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

A race that breaks people — and this year, some new challengers. Lin Chen and Antonina Iushina headline a women's race that is shaping up as a genuine international showdown, with UTA veterans like Steph Austin and Emma Timmis ready to make it a fight. On the men's side, Piotr Babis has Brodie convinced he could win the whole thing. He’s up against Aleksei Beresnev and Aleksei Tolstenko, both having serious 100-mile pedigree. James and Brodie dig into who has the course knowledge, who has the fitness, and who might just be lining up for a ticket to UTMB.

Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI

Ultra Trail Australia 2026 100 Mile Preview

The marquee race. With a field that matches the hype. Guidu Qin and Guomin Deng headline the international men's field fresh off the Hong Kong 100, but Mike Carroll, Matt Crehan, and Michael Dunstan won’t let them have it easy. On the women's side, can the up-and-coming Meg Sinclair and experienced Beth McKenzie take on international stars Katarzyna Dombrowska and Emily Mann? James and Brodie go deep on who can bridge the gap to the internationals, and why this year feels different.

Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI

Ultra Trail Australia 2026 100km Preview

James said it best — he was tingling. The 50K field this year is on another level, stacked on both the men's and women's sides with incredible international runners. Miao Yao. Ruth Croft. Dan Jones. Add most of the best 50km trail athletes in Australia, Demi Caldwell, Kate Avery, Blake Turner, Vlad Ixel (just to name a few), and almost impossible to pick a top three. If there's one race this weekend where the result could genuinely surprise everyone, it's this one. Strap in.

Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments!

Ultra Trail Australia 2026 50km Preview

The rematch is on. Last year's men's race came down to the wire, and the two athletes who made it happen are back. Leo Petterson and Ben Duffus both toe the start line, joined by Nathan Pearce and young guns Patrick Clarke and Elijah Gosby. The women's race is just as compelling, with a three-way showdown between Jess Jason, Bridget Lunn and Katinka Von Elsner-Wellsteed. Throw in Chinese runner Qiong Luo and we have a real race on our hands. James and Brodie break down who's ready, who's a risk, and who could gate-crash the podium on both sides of the race.

Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI

Ultra Trail Australia 2026 22km Preview

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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