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‘I’m in awe of my body’ – ultra runner wont let breastfeeding force her to choose between trails and motherhood

Nia Cooper, 37, takes first place at Sai Kung 50 despite ‘hard work’ of having to juggle caring for nine-month-old daughter with race preparations

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Nia Cooper crossing the finish line of the Sai Kung 50 2018. Photos: Action Asia

Nia Cooper is on a mission to show that a baby is not a barrier to pushing yourself, and it is not a choice between motherhood and living your life.

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The workload of having a nine-month-old daughter is not insurmountable for the 37-year-old, as she won the MSIG Sai Kung 50 in 7 hours and 29 minutes.

As soon as she crossed the line she expressed breast milk.
Nia Cooper greets her daughter after finishing first in the Sai Kung 50.
Nia Cooper greets her daughter after finishing first in the Sai Kung 50.

“I want to show women they can still do what they want,” she said. “I juggle a lot, and it’s hard work, but I do it.”

Cooper, from Wales but living in Hong Kong, said she spends time with her daughter and still makes room for work and trail running.

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In fact, she came second in the North Face 50 and pumped mid race at check point three.

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