RunThrough Trails

#Ep 52 - Jake Catterall | Connecting Every UTMB Race in 12 Days

This week, we’re joined by Jake Catterall, fresh from completing an incredible challenge in the Alps: linking the routes of MCC, OCC, UTMB, TDS, ETC, YCC and CCC, before finishing with the 300km PTL, all as one continuous superloop. The result? Nearly 900km and 61,000m of elevation in just 12 and a half days. Jake takes us through the journey behind the challenge, from the preparation and training to what it was actually like out there, and everything that went into making it happen. An incredible achievement and a fascinating story from start to finish.

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#Ep 51 - Inside the Mind of Elite Trail Runners Joe Farrelly & Jordan Rowe With Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2

In a special collaboration between The RunThrough Podcast and The RunThrough Trails Podcast, host Ben Sheppard heads to the Peak District for two conversations with trail athletes Joe Farrelly and Jordan Rowe, in partnership with Samsung and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra2. Joe shares how turning his life around led him to running and ultimately competing on the international trail running stage. He opens up about the experiences that continue to drive him, balancing training with work and family life, and his ambition to compete amongst the world's best. Jordan's journey took him from school cross country to the NCAA system in America and years of track racing before a switch to the trails helped him rediscover his love for the sport. He discusses his competitive mentality, his desire to win and the challenge of stepping into a completely new side of running. Along the way, they discuss racing, recovery and pushing their limits while putting the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 through its paces on the trails. And if you want to win a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 of your own, plus a £200 RunThrough Kit Voucher, enter our Trail Bundle competition for everything you need for your next adventure. Enter here: https://www.runthroughtrails.com/forms/trail-bundle

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#Ep 50 - Lewis Moses | Breaking Down UTMB Week 2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Lewis Moses to preview UTMB Week 2026 and break down the biggest races, contenders and storylines to watch in Chamonix. We take a closer look at OCC, CCC and UTMB, discussing the stacked men’s and women’s fields, the athletes who could challenge for the podium, course changes and how conditions could shape each race. From established favourites to potential surprises, Lewis shares his thoughts on who to watch and what could make the difference when racing gets underway. We also touch on TDS, MCC and YCC as we look ahead to one of the biggest weeks of the trail running calendar.

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#Ep 49 - Sophie Vecchione | Running Physio, RED-S & Women's Health

What happens when training hard starts doing more harm than good? In this episode, we’re joined by Sophie Vecchione, running physiotherapist and trail runner, to talk about RED-S, under-fuelling, recovery and women’s health, and why these are conversations every runner should be having. Sophie breaks down what RED-S really means and why fuelling, recovery and learning to listen to your body are so important for long-term health and performance. She also reflects on how her approach to movement has evolved during pregnancy, what she loves about trail running, and what’s next for her in the running world.

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#Ep 48 - Matthis Granet | 24,759m in 48 Hours, 40 Trail Goals & the Ultra Trail Mindset

From breaking the 48-hour elevation record to dreaming up his next big adventure, Matthis Granet shares what drives him to keep pushing the limits of endurance. In this episode, we dive into his training philosophy, mental approach, nutrition, sleep strategy, and the lessons he's learned from years of racing in the mountains. Matthis also opens up about the logistics behind his world-record challenge, his upcoming races, and the list of ambitious goals that continues to shape his journey.

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#Ep 47 - Stephanie Case | Human Rights Lawyer, Gender Equality in Trail Running & Racing Antarctica

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, we sit down with ultra-runner and human rights lawyer Stephanie Case. Steph shares her unique journey from working in conflict zones to competing in some of the world's toughest trail races. We discuss gender equality in trail running, motherhood, longevity in sport, her charity Free to Run, and why she's passionate about creating more opportunities for women on the start line. We also look ahead to her next challenge: a 100-mile race in Antarctica and the extreme expeditions that lie beyond.

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#Ep46 - Introducing The Brand New Host Of The RunThrough Trails Podcast!

In this collaborative episode with the RunThrough Podcast meet, Beth Dennis a trail runner, intensive care nurse and the new host of The RunThrough Trails Podcast. In this episode she joins Ben Sheppard to share her journey from struggling to speak up in school and never feeling at home in traditional sport, to discovering parkrun, falling in love with movement and eventually finding trail running through the Alpine Run Project. Together, they talk about confidence, community, breaking down barriers in sport and how running can become so much more than training or racing. Beth opens up about finding her voice, why trail running gave her a sense of belonging, and the moments that completely changed the way she saw herself and the world around her. They also dive into the magic of Chamonix, dream races, UTMB, racing Mont Blanc Marathon, creating more inclusive start lines and why opening doors into the outdoors can genuinely change lives. Beth Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/_bethdennis/ Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

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#Ep45 - British 50K Championships at RunThrough Trails Lake District Preview Show

In this special episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James and Lewis take a deep dive into this weekend’s RunThrough Trails Lake District event - and why it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting races of the year. They dissect the elite battle at the front, previewing the leading men’s and women’s fields and discussing what’s at stake with the race doubling as both the British 50K Trail Championships and a key European Championships selection race. With top athletes, national team implications and a stacked field on the start line, this episode is the perfect preview for anyone racing, spectating or following along from home. They also break down the challenging 23K and 53K courses - from Scafell to Cat Bells, they explore what makes racing in the Lake District so unique, so technical and so tough - reflecting on last year’s brutal but unforgettable route, and explain the changes made for 2026.

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#Ep44 - David Kilgore: 7 Marathons on 7 Continents

In this episode of The RunThrough Trails Podcast, Red Bull athlete David Kilgore joins host James Tilley to talk all things trail running. Known for his remarkable achievement of completing marathons on all seven continents, David shares how his journey into endurance sport has shaped his approach to training and racing on the trails. James and David dive into the key elements of preparing for trail running, from building strength and endurance to developing the right mindset for unpredictable terrain. They discuss practical training techniques, the importance of strategy, and how runners of all levels can approach the unique challenges that come with trail environments. Whether you're new to trail running or looking to elevate your performance, David offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you make the most of every run off-road.

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#Ep43 - Toni McCann: OCC and CCC Champion on Why South Africa Is Built for World Champs

In this episode of The RunThrough Trails Podcast, elite trail runner Toni McCann joins host James Tilley. Coming to running later than many pros, Toni started out in team sports before discovering the trails, where a tough first race quickly sparked her competitive edge. She talks about the strength of South Africa’s running culture, the growth of trail running in the country, and what it has taken to move from 50k racing up to the demands of 100k distances after winning both CCC & OCC at UTMB Finals Week. James and Toni also dive into coaching, including Tony’s experience with self coaching and the value of having guidance for accountability, as well as the challenge of balancing her own racing with coaching others. They explore the mental resilience needed to perform at the highest level and how mindset plays a huge role over longer distances. With the World Championships in Cape Town In 2027, Tony shares her excitement about racing on home soil and what’s next as she continues to test herself across different distances.

#Ep42 - Why Trail and Road Running Are More Similar Than You Think W/ Lawrence McCourt

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James Tilley is joined by GB athlete Lawrence McCourt to talk through his journey from the strong club scene in Gateshead to representing Great Britain on the international stage. Lawrence reflects on discovering running through school cross country, stepping away from the sport due to injuries and life changes, and how the COVID period reignited his passion through local races and the people around him. They get into the differences between fell racing, trail running and the roads, and why returning to road racing played a key role in rebuilding his confidence. The conversation also explores the growing crossover between disciplines, what it felt like to make his Great Britain debut, and how community continues to shape his approach to the sport. Lawrence shares what he has learned along the way and looks ahead to future ambitions, including a potential move up to the marathon distance and more major trail competitions.

#Ep41 - How Gemma Hillier-Moses Won ARC 50: Strategy, Mindset & Mud I RunThrough Trails Podcast

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James is joined by Gemma and Lewis to break down Gemma’s impressive win at the ARC 50. Facing brutal winds, heavy mud, and constantly changing conditions, the race became as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Gemma shares how experience helped her stay patient early on, adjust her pacing to match the conditions, and focus on what she could control throughout the day. Feeling strong in the latter stages of the race was a clear sign that her fueling, pacing, and preparation all came together when it mattered most. The conversation also explores the overall competitiveness of the field, the impact of the tough conditions across the race, and why preparation — from mindset to shoe choice — can make or break performance on a demanding course. To close, they look ahead to what’s next for Gemma, discussing upcoming goals, lessons taken from this race, and how she plans to build on this result as she continues to develop as an ultra runner.

#Ep40 - From UTMB Struggles to Kodiak Success & Why Hayden Hawks’ Targeting Unfinished Business In 2026

In this episode of the Run Through Trails Podcast, host James Tilley welcomes elite trail runner Hayden Hawks to reflect on the challenges he faced at UTMB, where difficult weather and preparation issues made for one of the toughest races of his career. Hayden breaks down what went wrong, what he learned from the experience, and how it reshaped his focus moving forward. The conversation then shifts to Hayden’s standout performance at the 2025 Kodiak 100 Miler, a race that marked a major turning point after UTMB. James and Hayden also dive into his approach to improving as an athlete, with a strong emphasis on developing technical skills and preparing for demanding mountain terrain. Later in the episode, Hayden shares how he enjoys combining racing with family travel and why cultural immersion has become an important part of his international racing experiences. The chat also highlights hydration and nutrition strategies, his work with coach Robbie Britton, and the camaraderie and friendships that define the trail running community. Looking ahead, Hayden outlines an ambitious 2026 race calendar, with his sights set on returning to key races and addressing unfinished business on some of the sport’s biggest mountain stages.

#Ep39 - How Trail Running Superstar Judith Wyder Balances Family & Training As A World Class Athlete!

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, guest host Lewis Moses sits in for James Tilley to chat with trail running superstar Judith Wyder. Judith opens up about her journey from orienteering to trail running, how she balances family life with her athletic career, and the challenges and joys that come with it. She shares her thoughts on strength training, pacing, and adapting training schedules to fit family life, as well as what keeps her motivated, like seeing her kids at races. Judith also talks about her love for shorter distance races, the growing inclusivity in the trail running community, and why enjoying the sport and inspiring others is just as important as competing.

#Ep38 - Francesco Puppi: The Mindset Behind World-Class Trail Running & His Western States Ambitions

On this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, we’re joined by Francesco Puppi, one of the best trail running athletes on earth and the recent champion of CCC. Francesco shares why the process of running matters more to him than the final outcome and how external success doesn’t always reflect how an athlete truly feels. He opens up about staying motivated through a genuine love for the sport rather than outside validation, and the essential role mental resilience plays in getting through tough training blocks and race moments. Francesco reflects on how experience has shaped his understanding of his own limits and how it guides his approach to training. He talks about the importance of versatility across different distances to keep training exciting, as well as the need for a holistic approach that balances running with the rest of life. With his sights set on Western States, he also discusses the unique mental challenges of ultra running and the mindset required to overcome them.

#Ep37 - How Ryan Sandes Became a Global Trail Running Pioneer | RunThrough Trails Podcast

In this episode of the RunThrough podcast, trail running legend Ryan Sandes joins the show to share his journey from rugby player to world-renowned ultra athlete. Ryan talks about how an impulsive decision to run his first marathon sparked a career built on adventure and exploration. He reflects on how trail running has evolved over the years and why the sport’s adventurous spirit continues to drive him. Hosted by James Tilley, the conversation dives into Ryan’s biggest undertakings, including the prestigious Drakensberg Grand Traverse in South Africa, his life-changing expedition on the Great Himalaya Trail, and his recent push at the Cocodona 250, which challenged him in new ways. Ryan also explains why long-term sponsor relationships matter, why downtime and recovery are essential after big efforts, and how Southern Africa still holds countless unexplored routes and future adventures.

#Ep36 - James & Gemma Catch Up | Best RunThrough Trail Event, Why Rest Matters & How Routine Supports Goals

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James Tilley and Gemma Hiller-Moses catch up for an honest conversation about all things trail running, from training and recovery to racing and staying motivated. They share personal updates about their own running journeys, the highs and lows of consistency, and how they keep their love for the sport strong. Gemma talks about the importance of finding joy in the process, creating training plans that actually work for you, and trusting your body, while James reflects on his goals, routines, and how recovery can sometimes be the key to progress. As they discuss the ups and downs of training, they emphasise that you can't take recovery for granted, rest is sometimes the best option, and taking action is what gives you motivation. Together, they explore the mental and physical challenges that come with running and why it’s not just about the miles, but about mindset, balance, and purpose. They also chat about James’ favourite RunThrough Trails European events, offering inspiration for where you should race in 2026, and preview his exciting upcoming race in the USA, where he’s got his sights set firmly on the win.

#Ep35 - From the Scottish Hills to the World Stage | How Naomi Lang Became a World-Class Trail Runner

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with elite trail runner Naomi Lang to explore her journey from growing up in the Scottish hills to competing on the world stage. Naomi shares how her love for the outdoors shaped her running career, her transition from track and cross country to trail and hill running, and what it’s like to represent Great Britain at the World Championships and take on the Marathon du Mont Blanc, finishing third on the podium in both. She opens up about training techniques, mastering downhill running, and joining the Salomon team, which marked a major step in her professional journey. Naomi also reflects on the mental side of competition, how she stays calm under pressure and finds confidence in her preparation, and how the sport continues to push her to new levels.

#Ep34 - Danny Stokes on Building TrailFam & Inspiring the Next Generation Of Runners From ALL Backgrounds!

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Danny Stokes from TrailFam, a charity using the power of trail running to change young lives. Danny shares his own journey into the sport, from tackling a triathlon with his brother to discovering trail running through YouTube and falling in love with the mountains. He opens up about how trail running transformed his lifestyle, and how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the creation of TrailFam. From humble beginnings as an after-school club, TrailFam has grown into a thriving charity dedicated to improving the physical health, mental wellbeing, and future opportunities of young people. Danny and James explore the importance of community, the benefits of connecting with nature, and the role diversity plays in making trail running more accessible to all. Whether it’s through their race team giving young athletes the chance to compete, or by creating a safe and supportive space for kids to thrive, TrailFam is proof that running can be a powerful tool for change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sport, community, and the next generation of trail runners.

#Ep33 - How being a Multi-Discipline athlete has shaped ANNA GIBSON into an ELITE Trail Runner! #worldchamps

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 33 In this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional Brooks trail runner Anna Gibson. Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Anna competed as a track athlete before moving into trail running, while also excelling in other disciplines such as skiing and cycling. Her diverse athletic background has shaped her training philosophy, emphasising the importance of cross training and adaptability. With the World Championships in Canfranc, Spain on the horizon, Anna talks about her preparation and the mental strategies that keep her sharp on race day. From exploring unique race formats to reflecting on the exciting growth of trail running as a professional sport, this conversation highlights Anna’s journey as a versatile athlete and her passion for competition. Follow Us. James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunstrails/ Anna Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/annaagibsonn/