In this episode brought to you by ASICS,  Jess and James sit down with young gun James Barnett to talk through his impressive results so far. Get to know James and how he approaches training and racing, with the conversation covering mindset, using the bike in training, maximising the terrain you have around you, and some race recaps from James' recent results. 

News/topics covered includes the golden tickets handed out at Canyons, the new UTMB index scoring, and  brand sponsorship in Australia. Finishing up with some ripper results from home and overseas, we hope you enjoy!

Results:

 * China WMRA [https://sport.luojiweiye.com/web/h5/new_gerenchengji.html?id=5894]
 * Madeira 56km [https://ts.uma.pt/Checkpoints/157/399/MIUT%20Discover]
 * Mt. Fuji 100 mile [https://runnet.jp/record/race.do?raceId=381818]
 * Canyons 25km [https://utmb.world/utmb-index/races/9087.thecanyonsendurancerunsbyutmb-r-25k.2026]
 * Mt Solitary Ultra (NSW) - Mens [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=449&EId=1&dt=0&so=0&st=UeV59cypcaHkgEVI1Af8V6EY0UwM%2bro8BKjncpUXMzE%3d] , Womens [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=449&EId=1&dt=0&so=1&st=jXZinHpAGAb1OQ0GIYx6QvB2woPsULeEvM0i6u66zY0%3d]
 * Bottlebutt Bash Trail Run [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20224&RId=60&EId=4](NSW)
 * Bright Fun Run Trail Fest [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r646/](VIC)
 * Brisbane Trail Marathon [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=429276] (QLD)
 * Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Cooleman Clip [https://au.srichinmoyraces.org/node/9297/previous-results/2026] (ACT)

Head to asics.com.au [https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/] to find out more about the Nature Bathing Pack

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

Follow James Barnett: https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/james_barnett42/] | https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/41087989]

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Maximising the Terrain Around You, Racing Mindset, New UTMB Index feat James Barnett | Episode 107

In this special preview episode, Brodie takes the reins alongside James to break down Diverge Sky Runs, a new Tasmanian event bringing steep, exposed, rocky and largely off-track skyrunning-style terrain to the Australian scene.

The team hear from Lincoln about the 25K and 50K courses, then unpack why this race may reward patience, smooth movement and mental composure as much as pure fitness. They also dive into the key names across both fields, including Trish McKibben, Toby Sparks, Sam Woolford, Piotr Babis, Angus Tolson, Emma Cook-Clark, Simone Brick and Alice McGushin.

A different kind of race, a stacked 50K field, and a proper mountain challenge in Queenstown, Tasmania.

Diverge Sky Runs [https://www.diverge-skyruns.au/]

***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 Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505] | Website [https://ascendphysiocoaching.carrd.co/]

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

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

2026 Diverge Sky Runs | Field Previews & Course Breakdown with RD Lincoln Quilliam

https://www.instagram.com/katinkav_/In episode 106 of Peak Pursuits sim and Brodie sit down with Katinka Von Elsner-Wellsteed just before she heads off to China to race the second WMRA World Cup race  Beijing Changping Yanshou Trail Challenge [https://yanshoutrail.beijingcloud.com.cn/#/home]. Hear about Katinka's last 12 months since we caught up with her after her ripper run at KMR 2025, including her first Euro races, a move to the Blue Mountains, and a coaching change.

We then catch up with Brodie after his unfortunate achilles rupture during the Aus Oritenteering Champs and what that means for his next 12 months, before diving into news from the AUTRA AGM and announcing the new committee. The final bit of news is a sombre reminder to be careful no matter our level of experience as we discuss the devastating passing of David Parrish during his FKT attempt of the Cape Wrath track. 

Finish with some incredible results form the week and highlighting a big week ahead, we hop you enjoy!!

Results:

 * Huon Hill - Riverina Trail Running Series Round 1 [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r639/] (VIC)
 * Maroondah Dam [https://my.raceresult.com/392732/] (VIC)
 * Five Peaks Trail Running Festival [https://eventstrategies.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=90&RId=647] (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 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]

Follow Katinka: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/katinkav_/]

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

World Mountain Running Cup, New AUTRA Committee, Sombre Reminders feat Katinka Von Elsner-Wellsteed | Episode 106

In this episode, we sit down with Finn Melanson from Singletrack to talk about where Australian trail running sits in the wider world, why our scene still feels underrated, and what is actually building beneath the surface. From the rise of events like Buffalo, GPT and Kosci, to the athletes starting to break through, this is a conversation about momentum, visibility, and what still needs to happen for Australia to be taken more seriously on the global stage.

We also get into the media side of the sport, including why the US has had such a big head start, what Australia still lacks, how race coverage and livestreams can shape the growth of the scene, and why telling better stories matters if the sport wants to keep moving forward. Along the way, Finn shares plenty on podcasting, building Singletrack, staying curious as a host, and where he thinks trail running is all heading next.

***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 Finn: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/runsingletrack/]

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

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Finn Melanson | Is Australian Trail Running Underrated?

In this episode Jess and Sim are joined by Tasmanian Meg Sinclair to hear a recap of her course record run at KMR 25km. Get to know Meg, including her upbringing in SA and stint in the VFLW before moving to Tasmania and finding trail running. With few races under her belt Meg has already proved her strength with wins at KMR and Triple Tops as well as a 5th place last year in UTA100 her 100km debut. Meg hopes to improve on that this year so get behind her at UTA!

The team then discusses a question about junior pathways into trail running, including outlining TRAQs announcement [https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1374447001382495&id=100064516248933&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=5bS36FnvIA8I6mGR#] of a junior category in their upcoming race. Other news includes Hut2Hut announcing [https://www.hut2hut.oscars100.com.au/bobs-round/] that there will be no 100km in 2027 and there will instead be a new brutal 48km with 3000m+/-  Bob's Round. 

As usual hear some results an catch up with Sim and Jess to finish!

Results:

Delirious West (WA) [https://deliriouswest2026.maprogress.com/#]

Alpine Challenge (VIC) [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r655/]

Run Tarra Bulga (VIC) [https://my.raceresult.com/391879/#0_3EF1B7]

Jabulani Challenge (NSW) [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16253&RId=6291&EId=1&dt=2]

Grand Cliff Top Race (NSW) [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=458]

***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 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

Meg Sinclair's KMR  Recap, Junior Pathways to Trail Running, Hut2Hut Announces Bob's Round | Episode 105

In this episode of Peak Pursuits James and Vlad sit down with George Knight after his recent win at Buffalo Stampede 100km which was the Australian Long Trail Championships. Hear about Georges journey into running, his approach to training and racing, how his race went down, and so much more. 

It's a lighter week on news and results but the crew also discuss an article this Mile and Stone Article [https://www.mileandstone.com/blog/avenir-trail-running-mile-stone-connect-2026] as well as run through the results below. 

We hope you enjoy!

Results:

 * Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Autumn (NSW) Mens Link [https://180cadence.au/pages/sydney-trail-half-marathon-autumn-2026-results?srsltid=AfmBOor2PkEeZsXqensdqUsutXOmq75BpjXCVEKW2BlCAY9d0t399BwA] , Womens link [https://180cadence.au/pages/sydney-trail-half-marathon-autumn-2026-results?srsltid=AfmBOor2PkEeZsXqensdqUsutXOmq75BpjXCVEKW2BlCAY9d0t399BwA]
 * Falls Creek Fun Run [https://my.raceresult.com/389741/] (VIC)
 * Beechworth Bushrangers Easter Fun Run [https://my.raceresult.com/387407/results#0_3EF1B7] (VIC)

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

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

Get To Know Aus Long Trail Champ George Knight | Episode 104

This week on Peak Pursuits, Brodie Nankervis and Jess Jason are joined by Sarah Ludowici, fresh off 2nd place and first Aussie at the Buffalo Stampede 100km, which also doubled as the Australian Long Course Trail Champs.

Sarah takes us through her race day, from training in the lead up to how it all played out on course. We chat through the highs, the tough moments, and how she handled the mental side of a 100k effort.

We also dive into UTMB’s updated pregnancy policy. It now extends beyond pregnancy to include IVF, surrogacy and adoption, offering more flexibility for athletes. As the only parent on the show, Sarah shares her thoughts on what this means.

We recap Buffalo Stampede, including the APTRC spots. Ben Leeson and Gerald McPherson secured the men’s tickets, while Alice McGushin and Nicole Paton took the women’s. Jess also gives a quick recap of her 20km race, and we highlight big runs from Jo Hepton, James Barnett and George Knight.

Down in Tas, the Kunanyi Mountain Run doubled as the Australian Mountain Running Champs and delivered huge performances. Meg set a new course record in the 25km, while Piotr and Sophie both broke records in the 42km. Kaitlin Rennie and Toby Lang won the open titles, with Liana Stubbs and Elijah Gosby taking out the U20s.

We also cover results from Xterra Asia-Pacific Champs, Perth Trail Summer Series and the Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Festival.

This week’s shoe review is the ASICS Trabuco 14, which Sarah raced in at Buffalo. We chat through how it held up over 100km.

To finish, we look ahead to what’s coming up including Sydney Trail Half Marathon, Falls Creek and Beechworth, and Brodie gives a quick update before heading to the Orienteering Australian Champs.

A big episode with race insights, honest chat and all the latest from the Aussie trail scene.

Results:

Buffalo Stampede [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/buffalo-stampede-festival-2026] (VIC)

Kunanyi Mountain Run [https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/1698/results] (TAS)

Xterra Dunsborough [https://results.xterraplanet.com/results/83336c51-cb77-4836-8b4d-e3c24cbab585?race=7f90152f-656e-44af-b18d-b38ab4a84a5f] (WA)

Perth Trail Summer Series: Stay Puft [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=426138] (WA)

Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=457&EId=3&dt=0] (NSW)

The Great Volcanic Mountain Challenge [https://www.greatvolcanic.org/results] (NSW)

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK 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 or join our Patreon Here [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

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]

Follow Sarah: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahludo/]

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

Buffalo Stampede, Aussie Champs Recap, UTMB pregnancy policy ft. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 103

In this episode brought to you by ASICS, Sim and James sit down with young gun Ben Butler to hear all about his approach to running and why he has chosen to tackled the longer stuff while still so young. We think many people could learn from his calm, mature mentality and approach to training and hope it takes him far!

Then we have a preview of this weekends Kunanyi Mountain Run, focussing on the Australina Mountain Running Champs, before the rest of the weeks results and a listener question about  preparing drop bags/crew for longer races. 

We hope you enjoy!

To join our Patreon head HERE [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Results:

 1. Noosa Ultra Trail [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/noosa-ultra-trail-2026] (QLD)
 2. Run The Rock [https://my.raceresult.com/388430/] (VIC)
 3. Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Night Edition [https://180cadence.au/pages/sydney-trail-half-marathon-night-edition-2026-results?srsltid=AfmBOorsUyIBkMSJLfsG-9xJt8NfPHRYkMlWw_elwUsfDWqhjRbI277P] (NSW)
 4. Sydney Trail Summer Series 3: Manly Dam [https://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/results] (NSW)
 5. Washpool World Heritage Trail Race [https://my.raceresult.com/379097/] (NSW)
 6. Tamworth Trailblazer [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=425336] (NSW)
 7. Conquer the Summit [https://eventstrategies.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=90&RId=642&EId=3&dt=2&top=5] (SA)

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK 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!

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 Ben: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benjaminlbutler/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/70853896]

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

Vibes Based Training, Long Race Logistics, and KMR Preview feat. Ben Butler | Episode 102

In this Buffalo Stampede Festival 2026 preview episode, James and Brodie break down one of the deepest fields we’ve seen for an Australian trail running weekend this year.

They preview the 100k, 42k and 20k races, unpack the course changes, discuss the key contenders, and give their podium predictions across all three distances. From national championship implications in the 100k to stacked and highly competitive fields in the 42k and 20k, there is plenty to get excited about heading into race weekend.

If you enjoy these preview shows and want access to early releases of them and where all the post-episode banter goes down, join the Patreon and support the podcast.

And once you’ve listened, send us your own top three picks for the 100k, 42k and 20k over on Instagram. We’d love to see who you’ve got.

***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 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

Buffalo Stampede Festival 2026 Preview | 100k, 42k and 20k Race Predictions

In this episode Brodie and Jess get the pleasure of getting to know Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, a world class trail runner from Iceland and the recent winner of the GTNS Donna Double. Hear about Andreas running journey and some of her incredible results, and make sure you get behind her as we hope to see more of her in Aus!

Then the team cover news from Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Results, and a listener question about how focussing on historic times may limit our potential. 

We hope you enjoy!

Results:

 * Razorback Run [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qN4WkdAdtK4CpMPmKqbA13io0ihRtRCyCHGTHDycfk0/edit?gid=0#gid=0] (VIC) 
 * Six Foot Track Marathon [https://thetimingguysresults.com/list/sixfoot/2026/6FT/] (NSW)
 * Trail Run Australia: Tathra [https://www.trailrunaustralia.com.au/results/] (NSW)
 * ATR Summer Series 5: Port Elliot Surf Run [https://my.raceresult.com/383720/](SA)
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 8: Daisy Hill [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=138&EId=2] (QLD)

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK 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!

Follow Andrea: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andreakolbeins/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18158816]

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

Meet Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, Ultra Trail Snowdonia Mayhem, Do Historic Times Limit Our Potential? | Episode 101

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

Peak Pursuits's Show

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

Peak Pursuits

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