Jim was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022.
After relocating to the area, he and his wife call Glen Carbon home, and are members of the St. Boniface Parish. All three of their children ran collegiately, and their youngest is now a collegiate coach in cross country/track. Every four years (since 1988), the Helton’s attend the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials…it is a family affair.
Coach Helton has been a runner for over 45 years, starting in elementary school and continuing today. Countless 5K’s, 10K’s, half-marathon’s, and marathon’s (earning a Boston Qualifier at age 50], and now spend time “chasing our two grandchildren!”
To reach Coach Helton, please email him at jhelton@mcgivneygriffins.com.