The Coach Bio
Last Update: October 10th, 2025 by Etienne Durocher
“This wouldn’t have happened the way it did without having you in my corner. Thank you for helping me find the confidence in myself and my ability.”
Etienne
Durocher
Vancouver-Based Online Running Coach
From Couch to Coach:
A Runner’s Journey
Etienne Durocher is a certified running coach and the founder of Philotimo Running Coach, where he guides runners from their first 10K to extreme ultramarathon distances. His own running journey began in 2012 in Montreal, when a former climbing lifestyle and knee concerns led him to start a Couch to 10K program. Within three months, he ran his first 10K races and quickly developed a passion for running and pushing his limits.
Over the years, Etienne progressed to half-marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons, including the 50-mile North Face Challenge in San Francisco, the 100K Iron Horse Ultra in Alberta, and his first 100-mile race at Javelina Jundred in Arizona. He is the only Canadian to have completed the Spartathlon twice, achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time of 3h08, and qualified for Team Canada in the 24-hour run with 213.2 km at SurvivorFest 24h in 2024. These experiences give him an exceptional understanding of both beginners’ challenges and the demands of extreme endurance running.
Philosophy Built on Philotimo
During a transformative three-month stay in Greece, Etienne discovered Philotimo, a Greek concept that embodies integrity, presence, and helping others without expectation. Inspired, he realized coaching would allow him to combine his passion for running with a purpose-driven philosophy: guiding athletes to reach their potential while maintaining balance, flexibility, and mental strength. This philosophy is at the heart of every training plan he creates.
Structured Coaching Backed by Experience
Before dedicating himself to coaching, Etienne led teams of up to 175 employees in warehouse management, where mentoring and motivation were central to success. Certified by UESCA, he merges years of coaching experience with structured, data-driven insights, creating personalized training plans that are practical, adaptable, and injury-conscious. His approach is designed to help runners of all levels, from beginners embarking on Couch to 10K programs to ultramarathoners seeking peak performance.
Etienne emphasizes that true running performance is a combination of physical training and mental resilience. He helps athletes navigate busy schedules, travel constraints, and life’s demands, ensuring that every runner can progress safely, sustainably, and with confidence.
Myself and my friend Fany - Spartathlon 2025
Online Coaching Across Borders
Based in Vancouver, Etienne offers online coaching, serving runners across Canada, the USA, and internationally, including Greece. His programs specialize in marathon, half-marathon, ultramarathon, and beginner-friendly training such as Couch to 10K. Whether the goal is completing a first race, breaking personal records, or tackling extreme distances, Etienne’s guidance adapts to each runner’s needs and goals.
Achieve Your Running Goals
With Philotimo Running Coach, Etienne Durocher combines expertise, leadership experience, and a philosophy rooted in presence and support.
Join the hundreds of people who have reached their goals under his guidance. Don’t wait — reserve your coaching plan today and start your journey to your next personal best.