The Trail Chasers

Send us Fan Mail 💭 “We just wanted to create something that made people feel part of something again.” What do you do when races are cancelled, trails are empty, and the world has gone quiet? If you're Hein Boonzaaier , you team up with the legend Mike Obery and build something new. In this episode of Behind the Trails , we go back a few years to the birth of Full Send Trail —a FKT trail ser...

Send us Fan Mail 💭 “Strength training is such a powerful tool to change someone’s life—whether it’s for health or performance.” What if getting better at trail running didn’t mean running more—but building strength where it matters most? In this episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Dr. Shaundre Jacobs —a sports scientist, strength & conditioning coach, passionate trail runner, and belov...

Send us Fan Mail 💭 “Champions assemble!” Rory Petzer isn’t just funny—he’s thoughtful, real, and surprisingly honest about what running means to him. In this first episode of our new series The People I Meet , Rory—comedian, radio host, and self-proclaimed non-runner—shares how running became his anchor during tough times, why the running community feels like family, and what it means to celebrat...

Send us Fan Mail 💭 “It’s not flashy. It’s not gonna win you awards. You’re not putting it on Strava. But it impacts your runs tremendously.” What if the most important training you do doesn’t happen on the trails—but in the quiet, consistent work no one sees? In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Hein Viljoen—physiotherapist, movement specialist, and passionate voice for smarter, st...

Send us Fan Mail 💭 “You can’t always choose your conditions. But you can choose how you show up.” What if running long distances wasn’t just about finishing but facing everything that shows up along the way? The rain. The rocks. The raw emotions that hit harder than the hills. In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Maranda Muller—ultra-endurance athlete, coach at Mindset Movement, an...

Send us Fan Mail “You don’t have to know the whole route. You just need to take the first step.” What if chasing distance wasn’t just about going further—but about finding freedom, learning what you’re made of, and getting wonderfully, beautifully lost along the way? In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Zane Schmahl—trail race director, adventure racer, and co-founder of the legenda...

Send us Fan Mail “You don’t need to win it. You just need to learn from it.” What if your first trail race wasn’t just a run—but a rite of passage? A place to learn, get it wrong, laugh at yourself, and fall in love with the trails? In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Owen Middleton—founder of the iconic Trail Series® and the man who introduced thousands to their first-ever trail r...

Send us Fan Mail " It's a coming together of friends, people who you feel like family." ​ Ever wondered how volunteering, vibes, and views come together to turn Ultra Trail Cape Town and Ultra Trail Drakensberg into unmissable community celebrations? In this bonus episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Sue Ullyett—the event manager behind both UTCT and UTD. Sue shares how a chan...

Send us Fan Mail 🏃‍♀️ "Changing or impacting a life is really a long game. It's a commitment to walking alongside people and investing long-term."  Have you ever considered the profound impact that trail running can have beyond physical fitness? In this special bonus episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Lindi Meyer—the visionary behind LIV2run, a movement that's redefini...

Send us Fan Mail  🍌 "The secret isn't just training and running. It's all about your nutrition. What to eat before, during, and after a run can make or break your running experience." ​ Ever felt completely drained halfway through your run or battled gut issues that ruin your experience? You're not alone! In this episode of Trail Chasers, Jenna Bowes—a trail runner, regis...

Send us Fan Mail  👟 "Running shoes are exactly the same as jeans. Different brands have different shapes." Choosing your first pair of trail shoes can feel like entering a foreign language class—foot shapes, pronation, stacks, drops... where do you even start? In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Jono Rumbelow , run biomechanics specialist and shoe-fitting expert at RUN S...

Send us Fan Mail  🏃‍♂️ "Forget performance and enjoy it. Run with mates, explore new routes. Don’t look at your watch—spend more time looking up than looking down." Starting trail running can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Erin van Eyssen , seasoned coach and founder of Flat Rock Endurance, to break down the best way to...

Send us Fan Mail 🏃‍♂️ "I never thought a running group would change my life—but it did." In this episode of Trail Chasers , we sit down with Mike Obery to talk about the power of community in trail running . Mike shares how finding a running group not only helped him become a better runner but also introduced him to a supportive, inspiring community that made every trail run more fun an...

Send us Fan Mail "I could bench press over 100kgs, but I couldn’t walk 5KMs." 🤯 In this special solo episode of Trail Chasers , Dean takes the mic alone for the first time to share his personal journey—how a passion for communication led him from university radio 🎙️ to the world of podcasting, and how trail running 🏔️ completely transformed his life. From lifting heavy in the gym 💪 to...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that the secret to becoming a stronger, faster, and injury-free runner isn’t just running more—but running smarter ? In this episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz sits down with Brendan Lombard , an elite runner, coach, and sports scientist, to break down the art and science of training smarter, not harder . With years of experience coaching athletes worl...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that one woman’s vision, a simple WhatsApp group, and a desire for connection could create a movement that empowers women in trail running? In this episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz sits down with Bryony McCormick , the founder of Chicks Who Trail , to explore how a small idea became a thriving community that’s reshaping the trail running landscape fo...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that a small group of friends, a WhatsApp chat, and a love for the mountains could spark a trail running revolution? In this episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz dives into the story of how trail running communities in the Deep South of Cape Town were formed—without plans, rules, or expectations. What started as casual meetups evolved into thriving, tigh...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that building a personal brand, embracing creativity, and conquering challenges could lead to a life of adventure and inspiration? In this engaging episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz chats with Kieran, a trail runner and storyteller who left behind a data-driven career to pursue his passion for the outdoors. Kieran’s journey is a testament to innovatio...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that the journey of a trail runner can transform from focused ambition to a celebration of community, gratitude, and self-discovery? In this engaging episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz welcomes Chantel Nienaber, a seasoned trail runner with over 12 years of experience and countless races under her belt. Chantel's story is one of evolution—from a c...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you the journey of a trail runner is filled with unexpected twists, personal growth, and the thrill of competition? In this inspiring episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz sits down with Rebecca Kohne, a rising star in the trail running community, to uncover her remarkable story. From battling a career-threatening injury to embracing the unique challenges of...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that trail running isn’t just about conquering rugged terrains, but about building a community, showcasing natural beauty, and redefining what’s possible? In this inspiring episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Dana Matar, a trail runner turned race organizer and founder of Peak Sports, to discuss how she’s transforming the UAE's trail...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that the journey of a trail runner isn’t just about the miles covered, but the stories discovered along the way? In this insightful episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Becky Leighton , a trail runner, media professional, and storyteller, to explore the intersection of running and creativity. From tackling grueling ultra-distances to captur...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that balancing the demands of farming with the creation of iconic trail races in the rugged Drakensberg could teach us about resilience, community, and the power of nature? In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Spurgeon Flemington, a farmer who has not only cultivated his land but also brought trail running to the breathtaking landsc...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that pushing through the mud, heat, and altitude of Ecuador’s unforgiving landscapes could teach us about the raw power of resilience and teamwork? In this episode of Trail Chasers , host Dean Horwitz sits down with the Merrell Adventure Racing Team in a post-race debrief that captures the highs, lows, and lessons learned from their recent adventure racing odyss...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that the journey of a trail runner is filled with unexpected twists, personal growth, and the thrill of competition? In this captivating episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz welcomes Rebecca Watney, a rising star in the trail running community, to share her inspiring story. From her humble beginnings in running to her breakout year filled with challenges...