About SARAH

Sarah Biss is the Speedplay coach. A lifelong runner and professional physiotherapist with a passion for coaching runners of all abilities.

Following a sporting career that saw her represent New Zealand in athletics, cross-country, mountain running and on the road Sarah turned her attention to helping others enjoy their running more by getting fitter and faster and remaining healthy.

Today Sarah coaches runners of all abilities - from those new to the sport wanting to get the basics right through to elite runners looking to represent New Zealand on the world stage. She also works part time as a physiotherapist.

“Sarah is the best! She has great technical knowledge and experience. Her plans are individually crafted and amended to fit requirements. Sarah is super supportive and accessible, so while I was training in Hamilton I never felt that I was doing it alone. Can’t recommend highly enough. Thanks Coach.”

— Anna O’Brien

Coaching Qualifications

Athletics New Zealand accredited coach

NZ Team distance coach

NZ Track and Field Team, 2019 and 2024 Oceania Track and Field Championships

Triathlon NZ accredited coach

CERTIFIED IAAF MIDDLE and long distance coach

IAAF (International Association of Athletic Federations) CECS Level II

NUTRITION NETWORK CERTIFIED

Lydiard Foundation certified coach

Level III

IRONMAN CERTIFIED COACH

NZ registered Physiotherapist

With 21 years of clinical experience

PRESS

Sarah's Running Achievements
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Ten New Zealand Championship titles in track, cross country, and road running
Represented New Zealand in track, cross country, road and mountain running
World Cross Country Championships
World Mountain Running Championships
Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships (team medalist x2)
Ekiden relays in Japan and South Korea
Australian Track and Field Championships (junior medalist 3000m)
Australian Cross Country Championships (junior medalist x2) Oceania Track and Field Championships (junior medalist – 1500m silver, 3000m gold)
Top 20 finishes in major international marathons, including Chicago, Rotterdam, Nagano and Melbourne (3rd)
Marathon personal best 2:39:17 (IAAF Olympic “B” standard, Rotterdam, 2012)
Winner of the Round the Bridges 10k road race
Winner Taniwha Ultramarathon
3rd Thyon-Dixence Mountain Race, Switzerland
Commonwealth Mountain Running team medalist, x2
Top 10 in a World Sky Running Series Event (Pikes Peak Marathon/USA Mountain Running Championships)
NZ Under 20 5km record holder
Oceania Championships Under 20 3000m record holder
Course records – Whangamata Half Marathon 1:15:22, Sanatorium Hill Climb (Cambridge), Kawerau Half Marathon and others
Winner of the 30th Anniversary Buller Gorge Half Marathon, 2012