From First Ultra to Team GB | Meryl Cooper

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Meryl Cooper, who has represented Britain on the international ultra stage.

Hailing from Aberdeenshire, Meryl shares her journey from a background in football to discovering trail and ultra running in 2017, and how quickly the sport became a defining part of her life. We explore her progression from early races to earning selection for Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and what it’s really like stepping onto the international stage in mountain and trail running.

Meryl reflects on racing at home and abroad, adapting to different terrains and conditions, and the lessons she’s learned through both strong performances and tougher race days. She talks openly about the mental and physical demands of ultra running, how her approach to racing has evolved over time, and what keeps her motivated to take on long, mountainous challenges.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in Aberdeenshire and early involvement in sport
• Moving from football into trail and ultra running
• Discovering ultras in 2017 and progressing through the sport
• Being selected to represent Great Britain internationally
• Racing abroad and adapting to different courses and conditions
• The physical and mental challenges of long-distance trail racing
• Learning from both successful races and difficult days
• How her mindset and racing approach have evolved
• What continues to motivate her in trail and ultra running

About Meryl Cooper

• British Ultra-Trail Champion (2021)
• Represented Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the World Trail Running Championships (2019)
• Represented GB at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships (2022, 2023)
• Competed at the European Off-Road Running Championships (2024)
• Winner of the Swiss Alps 100k (2025)

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Follow Meryl 

Website

Photo credit: Stuart Ross Media