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Josh Hetherington

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Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Languages

English

1:1 Coaching Level

CMF Expert Coach

Coaching Services

  • 1:1 Online Run Coaching
  • Paid Coaching Consults

Sport has been a defining part of my life from an early age. I began playing football before transitioning to rugby after moving overseas at eight years old. Throughout high school I immersed myself in rugby, where running and strength training became an essential part of my development as an athlete. 

During this time I was fortunate to be selected for an elite rugby academy, hold captaincy and leadership positions at both my school and club teams and participate in six international rugby tours. These experiences exposed me to world-class coaches, strength and conditioning specialists and I even worked with the school psychologist in the pursuit of high performance. Many of the lessons I learned during those years continue to shape both my own training and the way I coach today.

After returning to New Zealand, I continued competing in a range of team sports until my university studies became my primary focus. During the final year of my Bachelor of Architecture, a group of friends and I took part in a Movember charity running challenge. From that challenge I quickly fell in love with running, enjoying the process of improving one run at a time. Soon after, I entered my first half marathon, before progressing to marathons and eventually ultra-marathons, where I continue to challenge myself today.

In 2024, alongside a group of friends, I helped launch 445 Run Club Wellington, a free community run club that meets every Friday morning. One of my favourite traditions is finishing each session with a gratitude circle creating a safe and inclusive space where people can connect beyond the kilometres. Through running I've built lifelong friendships and have been fortunate to collaborate with incredible communities, events, and brands.

Today, running is far more than just training. It provides structure, purpose, and a constant opportunity to grow. It continually reminds me that progress comes through consistency, patience, and showing up, even when motivation is low. Throughout my life I've been fortunate to learn from exceptional coaches, trainers, and mentors, each of whom has shaped the way I approach performance and personal development. 

My coaching philosophy is built around helping people become confident, capable, and self-sufficient athletes. Whether you're chasing your first 5km, a marathon personal best or your next ultra, my goal is to work collaboratively with you, tailoring your training to your lifestyle while making the journey both enjoyable and sustainable. No matter your experience or background, I'm interested in understanding who you are, where you want to go, and helping you unlock your potential.

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Experience & Qualifications

  • TrainingPeaks Accredited Coach (TBC)
  • Local Run Club and Community Leader

 

Notable Event Coaching / Race Experience

  • Faultline Ultra 24km 10th (Gender)
  • Tarawera T50km 35th (Gender)
  • Hawkes Bay Marathon 10th (Age group)
  • Sub 3hr Marathon Runner
  • Unassisted single day Kepler (60km) Run
  • Unassisted single day Mt Taranaki + Pouākai Circuit (33km) Run
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