Scroll down for the info to win a subscription to the run coaching app Coopah.
Pete joins me and picks back up from his previous episode before Gareth takes it from there. We chat about his background at Strava and why he is excited for the opportunity at Coopah. These guys are both so excited and knowledgable about the running industry, we could have talked for days. Enjoy!
Here’s a summary:
Coopah's Beginnings:
Pete Cooper started the run coaching app, Coopah, to solve for a lack of personalized and engaging run training. He noticed people needed more accountability than just entering events.
Early on they tried to get businesses to pay for run clubs and the app, but found organic B2C growth was strongest.
Key Growth Factors:
A pivotal moment was Pete's connection with Gareth Nettleton, a marketing expert with a background at Strava. Gareth's validation and expertise were instrumental.
Word-of-mouth and organic growth were crucial.
The ability to provide personalized training and make running more enjoyable through gamification and varied workouts resonated with users.
The focus on community and the "medicine of running" created a strong brand connection.
Strategic Partnerships:
Partnerships with event organizers, like the London Marathon, and charities have been highly successful.
Charities found that runners using Coopah raised 16% more funds, demonstrating the app's ability to increase confidence and commitment.
Coopah helps event organizers improve the participant experience.
Key Insights:
The distinction between a "feature" and a "product" is crucial. Coopah proved to be a valuable stand-alone product.
The app addresses the need for structured training beyond simply running races to make running a habit.
The mental health benefit of running is a key element of the Coopah brand.
Challenges:
Early on, when Pete was featured on the BBC, the app was a minimum viable product, and they were caught off guard by the large influx of users.
Creating a subscription based product, in a very specific niche.
PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a one year subscription to Coopah and a pair of the new Hoka Bondi 9. To enter, subscribe to MoB and comment COOPAH on Substack or on Instagram before the end of March 2025. The giveaway is open from the time this post drops until Monday 3/31 at 11:59pm MST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through DMs on Tuesday April 1. Please have your Substack and Instagram DMs open! No purchase necessary.
Guest Pace is a new series on MoB that explores a brand, business or topic in the running industry with a special guest.
This post is a paid partnership with Coopah.
Learn more about Coopah at coopah.com
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