Brian Stopher - Coach
Experience and Qualifications
BEd. (HONS) Secondary PE Teaching degree with QTS
19 years experience in PE and Sports Coaching
30 years experience in distance running
UK Athletics-Qualified LiRF and CiRF
UK Athletics Safeguarding & First Aid
Coached Events
Below is a list of some of the events Brian has successfully coached athletes for;
Marathons
London Marathon
Brighton Marathon
Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon
Eton Dorney Marathon
Richmond Marathon
Manchester Marathon
Chester Marathon
Berlin Marathon
Valencia Marathon
International Events
English Schools XC Cup
GB Trials XC
British National XC
2022 European Biathle Championships (Bronze)
2023 World Championships Laser Run and Biathle
1/2 Marathons
The Big Half, London
Fleet 1/2 Marathon
Farnborough Winter 1/2 Marathon
Dorney Lake 1/2 Marathon
Oxford 1/2 Marathon
Colchester 1/2 Marathon
Hampton Court Palace 1/2 Marathon
Sheffield 1/2 Marathon
Windsor 1/2 Marathon
Surrey 1/2 Marathon
Other events
Maverick Trail Series
Vitality 10000, London
Fleet 10K
Yateley 10K Series
Great South Run
Hull 10K
Stubbington 10K
Race To Remember (36km)
​Coaching Philosophy
I love running. There I've said it. The sport courses through my body and has been a major part of my life, whether it be performance, physical benefits, lifelong friendships or more recently for mental health. From my early years as a junior, to coaching my first group of athletes, as well as teaching and developing schools teams to National success, I have never lost focus on what is important. Enjoyment, desire, effort and determination are elements I pass on or develop within my coaching groups.
I have been coaching for many years but more recently as founder and owner of PB Coach before joining forces with Andy and creating Destination RUN Coaching. PB Coach allowed us to create the building blocks for Destination RUN Coaching which we both feel can offer more to you as an athlete and develop all aspects of your training to a greater extent.
​
Community in an individual sport is really important to me and that is a key philosophy of my coaching and our business. Support and encouragement for each other is something I actively promote within our community, whether it would be pacing for a race, sharing ideas and strategies or simply providing social events. Developing that team mindset in an individual sport is what is crucial for success.
​
Running has many advantages for each person and those that are new to running should feel comfortable in their surroundings. I really enjoy getting to know what makes runners tick and helping them achieve beyond their goals. At Destination RUN you will always feel supported and that is what we put at the heart of our coaching.
​
Come and see what we are about and hopefully that passion will rub off on you too.
​
My Running Background
Like many other runners my journey started at secondary school. A passionate and inspirational PE teacher guided me on a path that quickly led to individual and team success at school level and later at National and International level through Aldershot, Farnham and District AC.
​
For me the social aspect was huge and being around like minded people and making lifelong friends was the difference. Our work ethic, competitiveness and determination brought success as a team at County, Regional and National level. Selection for 7 English Schools Championships, the GB National Team and becoming a British Record Holder cemented my passion and thirst for personal development and also helping and inspiring the younger athletes at the club.
​
Through the age groups we gained success on all surfaces and PB's came thick and fast. Further National titles and a few International trips to Belgium and France fuelled my passion for this amazing sport. As I progressed through my career in teaching and the effects of a full time job took their toll I felt a progression through the distances was needed and I dabbled with training and the longer events before my coaching started taking over.
​
Lifetime PB's
800m: 1:51
1500m/Mile: 3:52/4.11
5K: 14:40
10K: 30:30
10 miles: 54:30
1/2 Marathon: 1:15
Marathon - 2:55
​​