In April, runners from across Aotearoa come together for one of the country’s most loved trail running experiences — Solar Power NZ Skedaddle. Set against the rugged, breathtaking backdrop of Island Hills Station in North Canterbury, this trail run invites participants of all levels to challenge themselves on epic trails, connect with nature, and support conservation efforts for the Mandamus Preservation Reserve Charitable Trust. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of community, grit, and connection with the outdoors.
To help runners prepare, Skedaddle partners with Emma Timmis and Mal Law — two of New Zealand’s most respected certified running coaches, each bringing a unique blend of knowledge, passion, experience, and empathy to the trail community.
Emma Timmis: heart, endurance experience, and personalised training
Emma Timmis needs little introduction in the world of endurance running. A seasoned athlete with decades of competitive mileage under her belt, Emma’s journey spans ultra-distance trail races, world records, and some truly epic cross-country adventures. She’s not just a coach — she’s a mentor who lives and breathes the thrill of pushing limits and finding strength through running.
Emma’s coaching philosophy is rooted in individualised, sustainable progress and smarter training. Whether you’re stepping onto the trail for the first time, preparing for an ultra, or aiming for a personal best, she crafts training plans that are realistic, achievable, and tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and running rhythm.
Recently, Emma completed additional training focused on performance adaptations around peri- and post-menopause. While she coaches both women and men and doesn’t centre her practice around any one group, this extra expertise enhances the support she offers athletes navigating the hormonal complexities that can come with endurance training.
Learn more: https://www.emmatimmis.com/
Mal Law: trail wisdom, passion & elements of adventure
Mal Law, founder of Alta Trail Coaching, is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s most respected voices in trail running. Mal’s connection with the hills runs deep: over 30 years of experience, tens of thousands of trail kilometres, millions of metres of vert, and a litany of iconic runs define his personal and coaching story. With more than 100 trail running races under his belt, he has intimate knowledge of many of New Zealand’s most popular events.
Mal is also well known for his trail exploits, from completing seven of New Zealand’s Great Walks in seven days to summiting 50 peaks in just 50 days. With Alta Coaching, he brings that lived experience to everyday runners, helping them tackle technical terrain, elevation gain, and ambitious goals with confidence and purpose.
His coaching focuses on empowering runners to embrace challenge, develop strength on the trails, and build the resilience needed for events like Skedaddle. With personalised programming and an emphasis on trail-specific training, Alta Coaching equips athletes to step into race day prepared — physically, mentally, and with a deep respect for the land beneath their feet.
Learn more: https://altatrailcoaching.co.nz/
Why coaching matters for Skedaddle
Trail running is more than fitness — it’s a conversation with nutrition, the elements, and your own potential. With Skedaddle’s diverse distances and varied terrain, having the right preparation can make all the difference between surviving and thriving on race day.
Both Emma Timmis and Mal Law bring unique strengths to the table, whether you’re chasing your first trail finish or looking to tackle your next big goal. Their guidance also reflects what Mountain Adventure stands for: community, adventure, personal growth, and connection with nature. By tapping into the wisdom of these coaches, your next trail adventure might just become your best yet.
