Peak Pursuits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

This episode of Peak Pursuits starts with an interview with Alice McGushin to get to know Alice and recap the first edition of Diverge SkyRuns that happened over the weekend (Start - 53min). Then Sim and Vlad catch up on where their training is at and cover some of the news of the week, including Jim Walmsley returning to WSER and Dragons Back + Northern Traverse being bought by Ultra X. Finishing up with some results and some very cool races to look forward to this weekend, we hope you enjoy! Results: * Diverge Sky Runs (TAS) [https://barefootsport.bbtiming.com/event/2208/results?round=6934] * Ikara Ultra (SA) [https://my.raceresult.com/393764/] * Wilsons Prom Running Festiva [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r661/]l (VIC) * Nail Can Hill Run [https://my.raceresult.com/387245/] (NSW) * Forest Trail Run [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/forest-trail-run-2026] (NSW) * Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon (QLD) [https://results.sportseventservices.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16287&RId=6541] * Hidden Vale Trail Running Festival [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=226] (QLD) * OMFG Trail Running Festival [https://my.raceresult.com/395853/] (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 Alice: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alicemcgushin/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/13228142] 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] Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

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

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

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

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