Talking Trail - by Summit Gear

In this episode, Annie Hand and Rob Phillpott are joined by physiotherapist and running coach Mark Green, and the Blue Mountains Marathon Clinic's Ben Berriman to explore the factors driving the rapid improvements in trail and ultra running performance, including technology, access to data, coaching, and cultural shifts. They analyze recent record-breaking performances and the evolving landscape of endurance sports. The conversation ebbs and flows, with a lot of personal anecdotes to flavour the discussion. Enjoy!

Katinka von Elsner-Wellsteed is a name to watch in the world of trail running. Recently, she sat down with Rob Phillpott on Talking Trail to share her incredible journey from being a junior triathlon champion to embracing the rocky paths of trail running. Since her foray into trail running, Katinka has continued to push her limits, competing in multiple races and winning significant events like the Kunanyi Mountain race. She’s excited to explore more of the trail running world, which she admits she is still learning about. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back is the best way to move forward. Katinka's journey is just beginning, and it's one that many will be inspired by as she carves out her path in the world of trail running.

No, we're not recreating a hit 90's movie, Annie and Rob are catching up with a relatively new talent on the trail running scene, Jaime Black. In a short period, Jaime has moved from trail running newbie to heading over to the Big Dance, UTMB. We discuss his philosophies on training, balancing the demands of a young family with chasing running goals, nutrition, gear, the mental aspects of ultrarunning, and the advantages for him in being self-coached.

The OG Band is Back together! In this in-depth interview, we catch up with Mike Dunstan after his amazing win in the UTA100 last weekend to discuss his journey to victory, what changed for him in the last 12 months, race-day insights, and his plans for the rest of 2026 and beyond. Mike Dunstan is a super talented, yet supremely humble person, and his character shines through in this interview. It was so great for the 2 Robs to get their Mike back!

Our 2026 UTA (Ultra Trail Australia) Special!In this episode, the tables are turned as Jose Brosas takes over the Host chair and interviews Annie Hand and Rob Phillpott to talk all things UTA.Rob reminisces about the very first North Face 100, Annie and Rob reflect on how trail running has changed over the years, advice for first time trail runners, favourite and least favourite sections of the course, pre-race preparation, post-race fueling and more.

Exciting news - Annie Hand joins the Talking Trail team for 2026! In this episode, Rob Phillpott welcomes Annie to the team, and they discuss; a bit of Annie's history , her rapid rise in the trail running ranks, how getting a coach has been transformative to her performances, her plans for 2026 and beyond and we have a lot of laughs along the way.

In this episode, Rob Phillpott sits down with Running Wild NSW's President, Mel McSeveny, to discuss the events they host, Mel's running career and the return of a Blue Mountains classic race - exciting news! Rob also catches up with Andrea Comastri to recap his epic run - the Long Run To Inclusion - from Mt Victoria to Canberra, raising funds and awareness for Hotel Etico's life changing program promoting awareness about disability and employment.To donate to or learn more about Hotel Etico, go to https://hoteletico.gofundraise.com.au/Running Wild NSW events can be found at https://www.runningwildnsw.com/

In this episode, Rob Phillpott catches up with a handful of Six Foot Track Marathon debutantes - Dane Briggs, Luke Newcombe, Geoff Johnston-Hall and Kate Klein - to discuss their experience of race day. Rob also chats with second placegetter Annie Hand about her race and training prior to race day.

At Talking Trail, we always do a Six Foot special, and this year we're treated to the perspectives of five runners taking on the Six Foot Track race for the first time. Rob Phillpott sits down with Ash Bartlett, Dane Briggs, Luke Newcombe, Geoff Johnston-Hall and Kate Klein, to discuss: why they entered, their training build-up, and strategies for race day.

In this first episode for 2026, Rob sits down with Andrea Comastri, CEO of Hotel Etico to discuss the upcoming Long Run To Inclusion.Join the event here: https://hoteletico.com.au/about-us/long-run-to-inclusion-2026/Apologies for the cacophony of white cockatoos who turned up for the interview.

In the final episode of 2025 we recap the Grampians marathon before going deep with Blue Mountain's legend Lou Clifton, who is not slowing down with her amazing year 3 Epic Milers of 2025.

In this episode of Talking Trail, we go deep with UltraTrail Kosciuszko 100 and Hounslow Classic Marathon winner and Blue Mountains trail running coach - Quinton Gil, who shares his philosophies and insight onwhat matters most in the sport of trail running. We also catch up with Lonely Mountain Ultra race director Scott Hazelton following a successful 2025 event.

Episode 14 we do a wrap up of the recent Hounslow Classic and Six Foot Track Marathon Events. We then go though all the details and winning strategies of Mike Carroll and Stephanie Austin, the 2025 Six Foot Track Marathon winners

This is our first live event - run at Tempus Katoomba we are covering the Firies Stair Climb for MND - why we do it and the impact it has on peoples lives. After this we attempt a live cross to Mike Dunstan in Chamonix as he shares his emotions and plans before he sets out on his UTMB Lap

We have a whole lot of new gels and high carb drinks now at Summit Gear so we thought it would be a great idea to give you an overview of them and how they taste. We also have a great chat with Scott Hazelton - The Lonely Mountain Ultra Race director and find out what is new for 2025!

This episode Rob gets more help from his Fellowship of the Ring for his massive upcoming challenge. This fellowship this time includes Phil Smith of Birdwood Podiatry and Jason Wheeler from First Choice Physiotherapy. Plus we discuss the Firies Stair Climb for MND, Running Wild's Saints and Sinners and much more

In Episode 10 We recap the Burralow Bush Run, and Rob gathers his team for His "Fellowship of the Ring" challenge - Stair Climb 24hrs , Six Foot track marathon and the Lonely Mountain Miler - all in 5 weeks. In this episode Rob visits Lewis Squadrito from Lab Fit (https://www.lspt.com.au/) and Katie Rainbird (https://www.instagram.com/nutr.ev.day/) - nutrition expert to get the best advice possible for this epic challenge!

In part 2 of the UTA 2025 series, the Talking Trails team continues our great stories - this time from local legends Tom Payton (first miler) and Emily Brunt (3rd at UTA 100K) on their race experiences.

In this episode the Talking Trail team recap their UTA performances before diving into some great stories from local legends Annie Mackie and Rhett Gibson on their UTA experience for 2025.

This episode the two Rob's and Sara share their top race day tips and tricks to give yourself the best chance for your UTA race. The tips and tricks are suitable from the 22km event, all the way to the miler.