A man has revealed how running ‘saved his life’ after the grief of tragically losing his mother – prompting him to start a coaching app, Coopah, that is now helping more than 10,000 people train for this year’s TCS London Marathon.

Pete Cooper, 33, spiraled into depression after his mum Marilyn passed away in 2016, which he ‘didn’t handle well at all’.

‘My mother was my running inspiration,’ he told FEMAIL, remarking on her impressive feats, including earning a Six Star Medal – awarded to those who take part in all original six Major Marathons; Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

‘I saw through her just how incredible running can be… when I was a kid I thought, “this is like being a professional footballer!”‘

In 2015, Pete and Marilyn ran their first Marathon together – but tragically, it would be his mother’s last.

The founder of the running app recalled the difficult period in which Marilyn was on intensive care for two weeks, and the last promise he made to her.

‘I said, “I’m going to finish your bucket list…  and I’m going to train properly”.’

However, Pete found it difficult to handle the loss of his mother – and his mental health was at a severe low.

Pete Cooper, 33, spiraled into depression after his mum Marilyn passed away in 2016, which he 'didn't handle well at all'. Pictured last year at the Boston Marathon

Pete Cooper, 33, spiraled into depression after his mum Marilyn passed away in 2016, which he ‘didn’t handle well at all’. Pictured last year at the Boston Marathon

A man has revealed how running 'saved his life' after the grief of tragically losing his mother - prompting him to start a coaching app, Coopah, that is now helping more than 10,000 people train for this year's TCS London Marathon. Pete and his mother pictured in Berlin in 2015

A man has revealed how running ‘saved his life’ after the grief of tragically losing his mother – prompting him to start a coaching app, Coopah, that is now helping more than 10,000 people train for this year’s TCS London Marathon. Pete and his mother pictured in Berlin in 2015

‘At one point I was dealing with suicidal thoughts,’ he admitted, recalling the dark place he found himself in.

It wasn’t until 2018 that he felt able to bring himself back into the running shoes – and  it was the transformational wake-up call he needed.

‘I felt connected to my mum,’ he admitted. ‘It made me feel alive.’

But he ran into a hurdle as he struggled to maintain consistency in his journey, explaining that while there is now a plethora of run clubs, ‘no one was really running’ in the same way seven years ago.

‘Traditional running clubs felt like a closed shop,’ he added. 

While there were PDF plans which he was able to get from local sports organisations, Pete felt that ‘there must be a way we can do better than this’. 

In 2015, Pete and Marilyn ran their first Marathon together - but tragically, it would be his mother's last

In 2015, Pete and Marilyn ran their first Marathon together – but tragically, it would be his mother’s last

Hence – the idea of Coopah came about, as Pete endeavoured to set up, more than anything, a ‘habit building app’.

Since it launched in 2021 – after Pete initially starting a mental health run club in 2019 – Brits are turning to Coopah for its bespoke, dynamic and flexible training plans that support real runners with real lives.

For as little as £1.54 per week, runners receive a fully personalised plan, in-app coaching support, and injury-preventing strength and mobility sessions. Pete also stressed the importance of the app acting as a ‘mental health ally’

‘When I had a run club on Wednesdays, what I found is that people would run on the Wednesday but not do anything on the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday,’ Pete continued.

‘I think it’s because there’s partially a social element there, people join run clubs to meet people… Running with people can help, but it doesn’t help everyone. And it doesn’t matter what you’re into, it can still feel intimidating.

‘Coopah offers a chance to help build that stability.’ 

He added: ”Running gave me purpose when I needed it most… I wanted to create something that could do the same for others – something my Mum would be proud of.’

The app founder explained that it was his morning runs that helped ‘made him better’ when he was at his lowest.

Marilyn running in Boston Pete achieving his six star medal

The founder of the running app recalled the difficult period in which Marilyn was on intensive care for two weeks, and the last promise he made to her 

‘I travelled a lot for work and because of running, I was in bed by 10pm to make sure I get my 6am run in. 

‘I was in at 8am meetings, not feeling hungover… you can really improve your lifestyle. I anted to run faster, I wanted to become better.’  

And he did indeed.

Last year, Pete completed his mother’s ‘bucket list’ as he himself became a six-star finisher. 

In an emotional Instagram post last year, he penned: ‘2024 you’ve been one I’ll never forget both on and off the pitch.

‘This was the year where I’ve learnt the most about myself. I’ve had to go through some pretty tough times to get there but the outcome has been beautiful. Highlights include:

‘1) Becoming a six star medal finisher – finally! There was a point I thought I’d never get to complete my Mums bucket list

‘2) Running for myself and getting PBs in every distance attempted.

London Marathon Events - owner of the TCS London Marathon - invested into Coopah in 2023 and that allowed Coopah to expand its footprint

London Marathon Events – owner of the TCS London Marathon – invested into Coopah in 2023 and that allowed Coopah to expand its footprint

‘3) Having the ability to offer some unreal experiences for others including the @refugeerunclub

‘4) Learning to say no which has led me to achieving more

‘5) Revisiting where we left my Mums ashes. Can’t wait to return for a trail run!

‘6) Watching thousands of people make running a habit thanks to @coopahruncoach

‘7) Seeing Coopah transform and genuinely help change people’s lives

‘Thanks to everyone who has made this the year it has been!’

In another series of photos, dedicated to his late mother, Pete penned a heartfelt tribute to his ‘running inspiration’.

‘Whether she heard it or not, I’ll never know but one thing I know for sure is that she was with me every step of the way,’ he wrote.

‘The journey hasn’t been easy at all, it comes with stumbling blocks but I know it’s made me a stronger person.’

Pete wants Coopah to help others achieve through running what he has been able to get – which is to make running a habit, which he says can make you a better person as it helps you ‘believe in yourself’.

‘The app isn’t just about getting faster but about bringing together the medicine of running,’ he said. ‘It’s to help with consistency.’

London Marathon Events – owner of the TCS London Marathon – invested into Coopah in 2023 and that allowed Coopah to expand its footprint.

The app now provides training plans to some 60 charities who have runners fundraising and training for the TCS London Marathon later this month including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Pancreatic Cancer UK and Samaritans.

And Pete is not stopping at London – Coopah is now rapidly expanding to the US and other major running markets around the globe. 

The website reads: ‘When 74 people turned up to Coopah’s first social run, Pete knew he wasn’t alone.

‘In 2020 Pete, Dan and Paul joined forces to inspire more runners who could be transformed by the physical and mental health benefits the sport can give.

‘Coopah’s virtual run coach app was built to help runners easily access the right training for them and find a community to engage with.’

‘For anyone that wants to start their running journey – I just suggest to start small,’ the founder advised.

‘Wanting to run doesn’t mean running a marathon straight away. Maybe put on your runner’s shoes and go for a walk. 

‘Or maybe just try and run every Monday and Wednesday. It’s all about building that.’



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