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Kaitlyn Sheppard

Cheltenham, England

Mile, 3k, 5k, and XC Runner


Runner Spotlight

For some, running is a hobby. For Kaitlyn Sheppard’s parents, it was more than that—it was a passion. Naturally, they took her to the local running club, hoping she’d follow in their footsteps.

But Kaitlyn? She wasn’t convinced. Long jump, gymnastics—anything but running. Eventually, her mum gave her an ultimatum: pick a sport. Thinking track might be the easier option, she stuck with it.

Then, something clicked. One good race turned into motivation. Motivation turned into progress. Progress turned into what we see now: one of Bradley University’s top distance runners, competing at her best level yet.

With two new PRs, a 3rd place finish at the MVC Cross Country Championships, and a promising indoor and outdoor season ahead, Kaitlyn isn’t just following in her parents' footsteps anymore—she’s carving her own path.


Favorite Running Spot

American Tobacco Trail (NC)


Favorite Running Shoe

Kaitlyn first turned to the Saucony Endorphin Shift and loved it. As a heel striker, she found the thick sole absorbed impact well, keeping her stride smooth.

But with the shoe discontinued, she had to find a new go-to. Her pick? The Saucony Triumph 22.

“A little more cushioned, but I like them a lot,” she says. It’s not an exact replacement, but it gets the job done—and for someone logging high mileage, that’s what matters.

And if she gets to pick the color? Purple it is.


Best Achievement

For many athletes, representing their country is the ultimate dream—a moment that comes after years of hard work and sacrifice. For Kaitlyn Sheppard, that moment happened when she was just 18 years old. She got to wear the Great Britain vest and compete in the 5K at the Manchester International. Honestly, that’s such a big deal, achieving something like that at such a young age is a remarkable accomplishment, and it just shows how talented and driven she’s been from the start.

But with her trajectory, I’m sure this won’t be her last time representing her country—and who knows, the next time might be on an even bigger stage.

Manchester International 5k


At Bradley, she’s already posted impressive times, including 4:43.22 in the mile and 9:14.04 in the 3K, both indoors. And with the outdoor season approaching, there's so much more to come.

Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational


Currently ranked #1 in the MVC for the 3K indoor, Kaitlyn is gearing up for the MVC Indoor Championships this weekend, just after turning 21. The best part? We’re just getting started. Kaitlyn’s future is so bright, and I can’t wait to see where her talent and hard work take her next.


Product Recommendation

Her go-to post-workout fuel? Optimum Nutrition Chocolate Protein Powder—and she’s not the only one who swears by it. It’s a solid choice for recovery after tough workouts and lifting sessions. The chocolate flavor is actually delicious (athlete-approved!), and it helps with muscle repair when you need it most.

For best results, she recommends having it right after your session to get the most out of that recovery window.


Favorite Pre-Race Song






And that’s a wrap for this week, with the Word of the Week, straight from Kaitlyn herself. She’s feeling excited as she looks forward to racing the 5K and 3K, aiming for a PB and some medals. With big goals in mind, there’s no doubt she’s ready to crush it!




Location: Peoria, IL, USA

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