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With the Addo Elephant Trail Run happening this weekend, I’m republishing my conversation with race directors Sheena and Sian to help new runners feel prepared and confident. Addo is no ordinary race—it takes you through rugged trails, remote landscapes, and breathtaking scenery in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park.
In this episode, we talk about the race itself, what first-time runners should know, and what makes Addo such a unique challenge. If you're feeling a bit nervous ahead of race day, this episode is for you!
Topics Covered in This Episode:
The history of the Addo Elephant Trail Run and how Sheena & Shaun became race directors
What makes this event so unique compared to other ultras
A breakdown of the course and what runners can expect on race day
Key challenges, terrain, and weather conditions to be prepared for
Tips for first-time participants to stay strong physically and mentally
Why You Should Listen:
If you’re running Addo for the first time, this episode will give you valuable insights to help you feel more prepared. Even experienced runners will enjoy hearing about the behind-the-scenes of organizing such a remote and challenging race.
Resources & Links:
Addo Elephant Trail Run Official Website
Follow the Race on Social Media

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The guest in this episode is Stuart Gemmill. Stuart is a run coach based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He’s an ultra-runner himself, having completed 28 Comrades marathons, and he’s gearing up for his 29th this year. Last October, he won the Runyanga 100-mile ultra.

In this episode, we dive into Stuart’s incredible running journey, spanning decades. We talk about the running culture in Zimbabwe, the exponential growth of the sport, and the measures race organizers can take to improve efficiency, professionalism, and runner safety. We also explore trail running in Zimbabwe, and Stuart shares his insights as a coach—giving advice for those just starting out in running.

Links
Comrades Marathon – https://www.comrades.com
Richmond Marathon (Durban) – https://richmondmarathon.co.za
Skyrun (Zimbabwe) – https://skyrunzim.com
The Lion King – https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/the-lion-king-1994/
Atomic Habits by James Clear – https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop – https://trainright.com/book/
The Happy Runner by David Roche & Megan Roche – https://www.happy-runner.com
Stuart's Instagram
Trailblazerszim Instagram
Support the show
Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.
Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.
Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Wayne Hunter to explore his life, career, and remarkable transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a background in engineering, Wayne came to Japan at the age of 23 and has since spent most of his 37 years in the country working in private membership club management. He is married with two daughters and has had the unique experience of living in a four-generation household with his in-laws in Chiba.
Wayne’s running journey began as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At his heaviest, Wayne weighed 185kg, and after witnessing deaths within his work circle, he made the decision to change his life. Over an 18-month period starting in the summer of 2020, Wayne lost an extraordinary 54% of his body weight — around 100 kilograms.
He initially took up rowing, training for hours a day in his home which he credits as the foundation of his weight loss. He later transitioned into running, taking part in road races but finding his true passion on the trails. In this episode, Wayne shares his journey into running, his training, and his experience tackling the Nagawa Trail.
Whether you're looking for motivation, perspective, or simply a powerful human story, this episode delivers on all fronts.
Links:
Centennial — by James A. Michener
Nagawa Trail
COVID-19
Breaking Bad
Tokyo American Club Japan
Shōgun- by James Clavell
The Godfather

Support the show
Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.
Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.
Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!

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In this episode, Kiyoshi a Tokyo-based running community organizer and avid runner, discusses his journey with running, the famous Hakone Ekiden relay race, and his involvement in the Doyou (土曜） Club, an open learning and running community. Kiyoshi shares insights into the cultural significance of the Ekiden race in Japan, its impact on university students, and how it fosters community spirit. He also touches on his own experiences, struggles, and the importance of running in his life. This episode is a deep dive into how running and learning intertwine to build connections and personal growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
01:19 Meet Kiyoshi: The Learning Enthusiast
02:52 Kiyoshi's Running Journey
03:24 The Birth of a Video Producer
04:33 Language Exchange and Friendship
06:11 Exploring the Japanese Ekiden
07:59 Hakone Ekiden: The Ultimate Relay Race
14:14 The Significance of Hakone Ekiden
16:06 Comparing Global Running Events
18:01 Cheering and Strategy in Hakone Ekiden
23:56 Advertising and Marketing in Ekiden
24:27 Nike Vaporfly and Shoe Technology
26:31 Comparing Marathon Runners
29:35 University Teams and Qualifications
32:43 Ekiden in Japanese Schools
38:14 Book Recommendations
39:53 Movie and TV Series Recommendations
44:23 Closing Remarks and Appreciation
Support the show
Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.
Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.
Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!

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In this episode, I chat with Terence Vrugtman — ultrarunner, photographer, and Race Director of the Karkloof Trail Series.
We dig into what makes Karkloof such a standout event in South Africa’s trail running calendar, and Terence gives us a first look at the 2026 course: the terrain, the challenges, and how the route continues to evolve.
We also talk about the realities of race directing, what it takes to build a welcoming and sustainable trail community.
Whether you're planning to run Karkloof, curious about race organisation, or just love trail stories, you’ll enjoy this one.
Guest Links
 Karkloof Trail Run: https://www.karklooftrailrun.co.za
Terence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terencevrugtman

Support the show
Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.
Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.
Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!