Cathy Duffy loves movement.
After exploring a range of sports in her early adult years — including boxing, triathlon, and road running — she set her sights on trail ultramarathons in 2012, building a three-year plan that led to her first 100km event.
Along the way, she experienced first-hand the value of guidance and support — something that continues to shape her coaching today.
Cathy’s strength lies in her ability to plan with clarity and stay focused across different seasons of life. Having balanced training with a demanding career and raising a family, she understands what it takes to pursue big goals in the real world.
She is passionate about helping athletes do the same — achieving meaningful goals while keeping training sustainable, enjoyable, and aligned with life.
With over 20 years working in the health sector, Cathy brings a holistic approach to coaching. She has a particular interest in supporting women to train with confidence, taking into account hormonal changes and the different stages of life.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Exercise Science Major), Southern Cross University
Level 1 Recreational Running Coach – Athletics Australia
Level 2 Recreational Running Coach – Advanced Running Coach – Athletics NSW
Menopause 2.0 Course – Stacy Sims
Athletic Background
After completing her first ultra-trail event in 2013, Cathy never looked back.
What began as a goal quickly became something more — a sport that challenged her, but also brought balance and clarity to a busy life.
With the right guidance, she developed the skills needed to perform consistently across a wide range of events.
Highlights include:
Completed Six Foot Track Marathon 6 times (2013–2018)
Completed Ultra-Trail Australia 100km (5x), 50km (2x), and 22km (1x)
Completed Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (100 miles, 2019)
2nd – Great Southern Endurance Run (100 miles, 2017)
5th – The Guzzler Ultra (100km, 2022)
3rd – Mt Macedon 50km (2022)
Completed Buffalo Stampede Grand Slam (2017)
Multiple Hounslow Classic finishes including the Hounslow Double
Multiple trail marathons including Fitzroy Falls, Glenbrook, and Glowworm Tunnel
Coaching Results
Cathy has helped athletes at all stages — from first-time marathoners to 100-mile finishers:
Coached Justin from half marathons to his first marathon in under 4 hours
Helped Sue return from a stress fracture to complete Ultra-Trail Australia 50km and Tarawera 100km within 14 months
Guided Ryan from his first 100km race to his first 100-mile finish just five months later
Coached Kathleen through Ultra Trail Kosciuszko 100km — and into a long-term coaching journey
What Athletes Say
“I cannot stress how amazing she is — the most supportive, non-judgemental person who is helping me enormously.”
— SH
“Every running goal I’ve had, she’s helped me achieve. Her encouragement makes such a difference.”
— KM
“Cathy keeps my training consistent through the highs and lows of life… I’ve never been more consistent.”
— CG
Who Cathy Works Best With
Cathy works best with athletes who want to make meaningful progress while balancing training with the realities of life.
She understands that training has to fit around work, family, and everything else — not the other way around.
She particularly enjoys helping:
Runners new to trail and ultra running
Athletes returning from injury or setbacks
Busy athletes looking for structure, clarity, and consistency
Women wanting to train with better understanding of their physiology
Her goal is simple: help athletes see themselves as athletes, feel proud of their training, and maintain a genuine love for the sport.
Start the Conversation
I’d love to have a chat about your goals and how I can help.