Michael Edwards: Running for Rivers—How RMB is Shaping Trail Events with Purpose
Send us a text💭 "It does what it says on the tin. We are running—for rivers."What happens when a race is built with intention—not just to challenge runners, but to protect the places we run?If you're Michael Edwards from RMB, you partner up with Plaisir Wine Estate and the Banhoek Conservancy to create a trail event where every step supports conservation. Enter Run4Rivers—an experience rooted in purpose, powered by community, and filled with a little trail magic (and bubbles) along the way.In this episode of Behind the Races, we sit down with Michael Edwards, sponsorship lead at RMB, to unpack their growing involvement in South Africa’s trail running scene—this time, with a purpose-driven event like no other: Run4Rivers.From maintaining and protecting the rivers in the Banhoek Conservancy to creating entirely new trails, this race is about more than just kilometers—it’s about conservation, community, and connection. Michael shares how RMB is building more than events—they’re building ecosystems.🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The role of conservation and community in race design ✅ Why Run4Rivers stands apart from RMB UTCT or RMB UTD ✅ What happens when brands invest in purpose, not just presence ✅ What to expect on race day (wine walk, summit bubbles, and more!) ✅ The big vision for 2026—and how you can be part of it ✅ The long game: how this race fits into a bigger ecosystem of change 🌿 Whether you're chasing time or chasing purpose, this one’s for you.🥾 Have you ran, supported or volunteered at RMB UTCT or RMB UTD, DM us or tag @trailchaserspod—we’d love to hear how the experience changed your life. 🎙 Behind the Races is proudly brought to you by Trail Chasers.
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Hein Boonzaaier | Full Send, Full Circle — How a Post-COVID Trail Challenge Became a Community Movement
Send us a text💭 “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 series that helped runners reconnect after a long lockdown. Hein shares how a conversation with Mike Obery sparked a grassroots movement that reimagined what racing could be: accessible, inclusive, and community-first.✨ What you’ll learn: ✅ The origin story of Full Send Trail and how it spread ✅ Why challenges—not medals—kept people coming back ✅ How virtual FKTs created real connections ✅ What it takes to build community around effort and honesty ✅ Why sometimes the best trail races don’t need a finish line🥾 Got a Full Send memory or challenge you loved? DM us or tag @trailchaserspod—we want to hear how it helped you feel part of something bigger.🎙 Behind the Trails is proudly brought to you by Trail Chasers Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and uncover the stories that shaped the trails we love.
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Dr. Shaundre Jacobs: Built to Run—Strength, Power & Performance on the Trails
Send us a text💭 “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 beloved community leader. From beginner-friendly strength tips to common training mistakes and injury myths, this one’s packed with real-world insights (and a few hill repeats up to the Stellenbosch Mast).Dr. Jacobs breaks down why strength is more than just a gym thing—it’s your endurance insurance, injury buffer, and secret trail weapon.What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why strength training is additive, not optional, for trail runners ✅ The real reason you don’t need to fear getting bulky ✅ How to balance running and strength without overtraining ✅ What to do if you only have 10 minutes to train ✅ How to train power and endurance for technical terrain ✅ The difference between discomfort and pain—and why you need both ✅ How strength helps prevent the most common trail injuries🏋️♀️ Got a strength secret or trail recovery tip? Tag @trailchaserspod or message us—we’d love to hear how you stay strong on and off the mountain.🎙 Season 3 is proudly sponsored by: Gilnokie Socks 🧦 – Visit gilnokie.com and use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order. Boonies Sunglasses 🕶 – Visit www.boonies.co.za to get yourself an epic pair of sunnies.📩 If this episode gave you a new way to think about training, subscribe, leave a review, and send it to someone who still thinks strength work is just for gym bros.
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Rory Petzer: Champions Assemble — The Joy of Running, Laughing, and Showing Up
Send us a text💭 “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 celebrate the small wins.This isn’t a how-to. It’s a why-we-do-it. A reminder that every runner, no matter how fast or far, is a champion in their own way.What you’ll take away from this episode: ✅ Why you don’t need a “serious” reason to start running 🏃 ✅ The joy of finding humour in hardship—and on the hills 😅 ✅ Why every runner is a champion (yes, even you) 🏆 ✅ How community shows up, one small gesture at a time 🤝 ✅ What happens when you stop waiting to be fast—and just run 🚀🥾 Got a running story you didn’t expect to tell? Tag @trailchaserspod or DM us—because everyone’s reason matters.🎙 The People I Meet is proudly supported by Gilnokie Socks 🧦 Visit gilnokie.com and use the code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.📩 If this episode brought a smile—or made you feel seen—subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s just getting started. Let’s keep celebrating the people we meet, one run at a time.
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Hein Viljoen: Beyond the Run—Why Strength & Conditioning is a Game-Changer
Send us a text💭 “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, stronger trail running. From injury prevention and performance prep to myths about core work and the reality of staying in the game, Hein breaks down why strength & conditioning is a game-changer for runners of all levels.Whether you're a total beginner or finally learning the hard way, this one will change how you think about long-term trail fitness.What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why strength training is the foundation every trail runner needs 🧱 ✅ The most overlooked muscles that take the biggest impact 🦵 ✅ How to balance running and strength without burning out 🔁 ✅ What “brushing your teeth” has to do with staying injury-free 🦷 ✅ The danger of going too hard—or doing nothing at all ⚠️ ✅ How to actually spot your weak links (and what to do about them) 🧠 ✅ Why building resilience starts with showing up—off the trail 💪🥾 Got a strength or recovery routine that changed your running? DM us or tag @trailchaserspod—we want to know what’s keeping you in the game.🎙 Season 3 is sponsored by Gilnokie Socks 🧦 Visit gilnokie.com and use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.📩 If this episode helped reframe your training, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who still skips strength day. Let's build better runners, together.
Hosted by Dean Horwitz a trail running enthusiast, who started his journey in 2022, Dean has experienced the transformative power of chasing trails firsthand. Fuelled by a passion for trail running and a knack for connecting with fellow trail chasers, Dean created this podcast to merge both interests.This podcast is all about embracing the adventure, community, and self-discovery that comes with trail running. Join Dean on a journey of exploration and discovery, where you’ll learn about the world of trail running together. No matter if you’re a seasoned trail pro or just lacing up your shoes for the first time, this podcast is for you.Whether it’s the exhilarating view from a mountain peak or the camaraderie and making new friends with fellow trail runners, Dean is here to guide you through it all.
South Africa