Meet Karly

My specialty: Helping hybrid athletes balance strength and running without burnout

With an academic background in Health Science and certifications as a RRCA certified run coach and NASM certified personal trainer, I specialize in helping runners combine strength work with running to improve performance and stay injury-free. As a Boston-qualified marathoner, I am passionate about helping runners build consistency, develop sustainable training habits, and reach their performance and PR goals.

Through individualized training plans and open, supportive communication, I’m here to help you run stronger, smarter, and with confidence.

In 2023, I helped launch our targeted strength program designed specifically for runners—focusing on mobility, stability, and power to support performance.

RRCA Certified Running Coach, Karly Vopelak

Join our team and work with me!

Located in Chicago, IL

What Karly’s Athletes Are Saying:

  • "After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and feeling stagnant and overworked tackling marathon after marathon, I signed up to start working with Coach Karly in December 2023. Rather than constantly feeling like I was teetering on the edge of overtraining and planning my life around running, Karly has helped me to respect my body and my time while still exploring faster and faster limits! This spring, I’ve been able to take down years-old PRs in the 10K and half marathon, and I know it’s been through the consistent and steady building she’s planned for me."

    Julia

  • "Coach Karly has truly changed my life! She came up with a plan to slowly ease me back into running after a multi-year hiatus. As a working mom of a toddler, I love that I can just log into Final Surge and see what workout I have for the day. Zero planning involved on my end with full transparency and accountability."

    Eliza

  • “She has done an amazing job of creating a training schedule that makes me feel strong and prepared for races, but flexible enough for me to enjoy life. The community Team Sugar Runs has built is super encouraging and fun to be a part of. 10/10 recommend working with Team Sugar Runs to improve your running!”

    Rachel