Peak Pursuits

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 HERE News Topics: 2027 WMTRC Selection Criteria live on AA World Sky Running Champs 18-20th Sept AUTRA EOI for State Representatives Results Domestic: 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 AUS Domestic: 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

In this episode Brodie and James sit down with Iain best to talk about his european race season including his most recent run at Sierre Zinal. The trio do a deep dive before getting an update on James own Euro adventures and Brodies very big new life adventure! James and Iain then stay on to discuss some talkin points of the week, including mid-race support systems for elites after Nienke Brinkeman was disadvantaged at Sierre Zinal, as well as the ongoing conversations about the impacts of a race as big as UTMB. We hope you enjoy! Results: Kwat Kwat Trail Run (VIC) Peaks & Trails Run (VIC) The Berry Long Run (VIC) Rainbow Beach Trail Running Festival (QLD) Scenic Rim Ultra (QLD) Federation Ultra Trail Marathon (SA) North West Trail Running Series 2 (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 James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Jess and Vlad are joined by Christie Lori to chat about the recent Mixed Team Stirling Range Ridge FKT Christie was part of. Hear about Christie's journey into running, her impressive results so far, and the wild adventure the FKT was. The team also discuss the AUTRA survey (Found here) on shaping the future of the sport and what they would love to see progress, before plenty of results from a big weekend! ***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 Christie: Instagram Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Luke Nelson is back for one of our deepest conversations yet. After the response to his first appearance on the podcast, we wanted to go beyond injury diagnosis and dive into the practical decisions that actually keep runners healthy and get them back to doing what they love. We unpack why injuries are rarely as simple as they first appear, how stress, sleep and life outside of running influence recovery, and why return-to-run programs shouldn't finish the moment you can jog for 30 minutes. Luke also shares how he approaches rebuilding trail runners, including when to reintroduce hills, technical terrain, speed work, strength training and plyometrics. Along the way we discuss the rise of AI coaching, why gait changes are often overprescribed, and the growing prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) and REDs in endurance athletes. To finish, Luke opens up about his own injury and the lessons he's taking from experiencing rehab from the athlete's perspective. In this episode we cover: • Why most running injuries are more complex than they first appear. • The role stress, sleep and life load play in pain and recovery. • How to build an effective return-to-run program. • Reintroducing hills, technical trails and speed after injury. • When running gait matters, and when it probably doesn't. • How strength training and plyometrics improve performance and resilience. • The opportunities and limitations of AI-generated training plans. • Recognising low energy availability (LEA) and RED-S. • What Luke has learned from his own rehabilitation journey. If you haven't already, we'd recommend listening to Luke's first appearance on the Pod before this episode, as the two conversations complement each other well. Listen to the first Podcast on Spotify Listen to the first Podcast on Apple ***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 Luke Nelson: Instagram | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week on the pod we have a double guest special as Jess is joined by Kate Avery and Nath Pearce. Hear how Kate's recent euro races including her win at Monte Rosa 15km went, and catch up on what Nath has been up to since UTA and his plans for the rest of the season. Also hear some listener questions answered and the usual results for the week - plenty of good chats in this one! RESULTS: Australian Outback Marathon Sydney Ultra Marathons Burralow Bush 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 Kate: Instagram Follow Nath: Instagram Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this ep Sim is joined by Brodie (the day before he is due to become a dad!) and Toby Sparkes to talk through Toby's route into the sport, his journey so far, and how is preparing for OCC this year. Hear about Toby's adventures all over the world and how he combines them with training to get the most out of himself. Then Brodie's update sparks a conversation around mindsets in the return from injury and how our relationship with the sport changes before sim details her peak training week before Europe that ended with a hitout at You Yangs half mara. Results as usual with a massive weekend o races around Aus! We hope you enjoy! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: The Guzzler Ultra Trail Running Festival (QLD) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Aranda Meander (ACT) Boyne Valley 50 (QLD) Wildhorse at Night (QLD) You Yangs Trail Running Festival (VIC) Maher's Hill Trail Run RTRS 4 (VIC) Goldfields Pipeline Marathon (WA) North West Trail Running Series 1 (TAS) ***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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Toby: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week, James sits down with your Peak Pursuits co-host Jess Jason for a deeper conversation. We know the 'high-level' Jess from the main show, but this episode goes deeper into her own story. From growing up in the track world, to moving into road marathons, to finding trail running and suddenly being selected for Australian teams, Jess talks through the moments that have shaped how she sees herself as both a runner and a person. They get into the good stuff, but also the harder parts: body image, food, stress fractures, coaching environments, sponsorship pressure, race anxiety, and the constant work of trying to keep running fun when it starts to feel heavy. It’s an open, thoughtful conversation between two people who spend a lot of time talking about the sport, but this time with Jess on the other side of the interview. At its heart, this one is about confidence, pressure, enjoyment, and why running tends to work best when you don’t let it become your whole identity. Let us know your thoughts in the comments ***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 Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode of Peak Pursuits Brodie and Jess are joined by race director Lincoln Quilliam to discuss the recent announcement of the first combined Australian Mountain and Trail Championships to be held at Kunanyi Mountain Run 2027. Being a world championships year, this announcement is huge as any athletes vying for a spot on the Australian team for Cape Town will now converge for one big weekend in Hobart, hopefully seeing some of the most competitive fields on Aussie soil across all distances. Lincoln talks through some behind the scenes of making this happen, goes through the new championship courses, and the team talk through what this means for the sport in Australia. Also covered is the awesome prize money announced for Transcend Ultra (real gold anyone?), the Hardrock 100 results, some Aussie results at Chongli Trail Race in China, and then bringing it home for the domestic results. Results: Raffertys Coastal Run (NSW) Howling Dog After Dark Trail Run (SA) Ultra Adelaide (SA) ***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 Lincoln: Instagram Follow KMR: Instagram | 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

In this episode Vlad and Sim sit down with Britt Harriden to get to know her journey into running. Achieving an incredible 3rd at this years short trail champs while conducting research for her PhD and working full time, Britt has plenty of stories to share about her unconventional training pathway into trail running that explain why her endurance is so good now! Also get an update from Vlad on why he didn't end up running GC marathon, and Sim details an adapted endurance week as she prepares for Trofeo Kima! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: The Trail Running Series Race 2: Anglesea (VIC) Mt Misery Trail Run (SA) Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Winter (NSW) Saturday Result , Sunday Results North Head Night Run (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 Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Britt: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Billy Curtis returns to the pod for a deeper conversation with James on the path that has taken him from rugby league and hiking in Tassie to becoming one of Australia’s most exciting trail runners. We talk through Billy’s early sporting background, how he found trail running almost by accident, and why he chose to learn the sport through shorter, competitive races before stepping further into the longer mountain events. Billy also opens up about his World Championships experience, the bee/wasp incident that derailed his race, and the lessons that shaped his approach to training, travel, recovery and decision-making after that. From there, we dive into his time living and racing across Europe, how he made it work on a tight budget, and the training blocks that led to his standout second place at Madeira. This is a conversation about patience, durability, low-ego racing, cheap travel, high-volume training, and finding a way to chase big goals without overcomplicating the process. ***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 Billy Curtis: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode of Peak Pursuits Jess and Brodie sit down with Mikey Dimuantes to talk through his recent move to Turkey, his races so far in Europe, and his big goals for CCC. Jess and Brodie then talk through the wild events that went down at Western States including Holly Ransons incredible 15th place, before recapping the Aussie results of the week. Results: World Masters Mountain Champs Laverado 120k : Marathon du Mont Blanc 23km Byron Rainforest Run (NSW) Newcastle Cross Country: King of the Mountain (NSW) Lofty's Revenge Ultra Marathon (SA) Wondai Country Running Festival (QLD) King of the Mountain (WA) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Ainslie Amble (ACT) ***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 Mikey: 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

In this episode of Peak Pursuits Sim, Brodie and James sit down to deep dive their current training, discussing the phase, mindsets, and sessions that they are doing right now. Then hear some WSER predictions and Broken Arrow results before we recap some awesome racing around Aus over the weekend! Results: Broken Arrow Skyrace Surf Coast Trail Marathon (VIC) Mt Baranduda Trail Run: RTRS Round 3 (VIC) Kowen Winter Trails (NSW) Kiama Coastal Classic (NSW) Freycinet Circuits Trail Run (TAS) Kunanyi Trail Series: Knockers Solstice (TAS) Curtis Island Trail Run (QLD) Snakes N Ladders (WA) ***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 Brodie: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Jess and Sime sit down with Holly Ranson to walk through her journey towards Western States which is now just two weeks away. They talk through her approach to training and racing, her incredible 3rd place finish at UTA50k in the lead up, and how Holly feels being in America preparing among some of trail running's greatest athletes. News items include a brief preview of Broken Arrow SkyRace this weekend as well as the AUTRA Uniform Sponsorship tender announced HERE. Then stay tuned for the results from the week and some updates from Jess and Sim! Results: Wild Boar Trail Run (VIC) Tower Trail Run (SA) Yandina Five ‘O’ (QLD) Four Corners Trail Run (NT) ***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 Holly: 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

In this episode, James sits down with Nigel Preston from Singletrack Events for a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build, grow, and deliver some of Australia’s biggest trail running events. Nigel shares his journey from growing up in Bendigo’s cross-country scene, to working in events and sponsorship, before helping launch Singletrack Events out of the chaos of COVID. From the early days of taking over Buffalo Stampede and Roller Coaster, through to the growth of GPT100, Hounslow, Running Wild, Wonderland and the World Trail Majors, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the business, logistics, risk, and passion behind modern trail events. James and Nigel also dive into some of the bigger questions facing the sport: whether the Australian trail calendar is becoming saturated, how we bring more young runners into trail running, why shorter distances matter, what role prize money should play, and how events can better support both elite athletes and the back of the pack. They also cover the importance of volunteers, the Singletrack Trail Team, live streaming, national championships, international athletes, and why creating a great event experience is about far more than just putting flags in the ground. A big conversation on race directing, community, growth, and the future of trail running in Australia. ***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 Nigel: Instagram | Strava Follow Singletrack: Instagram | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R