The Trail Chasers

• Marissa Groenewald: Beyond the Rope—Running for Change, Courage & Connection

  Send us a text💭 “Discipline takes you places where motivation can’t.”                                             — Marissa Groenewald, the Rope RunnerWhat does it take to create an entirely new running discipline — rope running — while balancing motherhood, business, and a mission to fight human trafficking?In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz is joined by Marissa Groenewald — trail runner, road runner, business owner, and the world’s first true rope runner — for a powerful conversation about discipline, courage, and carving out a new path in sport.From training in secret with a skipping rope to taking on Comrades, UTCT, and launching the Upper Highway Trail Marathon, Marissa shares how rope running became her platform to raise awareness for human trafficking, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the dream of taking this proudly South African innovation to the global stage.🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How Marissa turned boredom in the gym into a brand-new running discipline ✅ The challenges of rope running in races and why she kept it secret at first ✅ How she combines her passion for running with her fight against human trafficking ✅ The story behind founding the Upper Highway Trail Marathon ✅ Why discipline matters more than motivation in chasing impossible goalsWhether you’re lacing up for your first 5K, chasing ultras, or simply curious about what’s possible when passion meets purpose, Marissa’s story proves that innovation, courage, and community can change lives — on and off the trails.Season 3 of Trail Chasers is proudly sponsored by: 🧦 Gilnokie Socks – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off 🕶 Boonies Sunglasses – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runnerEnjoying the season? Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspod to share your thoughts on rope running and Marissa’s journey.

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• Daniel Claassen: Beyond the Finish Line—Balancing Work, Life & Running at the Highest Level

  Send us a text💭 “I try to put my life into different boxes — work, running, social, family — and give each one the time it deserves. Because if everything overlaps, life just becomes chaos.” — Daniel ClaassenWhat does balance really look like when you’re working full-time, running professionally, and still competing on the world stage?In this episode of Trail Chasers (recorded earlier this year before Daniel achieved his incredible 5th place at UTMB TDS), host Dean Horwitz is joined by Daniel Claassen — South African trail runner, Red Bull Category Manager, and Adidas Terrex athlete — for a deep dive into balance, consistency, and resilience.From childhood runs with his dad to chasing his dream of a sub-12hr finish at UTMB CCC, Daniel shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the mistakes that taught him the most, and how he keeps training, work, and life in harmony.🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How Daniel balances his full-time Red Bull career with elite-level racing for Adidas Terrex ✅ Why consistency matters more than chasing mileage ✅ Lessons from burnout, mistakes, and finding perspective ✅ The mindset that carried him to his best CCC performance ✅ Why balance is the foundation of long-term running success💬 Whether you’re juggling training with work, family, or big dreams, Daniel’s story proves that balance is both the challenge and the key to growth.🎙 Trail Chasers Season 3 is proudly sponsored by: 🧦 Gilnokie Socks – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off 🕶 Boonies Sunglasses – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runner📩 Enjoying the season? Subscribe, review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspodto share how you manage balance in your life. 

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• Kane Reilly: Running for Life – Balance, Consistency & the Long Game

  Send us a text💭 “If you told me I was never going to race again, I’d still run every day.” — Kane ReillyWhat does it take to stay in love with running after more than a decade in the sport? To keep showing up, not just for results, but for the process itself? To balance competition, work, family, and still find joy on the trails?In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz is joined by Kane Reilly — trail runner, Cape Town local, and Adidas Terrex athlete — for a conversation about longevity, perspective, and passion in running.From his childhood adventures in Newlands Forest to representing South Africa on the international stage, Kane shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He opens up about overcoming autoimmune arthritis, what keeps him grounded in the sport, and why winning isn’t the only measure of success.🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The mindset shifts that help Kane stay consistent and motivated ✅ How to avoid burnout and build a long-term relationship with running ✅ Lessons from injury, resilience, and redefining identity as an athlete ✅ Why performance isn’t always about podiums or medals ✅ Kane’s training philosophy and how he balances racing, family, and work ✅ The importance of fun, flexibility, and perspective in every runner’s journey💬 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Kane’s story will remind you that the true win is being able to keep running year after year.🎙 Trail Chasers Season 3 is proudly sponsored by: 🧦 Gilnokie Socks – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off 🕶 Boonies Sunglasses – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runner📩 Enjoying the season? Subscribe, review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspod to share your own story of longevity in running.

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• Robbie Rorich: The Joy of Running - Chasing Flow, Freedom & Wild Adventures

  Send us a text💭 “As a child, we have these amazing experiences… we don’t have to go too far from that to feel the same magic again.” — Robbie RorichWhat does it mean to run for joy, not just results? How do you keep the spark alive when running becomes serious? How can you step onto the trail and find freedom, flow, and adventure in every stride?In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz is joined by Robbie Rorich, a trail runner, movement enthusiast, and adventurer, for a conversation that celebrates curiosity, play, and connection to nature.From barefoot mountain runs to multi-day journeys, Robbie has learned how to protect the joy that drew him to trail running in the first place. He shares how to navigate the pressures of competition, the lessons he has carried from childhood adventures, and why the best runs are often the ones without a watch or a plan.🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How to find and keep the joy in trail running✅ Why flow matters more than finish times✅ Robbie’s approach to staying curious and playful in training✅ The mindset shift that helped him rediscover his love for running✅ How to balance adventure with racing goals✅ The power of being present for unforgettable runs💬 If you have ever felt your body light up on the trail, this episode will remind you how to keep that feeling alive.🎙 Trail Chasers Season 3 is proudly sponsored by:Gilnokie Socks 🧦 – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% offBoonies Sunglasses 🕶 – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runner📩 Enjoying the season? Subscribe, review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspod to share your own joy-of-running moment.

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• Blake Dyson: The Gift of Trails — Building Community, Safety & Purpose on the Mountain

  Send us a text💭 “Trails connect us to wild spaces, to communities, and to ourselves.” — Blake DyasonWhat does it really mean to give back to the places we run? To protect the paths that hold our best memories, our hardest moments, and the people we’ve met along the way?In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz is joined by Blake Dyason—a mountain rescuer, conservationist, and founder of Love Our Trails—for a conversation that goes far beyond running.Blake has spent years building a movement around safety, stewardship, and community. From late-night rescues to alien tree clearing, he’s one of the people quietly keeping the trails safe, open, and alive for the rest of us.🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why trail running isn’t just about pace—but about presence✅ The one sentence that changed Blake’s life forever✅ What to always carry on a trail run (it’s not just for you)✅ How trail runners can reduce their impact and prevent damage✅ The biggest safety mistakes runners make on the mountain✅ Why “giving back” doesn’t have to mean money✅ How to build a legacy on the trails—for the next generation💬 Run long enough, and the mountain gives you something. This one’s about giving something back.🎙 Trail Chasers Season 3 is proudly sponsored by: Gilnokie Socks 🧦 – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off Boonies Sunglasses 🕶 – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runner📩 Enjoying the season? Subscribe, review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspod to share what the trail has given you.

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