COACH BIO

My name is Harry Gripper; Coach & Founder of TGPT.

For as long as I can remember, sport has played an integral role in my life - from a childhood filled with rugby, cricket and hockey; to watching my beloved Brighton and Hove Albion play at the Home of Football; to my now-career as a full time Running Coach and Ultrarunner.

In late 2018, I went through a turbulent period of change defined by various mental health issues that rendered me unable to do or play sports that were so close to my heart. After dealing with Anorexia among other disorders, I started running in March 2019 once I was safe to do so as a means of reintroducing movement into my routine.

Since then, I have never looked back.

Running gifted me with so many things that promoted positive change - from giving me a previously-non-existent appetite, to finding a strong sense of identity and meaning, to managing ongoing battles with mental health for the period that followed. It is no exaggeration to say that running saved my life.

Fast forward 6 years, and this beautiful sport has taken me to the most amazing places, through which I have met some incredible individuals that I am grateful to know, work with and compete alongside; and ultimately given me purpose and direction that has led me to where I find myself now.

Outside of running and coaching, I spend most of my time either chilling with my Podenco, Rayo; playing the sax, and (as mentioned) fangirling over the Mighty BHAFC.