Advertise on podcast: Peak Pursuits

In this episode Brodie, James, and Jess sit down to recap Jess' course record run at Roller Coaster 46km over the weekend, as well as all the other results from the weekend! Plenty else going on to talk through too including Aus performing brilliantly and the backyard ultra team champs, Moab 240 being cancelled mid-race, and Innsbruck Alpine Trail being added to World Trail Majors.  We hope you enjoy! Results: Blackall100 (QLD) Roller Coaster Trail Run (VIC) GC50 (last week)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

James and Brodie are joined by guest host Sophie Broome to preview this weekend’s Roller Coaster Run in the Dandenongs. With Sophie returning to the 23km start line, we break down the course, the key climbs and the men’s and women’s fields across the 23km and 46km races. Can Mike Carroll and Kate Avery lower their own course records? We discuss the stacked young men’s 23km field, the final climb that could decide the podiums, and the athletes using Roller Coaster to prepare for the Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships. Plus, why hasn’t this race grown bigger given its location, trails and atmosphere? ***Don’t forget, use code PPP at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Sophie Broome: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week Sim and Vlad sit down with Toby right after he has completed this years Inward Bound 100km to chat through that adventure and how he is now shifting into the build towards APTRC. Her about Toby's year so far, what Inward Bound entails, and how Toby will prepare to race with the awesome Junior team we have headed to China in November! You will then hear a brief update from Vlad before we get into some chats about the growth of the junior side of the sport and answer your questions about preparing for 100km and some of the Melb Mara chatter. Also don't  forget 2027 Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships athlete support applications close 18 October. Finally plenty of results to get to before we launch into a post show patreon bonus, talking about how to prepare your legs for downhills and what the few weeks after a big race should look like for training if you want access join us on Patreon HERE .  We hope you enjoy! Results: Mount Bold Trail Run / SA Trail Championships (SA) Hume + Hovell Ultra (NSW): Sydney Trail Spring Series 2: St Ives (NSW) Budj Bim Lava Blast (VIC) SEQ Trail Series Round 1: Enoggera Reservoir (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Toby: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode sim and James sit down with Lara Hamilton after she surprised everyone to not just complete but also win the Ultra Trail Sud Pyrenees 120k, her longest race by 70km! Hear about her decision making behind doing the event and how Lara mentally and physically tackled going further than she had ever gone before. Then hear an update from James about some recent back challenges before Sim details her next big adventure at a last one standing event! Results Barkin Mad Ultra (VIC) Beechworth Beer Run (VIC) Macedon Trail Run (VIC) Sydney Trail Marathon (NSW)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Lara: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Jess and Brodie sit down with Kellie Angel to talk through her recent races, her impressive longevity in the sport, and what it means to be competing in her 8th Australian team as Co-Captain. Hear about Kel's recent coaching change, how her year has been so far, and what her prep for APTRC will look like.  In news the crew discuss the athlete support and state team competitions announced for the Aus champs at KMR 2027, as well as changes to the UTMB Age Group Qualifying structure ad some insane prize money at Run Rabbit Run in USA.  Finally listen in for the speedsters of the week at our domestic events - we hope you enjoy! Results Kunanyi Trail Series: Ridgy Didge (TAS) Lamington Classic (QLD) Lonely Mountain Ultra (NSW)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Kellie: Instagram  Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week, James welcomes Shane Johnstone back to the podcast to chat about the story behind Transcend and what goes into building a trail event in WA’s Avon Valley. After joining this year’s live broadcast, James wanted to hear more about why Shane and his business partner Mitch do things the way they do. From experiences racing overseas to finding a way through the valley, Shane shares how Transcend came about and the details they’ve put into making it special for everyone in the field. We get into the realities of running an independent event, why they keep investing in live coverage, and how much thought goes into everything from aid station food to the finish village. There’s also plenty on growing the WA trail scene, attracting competitive fields, and giving East Coast runners a reason to head west. If you’ve ever wondered where your entry fee goes, or what makes a race worth coming back to, there’s plenty in this one. Find out more about Transcend: https://transcendtrails.com/ ***Don’t forget, use code PPP at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Shane Johnstone: Instagram | Transcend Website Follow Peak Pursuits: Instagram Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

We hope you enjoy this ep as Brodie and Sim sit down with Billy Curtis after his recent races at Transcend Ultra and Vietnam Mountain Marathon 50km to hear what he has been up to. Billy details the change in pace as he switched into full time work mode and the training changes he made around that, his strategies going in to each race, and what is coming up both on the trails and off. Then we cover the exciting news of the Aus team being announced for APTRC! We will be sending a super strong team to China in November and we couldn't be more excited to follow along. It has also been a rough month in the trail running community as we mourn the losses of both Kalie McCrystal and Ida Amalie Robsham. A sad reminder that the mountains that give us so much joy and life have also taken a lot of beautiful souls along the way. Our thoughts with their families, friends, teammates and anyone who knew them. Keep listening for a listener questions about the supplements we use, before Brodie covers the results from the week! Results:Run Upper Murray (VIC)Pilliga Ultra (NSW)Duval Dam Buster Trail Run (NSW)The Great North Walk Trail Running Festival (NSW)Labilladiere Peninsula Trail Run (TAS)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Billy: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode brought to you by ASICS, Sim, Vlad and Jess are all back in Aus and sit down to recap where they are at. Hear about Vlad's last VK race in Europe, Jess' weekend at Hownslow and trip to Perth, and Sim's Trofeo Kima and Euro trip recap.  The team then discuss an interview with the Mayor of Chamonix about the sustainability of UTMB in it's current format, and talk through Salomon's move into triathlon as the major global partner of Ironman.  Then hear a review of the new ASICS MetaFuji 2 before we dive into results from the weekend - particularly at Hownslow where Julia Anderson set a 13minute course record! Domestic: Hounslow (NSW) Surf Coast Century (VIC) Sydney Trail Spring Series 1: St Ives (NSW) Mighty Jarrah Trail Run (WA)Join us on Patreon HERE ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Ben Burgess returns to the podcast nearly a year after producing the biggest performance of his career at the World Championships. But what came next wasn’t straightforward. Ben talks openly about the pressure and attention that followed Worlds, losing some of the drive that had taken him there, and the challenge of rebuilding his fitness and confidence while adjusting to life as a sponsored athlete with NNormal. We get into his difficult day at UTA, learning to trust a lower-volume approach with a new coach, the missed opportunity to join the NNormal team in Mallorca, and why choosing races that genuinely excite him matters more than chasing the biggest start lines. We then break down his win at the Transcend 40K, the emotional rollercoaster of the race, and the relief of finally feeling like he might be finding his way back. Ben also shares what’s next, including Five Peaks in South Korea, Old Ghost 80K and his growing interest in FKTs and bigger mountain adventures. ***Don’t forget, use code PPP at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Ben Burgess: Instagram | Strava Follow Peak Pursuits: Instagram Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this Episode Brodie and Jess are joined by Sophie Linn to get to know Sophie and recap OCC. Hear about Sophie's transition from elite triathlon to trail, her approach to training and racing, and how both Sophie's and Jess' races went.In news topics the crew discuss the release of the 2027 WMTRC criteria on AA, and touch on the upcoming World SkyRunning champs. Then listen in to some awesome results around the global and domestically - with even more to come next weekend at Hownslow!Join us on Patreon for ad-free early releases and bonus episodes HERENews Topics: 2027 WMTRC Selection Criteria live on AA World Sky Running Champs 18-20th Sept AUTRA EOI for State RepresentativesResultsDomestic: Coastal Classic (NSW) Running Works 3 Valleys Marathon (WA) Cleland Trail Run (SA) Trail Run Epic (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Sophie: Instagram  Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

James and Brodie are back to preview the Hounslow 17km and Marathon, and there’s plenty to get excited about as racing ramps up in the Blue Mountains. The men’s 17km has us questioning whether this is one of the strongest short-distance fields we’ve seen this year, while Bridget Lunn returns with a chance to go one better. In the marathon, can Julia Anderson turn two second places into a win, and how will the battle between Mike Carroll and Piotr Babis play out? We get into the contenders, local favourites and a few names who could surprise, alongside the technical descents, big climbs and potentially horrible 5km battle to the finish. Plus, which course records could be under threat, how everyone’s winter training is shaping up, and our usual attempts to make predictions without putting our foot in it. Who have you got taking the wins? Let us know in the comments. https://www.hounslowclassic.com.au/ ***Don’t forget, use code PPP at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

What a week! In this episode James and Vlad sit down with Matt Dunn to get to know more about Matt first before diving into all things UTMB, including Matt's own 22:39i:26 run. With many other great aussie performances and some crazy tight racing there is plenty to chat about! Join us on Patreon for ad-free early releases and bonus shows  HERE RESULTS: International: UTMB AUS CCC AUS OCC AUS ETC AUSDomestic: Wonderland Trail Run (VIC) Coastal High (WLD) Trail Blaze (WA) North West Round 3 (TAS) Great White Ultra (TAS) Capital to Coast (NSW)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Matt: Instagram  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Brodie and Vlad are joined by Charlie Hamilton after his win over the weekend at Transcend Ultra. They chat through his year so far including Tarawera, Buffalo Stampede, Maxi Race, and Monte Rosa befire diving into his battle with Billy Curtis at Transcend.  The crew then dive into UTMB week, as the races have already begun with Milly and Charlie Young out amongst the front runners at PTL! Hear their thoughts on the fields, the last minute drop outs, and what it is like on the ground from Vlad.  Plenty of other domestic results to talk through to finish - we hope you enjoy! Results: Transcend Trails Run Your Outback Trail Festival Fed Hill Trail Run ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Charlie: Instagram  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode brought to you by ASICS, James is joined by Sim to talk to Holly Ranson about all things Western States; from her eye troubles during, recovery afterwards, and answering a listener question about pacers. We also get top hear about Holly's plans for Coast to Kosci this year and her approach to it, which includes a huge backup from winning Baradorf 125km over the weekend to tackling Transcend 65km this coming weekend! Sim then gives a brief update as she approaches Trofeo Kima this weekend (apologies for the Italian mountain internet/less than ideal audio though!) before James and Holly dive into news items of the week ranging from race cancellatiuons due to event clashes in Queensland to the release of the UTMB week elite lists - an exciting couple of weeks ahead for sure! Finally plenty of results to be excited about - we hope you enjoy this one! *Note - there is a brief section at the very start of poor audio from Holly, it gets better quickly so bear with us, and apologies for the late drop this week! Results: Run Larapinta Stage Race (NT) The Barodorf (SA) Surf Coast Wonderfalls Trail Run (VIC) Devilbend Trail Run (VIC) Glenbrook Trail Marathon (NSW) Yarrabilba Trail Fest (QLD)Episode brought to you by ASICS, check out more at www.asics.com/au/en-au/ ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Holly: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

For the first time, we’re heading west for our full preview of the 2026 Transcend Ultra. James and Brodie break down the deceptively tough 65km course, from its short, punchy climbs and rough footing to the relentless sawtooth section that could decide the race late. In the women’s field, Holly Ranson, Anna McKenna, Kellie Angel and local favourite Christie Lori shape up for a fascinating battle. On the men’s side, Charlie Hamilton returns to race on Australian soil, Billy Curtis arrives in career-best form, and local legends could show just how strong the Western Australian trail scene really is. We also look at the leading contenders in the 40km race, discuss Transcend’s investment in live coverage and prize money, and explore why this event could become an increasingly important part of the Australian racing calendar. Let us know your picks for the men’s and women’s podiums. https://transcendtrails.com/the-courses ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R