In this episode brought to you by ASICS, Sim, Vlad and Jess are all back in Aus and sit down to recap where they are at. Hear about Vlad's last VK race in Europe, Jess' weekend at Hownslow and trip to Perth, and Sim's Trofeo Kima and Euro trip recap. 

The team then discuss an interview with the Mayor of Chamonix [https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/culture-people/utmb-has-become-unbearable-says-chamonix-mayor/?scope=initial] about the sustainability of UTMB in it's current format, and talk through Salomon's move into triathlon [https://www.amersports.com/newsroom/salomon-and-ironman-announce-five-year-global-partnership/] as the major global partner of Ironman. 

Then hear a review of the new ASICS MetaFuji 2 before we dive into results from the weekend - particularly at Hownslow where Julia Anderson set a 13minute course record!

Domestic:

 * Hounslow (NSW) [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/hounslow-classic-2026]
 * Surf Coast Century [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30125&EId=3&dt=2] (VIC)
 * Sydney Trail Spring Series 1: St Ives [https://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/results] (NSW)
 * Mighty Jarrah Trail Run [https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=2299&EId=6&dt=2&top=5] (WA)

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 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 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

Hownslow Magic, Salomon Into Triathlon, Europe Recaps | Episode 127

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 [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 Ben Burgess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_benburgess/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/40552333]

Follow Peak Pursuits: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/]

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

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

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Ben Burgess | Post-Worlds Pressure, NNormal Sponsorship and Finding His Way Back

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

News Topics:

 * 2027 WMTRC Selection Criteria live on AA [https://www.athletics.com.au/event/2025-world-mountain-and-trail-running-championships/]
 * World Sky Running Champs 18-20th Sept [https://www.skyrunninganz.com.au/world-champs-criteria/]
 * AUTRA EOI for State Representatives [https://www.autra.asn.au/expressions-of-interest-open-autra-state-representatives]

Results

Domestic:

 * Coastal Classic [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16253&RId=6294] (NSW)
 * Running Works 3 Valleys Marathon [https://my.raceresult.com/403609/] (WA)
 * Cleland Trail Run [https://my.raceresult.com/383717/] (SA)
 * Trail Run Epic [https://my.raceresult.com/419447/results] (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  [https://www.instagram.com/sophielinn/?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



Triathlete to Trail: Transitioning from being an Olympic Triathlete to Trail Runner with Sophie Linn | Episode 126

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

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

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

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Hounslow Marathon & 17km 2026 Preview | Course Breakdown, Field Analysis, and Course Record Watch?

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

RESULTS:

International:

 * UTMB AUS [https://live.utmb.world/utmb/2026/utmb?country=AU&limit=50]
 * CCC AUS [https://live.utmb.world/utmb/2026/ccc?limit=50&country=AU]
 * OCC AUS [https://live.utmb.world/utmb/2026/occ?limit=50&country=AU]
 * ETC AUS [https://live.utmb.world/utmb/2026/etc?country=AU]

Domestic:

 * Wonderland Trail Run [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r697/] (VIC)
 * Coastal High [https://results.sportseventservices.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16287&RId=6579&EId=1&dt=2&top=3] (WLD)
 * Trail Blaze [https://my.raceresult.com/403611/] (WA)
 * North West Round 3 [https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/2053/results?round=6429] (TAS)
 * Great White Ultra [https://my.raceresult.com/401093/] (TAS)
 * Capital to Coast [https://my.raceresult.com/416006/#0_FA7401] (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 [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]

Follow Matt: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/matt_dunn63/]

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

UTMB Recap Feat Matt Dunn | Episode 125

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 [https://tan.sportraxs.com/events/573]

Run Your Outback Trail Festival [https://my.raceresult.com/381671/results]

Fed Hill Trail Run [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r639/]

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

Follow Charlie: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/cowboyhamilton/?hl=en]

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

Transcend Ultra and UTMB Predictions with Charlie Hamilton | Episode 124

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 [https://results.tomatotiming.com.au/Results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30115&EId=6] (NT)
 * The Barodorf [https://my.raceresult.com/415500/] (SA)
 * Surf Coast Wonderfalls Trail Run [https://my.raceresult.com/415059/results] (VIC)
 * Devilbend Trail Run [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30116&EId=1&dt=2] (VIC)
 * Glenbrook Trail Marathon [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=432&EId=1&dt=2] (NSW)
 * Yarrabilba Trail Fest [https://racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=326&EId=1&dt=2] (QLD)

Episode brought to you by ASICS, check out more at www.asics.com/au/en-au/ [https://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 [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 Holly: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hollyrranson/?hl=en]

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

Western States, Coast to Kosci, Pacers, and Backing Up Races feat. Holly Ranson | Episode 123

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 [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

Trancend Trail Race Preview 2026

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) [https://my.raceresult.com/413871/]
 * Peaks & Trails Run [https://my.raceresult.com/385101/] (VIC)
 * The Berry Long Run [https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/ptce36frbqhhkypv] (VIC)
 * Rainbow Beach Trail Running Festival [https://www.runqld.com.au/results-rainbow-beach] (QLD)
 * Scenic Rim Ultra [https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/2492/results?round=8996] (QLD)
 * Federation Ultra Trail Marathon [https://my.raceresult.com/414937/] (SA)
 * North West Trail Running Series 2 [https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/2052/results?round=6426] (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 [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 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

Sierre-Zinal, Elite Mid-Race Support, The Impact of UTMB feat. Iain Best | Episode 122

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) [https://www.autra.asn.au/help-shape-the-future-of-trail-mountain-and-ultra-running-in-australia]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 [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 Christie:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christielori/]

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

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

Euro Summer, Progressing Trail Running in Aus, and Stirling Ridge FKT feat. Christie Lori | Episode 121

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

Peak Pursuits (@peakpursuits) · Zencastr

Peak Pursuits (@peakpursuits)

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.