Tom Dade
Trails and Mountain running
Tom has been running consistently for over seven years, building on a foundation that includes cross-country running in high school, along with other sports and a strong background in strength training. His journey into endurance sports began at 18, when he started competing in triathlons. Drawn to testing his physical and mental limits, Tom soon transitioned from triathlons to trekking, mountaineering, and ultimately ultramarathon and trail running.
At 20, he completed his first ultramarathon — the Surf Coast Century 100 km — and has since raced in more than 60 ultramarathons across distances ranging from 50 km to 200 miles (320 km). Tom has proudly represented Australia multiple times at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in the long course (80 km+) category. He has also competed in — and in some cases won — many of Australia’s toughest ultramarathons. In recognition of his achievements, Tom was named Young Australian Ultra Runner of the Year by Australian Ultra Runners Association (AURA now AUTRA) in 2022.
Tom’s coaching philosophy is built on the belief that running is about far more than just performance. He’s passionate about helping people discover what they’re truly capable of, develop lasting self-confidence, and enjoy the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a supportive community. His background in strength training allows him to take a holistic approach to coaching — emphasizing durability, balance, and sustainable performance both on and off the trails.
When he’s not running, Tom can usually be found listening to music (mainly rap), reading or listening to books on history and philosophy, journaling, or unwinding in the sauna or by the beach.


