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Mark Cooper, Endurance Athlete

Mark took up running in 2007 primarily to get fit. Having been a heavy smoker for ten years, the idea was to use running as a distraction from his cravings. He entered his first race in May 2008, a 10k road race where the target was sub 1 hour and which he completed in just 55 minutes. After this, Mark fell in love with all aspects of health and fitness and in 2009 he cycled from Lands End to John O Groats with his Friend Matt Corney.

Then in 2010 Mark ran the equivalent of 50 marathon distances in 56 days from Amsterdam to Barcelona. He did so in memory of his Mum, raising over £33,000 for the charity that helped his family when she passed away. Mark ran his final marathon into Barcelona in 3 hours 06 minutes. Ever striving to push himself, he claims to this day that he could have clocked at least 2 hours 45 minutes if he hadn’t been so confused by Barcelona's busy streets.

Mark is currently training for his first full season of Ultra running with some of the UK's best coming up. The Highland Fling in April and West Highland Way Race in June 2011 will be a highlight.

In July 2011, Mark hopes to complete a 24 hour World Record Attempt to cover the most miles ever on a treadmill - 161 miles or above.

Throughout all of 2011 Mark will be wearing UK Gears PT-1000's and XC-09's as Mark said in his review that "They are the best shoe I have ever used."

As well as an endurance athlete Mark is also an accomplished speaker, inspiring companies, schools and hosting team building events up and down the country. With commendation from the ex British Prime Minister Mr Gordon Brown, MSP's, Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Gavin Brown it has been an exciting year for Mark with more to follow in the coming months and years.

To read more about Mark and his future challenges or to book him for a conference visit his website:

Mark's Website

And for regular updates and advice on his blog visit:

Mark's Blog
Mark's Twitter