Skip to content

Emma McEwen

Loading image:

Location

Rotorua, New Zealand

Languages

English

1:1 Coaching Level

CMF Expert Coach

Coaching Services

  • 1:1 Online Run Coaching
  • Paid Coaching Consults
  • Ultra & Adventure Planning
  • Technical trail skills and biometrics

"Finding that sweet spot where adventure, connection, and curiosity meet hard work and determination is what drives me as a coach. When athletes tap into that balance, they begin to unlock what’s truly possible."

I work in-depth with a small number of athletes at a highly individualised level, using science-based training, technical and mental skills development, and race-specific strategies. My coaching approach focuses on building aerobic endurance, physical strength, and mental resilience so athletes can train with purpose, race with confidence, stay healthy, and ultimately find joy in the process.

As both coach and athlete, I’m drawn to the unknowns of ultra distances — the places where uncertainty forces us to problem-solve, adapt, and discover our limits. Ultras are uniquely special: in the midst of challenge lie moments of resilience, connection, and profound meaning — from the hope of sunrise after a dark night, to the power of a crew’s encouragement, to the quiet courage of taking each kilometre as it comes.

As an athlete, I’ve completed the UTMB Doi Inthanon 100-miler in Thailand — a race with more vertical gain than Mont Blanc and the added challenge of tropical heat and humidity. The course wound past temples and elephants, through rice paddies and jungles, across villages and river crossings. That experience earned me direct entry into UTMB Mont Blanc, where I embraced the demands of immense vert, high altitude, and sharp cutoffs among thousands of runners.

Alongside my coaching, I’m especially passionate about inspiring and supporting trail and ultra runners who want to chase bold goals — whether that’s finishing their first ultra or competing on the world stage. I care deeply about helping more women step into the sport, particularly those juggling family life, but I coach both men and women who are ready to test themselves, grow in confidence, and find adventure through running.

Loading image:

Experience & Qualifications

UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach

Level 2 TrainingPeaks Accredited Coach

Experienced ultra runner with NZ Event top 10 W finishes in the trail marathon, 80k, 100k and top 10 age group finishes in International 100-mile events. 

Wild Things Women’s FKT Whakarewarewa Rainbow Run 60k

10+ years experience in leadership roles

Notable Event Coaching / Race Experience

  • UTMB Mont Blanc 100 Mile
  • UTMB Doi Inthanon 100 Mile
  • Ring Of Fire
  • Tarawera Ultra Marathon
  • Taupo 100k
  • Blue Lakes 24hour
  • Legend of the Peaks
  • Taupo Trail Series
  • Run the Forest
  • Rotorua Marathon

Coaching Specialties

  • Trail and Ultra Marathons
  • Technical events - heat / altitude
  • High-Performance Racing & Podium Goals
  • Mental resilience
  • Athletes with young children

Loading image:
Loading image:
Loading image:
Back to top