Jairo Mejia – Quito Running Coach
From: $60.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Trail & ultra coach passionate about pushing limits, fueling smart, and balancing training with real life.
Description
Quito running coach Jairo Mejia specializes in trail and ultrarunning, with experience across the board from 5ks to marathons as well. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned ultrarunner looking to take on your next challenge, Jairo can help you with accountability and adaptability while juggling a busy life schedule and aiming for that next big goal. Reach out to Jairo below to get started!
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Quito, Ecuador
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in ultrarunning and endurance training, while also coaching athletes across all distances from 5K to the marathon. I work with runners of every level, from first-time racers to seasoned competitors. I love helping athletes push beyond their perceived limits and take on challenges that once felt impossible. My coaching emphasizes both trail and road running, since both contribute to well-rounded training. In addition, I provide support with race-day nutrition and fueling strategies to maximize performance.
PHILOSOPHY
My coaching philosophy is rooted in flexibility and adaptability — every athlete is unique, and training should reflect that. I believe in breaking barriers and embracing bold challenges, whether that means tackling an ultramarathon, experimenting with new strategies, or simply pushing beyond what once seemed impossible. While I love numbers, data, and measurable progress, I never lose sight of the importance of listening to our bodies and staying connected to the joy of running.
I also recognize that most athletes juggle running with careers, families, and other commitments. That’s why I emphasize balance — building training that challenges you while still fitting into real life. My goal is to support athletes with both firmness when needed and the adaptability to adjust when life happens.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have coached myself and a handful of athletes, and I’m eager to continue growing as a coach while sharing what I’ve learned. My background comes from years of personal experience racing across distances from 5Ks to ultramarathons, with a special love for trail running and extreme challenges. I bring the perspective of someone who has tested strategies firsthand and is constantly experimenting, learning, and setting new goals. My aim is to translate that passion and real-world experience into helping athletes succeed in their own journeys.
ABOUT ME
I’m 36, born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, where I live with my wife, two kids, three dogs, and one cat. Sports have been a part of my life since I was 5 years old, and I’ve been fortunate to explore them in many forms — from BMX and downhill mountain biking to swimming, tennis, triathlon, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Running has become my true passion, and it continues to challenge me in new ways every day.
I love taking on adventures that test limits, and I bring that same energy to coaching — helping athletes find joy in movement, push past barriers, and balance training with the rest of life.
BIG INFLUENCES
My coaching and running philosophy has been shaped by several key influences. Locally, I’ve been inspired by JoaquÃn López, a trail runner and coach who leads Ecuadoruns, the training club I’ve been part of since 2022. His down-to-earth approach, focus on the environment, commitment to equal opportunities, and efforts to put Latin America on the map in trail running have all deeply influenced me.
Internationally, Jason Koop’s Training Essentials for Ultrarunning has been a cornerstone resource — almost a bible for me as a coach. I also look up to Kilian Jornet, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his curiosity, data-driven approach to training, and dedication to sustainability in the sport.
RACING HISTORY
My running journey has been anything but straightforward. Until the end of 2021, chronic knee injuries kept me from running more than 2K at a time. Since then, I’ve not only returned to the sport but also embraced challenges I once thought impossible.
One of my proudest achievements is completing an Everesting: 42.2K with 8,922 meters of elevation gain in 26 hours, averaging a brutal 56% gradient. I’ve also taken on races like Paraty by UTMB (56K in intense heat), La TravesÃa (45K, completed twice — and my first ultra), and the Petzl Trail Plus series (VK, 10K, 20K), which prove that short races can be just as punishing as long ones.
Living and racing at altitude has shaped much of my experience, teaching me how to manage the unique demands of elevation while continuing to push boundaries. Each race — from the shortest vertical kilometers to the longest ultras — has added a layer to my perspective as both a runner and a coach.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Ultrarunning Coach by UESCA
PRs
- 5k: 19:33
- 10k: 43: 08
- Half marathon: 1:49:35
CONTACT JAIRO
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
SOCIAL
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.