Are you training for an upcoming running event?

An experienced coach can help you with a comprehensive training program so that you can take the guesswork out and focus on enjoying the process of becoming a great runner whether your goal is competing or completing. A coach can help you with:

Fundamentals of running
Strength and conditioning
Injury prevention and management
Nutrition and hydration for training and racing
Following a training plan to achieve your goals

Connect with Wellington based coaches

Andrew Wharton

Andrew Wharton is a dedicated running coach with a background in Exercise and Sport Science (BPhEd, Otago University, 1998) and a proven track record as a high-performing Masters athlete. His approach combines scientific training principles with decades of personal running experience, creating practical, personalised plans for runners of all levels.

As a Masters runner, Andrew has achieved standout personal bests, including 15:48 for 5km and 2:35:36 for the marathon, all after the age of 40. He has coached many runners to significant breakthroughs, including national team selection for the World Trail Running Championships.

Andrew’s coaching focuses on sustainable performance, injury prevention, and strength development. He’s passionate about helping runners train smarter, build resilience, and reach their full potential, whether on the road, track, or trail.

Masters Personal Bests:

5km – 15:48
10km – 32:53
Half Marathon – 1:12:08
Marathon – 2:35:36

Andrew Thompson

2018 NZ Trail Running Champion and NZ Representative, Andrew Thompson’s success in trail running only just equals his passion for it. Being a student of the sport and working with a training group over the last few years, Andrew has taken his drive for learning how to become the best runner he can be and translated that knowledge towards coaching others in their pursuits. When he’s not aiming for races or training others, he switches towards many interesting adventures, including many big days in the Tararua ranges.

James Kuegler

James Kuegler truly lives and breathes fitness.

Every day, whether it be for his own personal running, multisport or endurance efforts or training someone else, it’s all about movement, usually fairly rapid movement at that. This personal obsession makes him a pretty good running coach.

Chandima Kulathilake

Chandima (aka Chan) is based in Wellington, New Zealand and coaches a variety of runners who are competitive and aiming for a podium finish to runners who are aiming to complete their first events. Regardless of ability if your aim is to do well and be prepared for your next goal event then get in touch to see how he can help you.

The Athletes he coaches range from middle distance runners to longer endurance distance events such as marathons and ultra-marathons. Chan is an Athletics New Zealand accredited distance running coach.

Run Wellington

Run Wellington is a resource for runners in Wellington, Pōneke. If you’re a runner seeking routes in Wellington, check out our routes for running in Poneke.

Coaching for your next running event