About
Matty Abel

A 2:48 marathoner with back-to-back sub-3s at Paris (2:53) and Boston (2:56) in a single week in 2026, former Nike Head Coach, and Australian representative at the Sky Running World Championships, I have spent over a decade coaching runners of all levels to train smarter, stay injury-free, and reach goals they didn’t think were possible.

I’ve worked with 1,000+ athletes across every distance — from debut marathoners to Nedd Brockmann (1,000 miles around a track), Cam Merrick (2:21:51 marathon), Sissi Bergman (25th female at New York City Marathon), Alex Barbas (Sydney to Perth and back), Montana Farrah-Seaton, and Annabelle Ronnfeldt. Every single one trained with the same rigorous, personalised approach. No templates. No shortcuts.

Coaching at MARA is built on structured periodisation, strength training as a non-negotiable, and an educational philosophy where you always understand the why behind every session.

Learn more about me

RECURRING INJURIES

Tired of constant niggles or setbacks stopping your progress? Most runners train hard but not always smart. My strength-integrated programs are built to reduce injury risk, improve movement efficiency, and keep you running strong, season after season.

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

Confused by all the training advice online? You’re not alone. I simplify the noise with a clear, evidence-based plan built around your goals, schedule, and fitness level, so you can train with confidence knowing exactly what to do each week.

PERFORMANCE PLATEAUS

Feeling stuck despite consistent training? Progress isn't just about more kilometres, it's about smarter ones. I'll help you identify exactly what's holding you back, from pacing and recovery to strength and nutrition, and give you the structure to break through.

SPORADIC TRAINING

Life is busy. Motivation comes and goes. But structure creates consistency and consistency creates results. My proven systems and accountability methods keep you moving forward, even when life gets in the way.

OVERTRAINING & BURNOUT

Pushing too hard and not seeing the rewards? More isn't always better. I'll help you master the balance between training stress and recovery so you can build endurance, strength, and speed without burning out, especially critical for longer and multi-day events.

EXPERT RUNNING COACH

With over a decade of coaching experience and more than 1,000 runners guided to success, from first 5K finishes to transcontinental runs, I bring the systems, precision, and expertise to help you perform at your best while balancing life, training, and recovery.

CUSTOMISED TRAINING PLANS

No cookie-cutter templates here. Every program is built around your race, terrain, fitness level, and schedule. Whether you’re chasing a road PB or tackling a 100 km mountain ultra, your plan is 100% personalised to your goals.

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR RUNNERS

Running strength isn't optional, it's foundational. I integrate targeted strength training and mobility work to build durability, improve efficiency, and reduce injury risk, helping you run stronger for longer.

EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

I don’t just tell you what to do, I teach you why. My coaching philosophy empowers you with the knowledge to understand your body, training cycles, and recovery needs, creating sustainable long-term performance.

EXPERTISE IN BOTH ROAD AND TRAIL RUNNING

Whether you’re pounding the pavement or exploring the trails, my experience across both disciplines ensures you receive a tailored program that matches the demands of your chosen terrain, road speed or mountain strength.

PROVEN RESULTS ACROSS ALL LEVELS

From everyday runners to Australia's most ambitious endurance athletes, including Nedd Brockmann's run across Australia and 1,000-mile challenge. I have a track record of helping people achieve what once felt impossible.

2:48

PB | Sub-3 Paris & Boston, 2026

1,000+

Athletes Coached

Nike

Former Head Coach

Road & Trail

Marathon to Ultra

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Partners