MEET YOUR COACH
Welcome to Etna Endurance! I'm Ben Otis, a high-performance distance runner with a passion for sports & outdoor science/exploration.
I started my running career 12 years ago, and my passion has taken me across the grass, track, roads and trails.
I began in high school, competing on the national stage before entering the NCAA for the University of Toledo, where I studied exercise science and communications while competing at the Division 1 level for Cross Country and Track and Field.
Since graduating, I've competed in some of the top national competitions in New Zealand - including three top 5 finishes at NZ Track and Field and Cross Country Championships, as well as multiple international mountain and trail races.
I've been coached by Olympians, World Championship finalists, and some of the best coaches in the NCAA. Over time, I learned a lot from different coaches and approaches and have adopted what I believe are the best aspects from each approach.
As long as I've been in the sport I've wanted to share my knowledge. I started as a youth coach, and over the years have opened my platform to all abilities and ages.
We believe that success comes from consistent training and a collaborative training environment. Message me or book online to learn more about our coaching philosophy and how we can help you reach your running goals.
THE COACH'S CV
6TH PLACE
2026 USA MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS
2ND PLACE
2025 UTMB TARAWERA 21K
4TH PLACE
2026 NZ NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS (5KM)
5TH PLACE
2025 NZ NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
4x
ALl-CONFERENCE HONOREE IN THE NCAA
ABOUT US
Based in New Zealand but accessible worldwide, Etna Endurance provides distance running coaching via a supportive, trustworthy, and motivating environment that encompasses all ages and abilities. Our coaching style is rooted in consistency, communication, and actual scientific research. Whether you prefer running on the road, trails or track, we tailor our programs to fit your goals.
I've had the privilege of coaching distance runners of all ages and abilities for nearly 10 years. After moving to New Zealand in 2024, I became inspired by the local running community here, and, with some encouragement from friends and family back home, I decided to launch an offical platform.
Coaching is one of my passions, and I make sure my athletes know that I am truly invested in their success, and throughly enjoy working with every single one of them. This is not a platform that will just provide a generic training plan. I view each client as an individual person/athlete and put all my effort into ensuring their training plan suits them.