Coach Matthias Sandra

Hi, I am Matthias Sandra - coach, athlete, and working professional. As the founder of We Are The Run, my mission is to help you enjoy a healthy and fulfilling running journey through a flexible, pragmatic, and science-driven approach.

My own running journey began at age 16, looping around my high school block. I had set my sights on joining the Belgian military and wanted to be in the best possible shape.

During my university years at the Royal Military Academy, I joined the track running team and quickly found joy not only in competing but also in contributing to the team. When the opportunity came to become the team’s student representative, I didn’t hesitate for a second.

After graduating and taking on professional roles within the military, I continued pushing my limits in running, always looking to improve. But I quickly realized my passion wasn’t just about training harder - it was about understanding the science behind performance.

I became invested in learning about physiology, psychology, nutrition, training methodologies, and performance testing. To refine my coaching expertise, I pursued continued education in these areas, ensuring I could offer athletes the best possible guidance.

From 2023 on, I earned a spot on the Belgian National Military Running Team, a group of military athletes representing Belgium at national and international competitions. Some of my personal achievements include PRs of 15:51 (5K), 32:46 (10K), 69:54 (half marathon), and 2:31:36 (marathon), as well as an 8th-place finish in the 68 km ultra trail race of the Istria 100.

Beyond competing, I also serve as the team’s captain (2023 - present), managing training camps, race logistics, and supporting high-level athletes from across the country.

This role has been an incredible learning experience, allowing me to work closely with international-caliber runners, coaches, and health care practitioners. The knowledge I’ve gained doesn’t just shape my own training, it directly benefits the athletes I coach at We Are The Run.

Whether you’re looking to improve your race times, train smarter, or simply enjoy running more, I’d love to help you reach your goals.