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 [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Billy Curtis: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/billlycurtiss/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/65282012]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Billy Curtis | The Long Game, Racing Europe on a Budget, and a Madeira Breakthrough

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  [https://results2.onlinesystem.cz/ResultsDetail/Index/?id=3469]
 * Laverado 120k [https://live.utmb.world/lavaredo/2026]:
 * Marathon du Mont Blanc 23km [https://mbm.v3.livetrail.net/en/2026/races/23km]
 * Byron Rainforest Run [https://my.raceresult.com/379299/] (NSW)
 * Newcastle Cross Country: King of the Mountain [https://www.newcastlecrosscountry.org.au/king-of-the-mountain.html] (NSW)
 * Lofty's Revenge Ultra Marathon [https://my.raceresult.com/407678/] (SA)
 * Wondai Country Running Festival [https://racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=7&RId=20403&EId=7&dt=2&top=3] (QLD)
 * King of the Mountain [https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/1825/results] (WA)
 * Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Ainslie Amble [https://au.srichinmoyraces.org/node/9297/previous-results/2026#node-138207] (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 [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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  [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_dimuantes/?hl=en]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R



Big Goals, Moving Countries, and Western States Recap Feat. Mikey Dimuantes | Episode 116

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 [https://my.raceresult.com/401802/live]
 * Surf Coast Trail Marathon [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30080&EId=1&dt=2&top=10] (VIC)
 * Mt Baranduda Trail Run: [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r639/] RTRS Round 3 (VIC)
 * Kowen Winter Trails [https://my.raceresult.com/406090/#0_AC95F7] (NSW)
 * Kiama Coastal Classic [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/kiama-coastal-classic-2026] (NSW)
 * Freycinet Circuits Trail Run [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=437194&topn=3] (TAS)
 * Kunanyi Trail Series: Knockers Solstice [https://barefootsport.bbtiming.com/event/1643/leaderboard?round=5405&gender=M] (TAS)
 * Curtis Island Trail Run [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=437104&topn=3] (QLD)
 * Snakes N Ladders [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=437222] (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 [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Endurance vs Speed Training and WSER Predictions | Episode 115

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 [https://trailsplus.com.au/WB2026/] (VIC)
 * Tower Trail Run [https://eventstrategies.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=90&RId=658&EId=15&dt=2] (SA)
 * Yandina Five ‘O’ [https://results.sportseventservices.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16287&RId=6555&EId=1&dt=2&top=3] (QLD)
 * Four Corners Trail Run [https://my.raceresult.com/405864/#0_73F3B8] (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 [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/hollyrranson/?hl=en] | https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vladStrava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/504016]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

The Trail to Western States with Holly Ranson | Episode 114

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 [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Nigel: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nige_presto/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/1080178]

Follow Singletrack: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/singletrack_events/] | Website [https://www.singletrack.com.au/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Nigel Preston | The Singletrack Events Story, Behind the Event Curtain, and the Future of Australian Trail Running

This week on Peak Pursuits, Vlad and Jess are joined by WA trail runner Ben for a big episode covering training updates, national champs news, European racing, and what is happening in the West.

We chat through AUTRA’s announcement of the EOI for the 2027 National Championships, with trail, long course, mountain running and 100-mile racing all potentially coming together for the first time in one all-distance event. We also unpack the European Off-Road Running Championships in Slovenia, including wins from Frédéric Tranchand, Judith Wyder, Hanna Gröber and Jan Torrella.

Ben gives us a look into the WA trail scene: the rising stars, must-do events, best training spots and what the broader trail running community might be missing from the West.

We also cover recent results from Biwako Valley Skyrun, Run Forrest, Red Hill Ramble, Unbreakable, Cape2Cape and more, plus a look ahead to upcoming races around the country.

In our Patreon-only show, Ben answers a listener question from Jeremy Rankin on how to approach steep fire trail climbs on race day, when hiking becomes more efficient, and how mid-packers can learn to make those decisions in training and racing.

***Don’t forget, use code PPP at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au 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 your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Episode 113: Spearfishing, Pilates & WA Trail Running with Ben

In this episode brought to you by Erniold, Brodie and James sit down with Bridget Lunn to cover her amazing 2026 season so far, including representing Australia at the World University Cross Country Championships, 2nd at Buffalo 20km and 1st at the recent UTA 22!

The group then discuss a recent instagram post from Ruth Croft, diving into the topic of junior/youth participation in ultras, before Brodie and James review the Erniold Melbourne Trail Tee. We finish by covering results from across Australia and the Oceania athletes in action at the Maxi Race in France.

Results:
Charlie Hamilton racing Maxxi Race in France [https://live.sportips.fr/race/MAXIRACE26/live_podiums]
Rapid Ascent Trail Series Rd 1: Blackwood [https://results.tomatotiming.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30059&EId=1&dt=2](VIC)
Myponga Loop [https://eventstrategies.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=90&RId=652&EId=7&dt=2] (SA)
Jolly Jumbuck Trail Run [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=434219&topn=3] (WA)
Off The Beaten Track Series Rd 3: Eungella - Rainforest Run [https://my.raceresult.com/370816/results] (QLD)
In The Raw Trail Run [https://results.sportseventservices.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16287&RId=6553] (QLD)
Dead Cow Gully BYU [https://www.facebook.com/deadcowgully/] (QLD)



Introducing the 'MELBOURNE Trail Tee'
Key features; Anti-piling technical fabric, an oversize-cropped fit, made in Melbourne.
As a Melbourne-born brand, producing this garment locally is core to who they are. Supporting local makers and keeping production close to home is part of what makes this range so meaningful. Developed for all runners, the Melbourne range combines premium technical fabrics with functional detailing to elevate the running experience. Explore more at http://erniold.com/

Join us on Patreon HERE [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

***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 [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/pros/11802929] | Website [https://ascendruncoaching.com/]

Follow Bridget Lunn: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bridget_lunn/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/52259588]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

UTA 22 Recap with Bridget Lunn, Junior/Youth Participation in Ultras and Erniold Melbourne Trail Tee Review | Episode 112

In this episode Sim and Vlad sit down with Beth McKenzie fresh off her second pace at UTA 100 to hear how her last 12 months have been and a recap of how the race went down. Beth also answers a question about balancing training and family, before Vlad gives a brief rundown of his 50k race and poses the question of whether the elite field should be allowed external support. 

Keep listening for news about Wonderland Trail Run, results from Aus and around the globe, and what's coming up this weekend. 

Results:

Magnetic Island Two Bays Trail Run [https://www.instagram.com/p/DYt40L6EXkP/] - QLD

Run the Gap [https://my.raceresult.com/366897/] - VIC

Albury Ranges Trail Run [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r639/] - NSW

South Bremer Trails [https://my.raceresult.com/398784/] 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 [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Beth: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/bethgmckenzie/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

UTA100, Running Through Parenthood, and Should Elites be Allowed Support Crew feat Beth McKenzie | Episode 111

In this episode Jess and Brodie are joined by Blake Turner to recap all things UTA, including what went into Blake's 3rd place in the 50k and Jess' 4th place in the 22 plus all the other incredible runs of the weekend!!

The crew also recap all the other local results of the weekend plus the wild times run at Zegama. 

We hope you enjoy!

Join us on Patreon HERE [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Results:

 * UTA (NSW) [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/ultra-trail-australia-2026]
 * West Macs Monster (NT) [https://my.raceresult.com/397642/results] 
 * Great Ocean Road Running Festival (VIC) [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30046] 
 * runher Lake Manchester Trail Run (QLD) [https://results.runher.com.au/2026/]

***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 Blake: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/blaketurner_bt/] 

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R



Ultra Trail Australia Recap with Blake Turner | Episode 110

In this episode of Peak Pursuits, Sim and James are joined by Nicole Paton to recap her win at Margaret River Ultra and update us on how her season so far has gone. 

The chat then turns to the ITRA and UTMB ranking systems as we still try to figure out exactly how it all pieces together, before recapping the very high highs and very low lows of Cocodona 250. 

Keep listening for some final UTA chat before the weekend including updates of starting lists, hear how James is feeling before he tackles the 22, and some incredible results from Aussies around the globe!

Results:

 * Transvulcania [https://transvulcania.v3.livetrail.net/en/2026/races/ultra?gender=FEMALE&view=withdrawals]
 * Margaret River Ultra Marathon (WA) [https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1968&EId=1&dt=2]
 * Wandi Cross (VIC) [https://my.raceresult.com/379934/results]
 * Run Narawntapu (TAS) [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=431428]
 * Springsure Mountain Challenge [https://www.webscorer.com/racealldetails?raceid=180008] (QLD)
 * Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Tidbinbilla Thriller (ACT) [https://au.srichinmoyraces.org/canberratrailruns/previous-results/2026]

***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 [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Nicole: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicolepaton22/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Margaret River Ultra, Cocodona 250, and Why Are Trail Rankings So Confusing feat Nicole Paton | Episode 109

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners.

Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you.

Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

Peak Pursuits

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Introducing the Peak Pursuits Podcast—your ultimate companion for trail running stories, insights, and inspiration across Australia!

Peak Pursuits

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