What if I told you that pushing your limits can reveal the deepest truths about yourself—even when the path gets tough?In this captivating Ultra Trail Cape Town (UTCT) special episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Eva Sperger, Matt Bouch, and Anele Bans—three extraordinary runners with unique journeys through the highs and lows of ultra-running. Together, they dive into the grit, growth, and spirit of the trail running community as they prepare for one of the world’s most...

What if I told you that resilience and joy can go hand in hand—even through the toughest challenges?In this compelling Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) Special episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz welcomes the inspiring Brittany Peterson, a world-class trail runner and coach, for an honest and uplifting conversation about rebuilding, rediscovery, and racing with purpose.Brittany takes us through her incredible journey—from standout performances like her second-place finish at Western State...

What if I told you that trail running is more than just races and records—it’s about community, passion, and building a life inspired by the trails?In this special UTCT edition of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with two of South Africa’s most iconic trail runners, Landie and Christiaan Greyling, for an inspiring conversation about their journey as elite athletes, parents, and pillars of the trail running community.From their remarkable racing achievements to their dedication to fo...

What if I told you that trail running isn’t just about competition or miles—it’s about discovery, connection, and uncovering your own limits?In this thrilling UTCT Special edition episode of Trail Chasers host Dean Horwitz sits down with one of trail running’s rising stars, Jazmine Lowther, for an intimate conversation about ambition, community, and what it means to explore the world on foot.Jazmine shares her captivating journey—from a passion for rock climbing to dominating the trail-r...

What if I told you that trail running isn’t just about endurance or grit—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing nature’s raw beauty, and finding purpose with every step?In this powerful episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz catches up with one of South Africa’s most accomplished and inspiring trail runners, Naomi Brand, for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, passion, and the heart of the trail running community.Naomi shares her incredible journey—from running cross country i...

What if I told you that mastering the art of trail running isn’t just about speed or endurance—it’s about embracing the wild unknown, thriving through the grind, and finding joy in every rugged step?In this thrilling UTCT Special edition episode of Trail Chasers, host, Dean Horwitz sits down with two incredible athletes, Bianca Tarboton and Dan Jones, to uncover the secrets behind their success as world-class trail runners and Adidas Terrex teammates.Bianca and Dan take us on a journey throug...

Ever wonder what it takes to dominate ultra-trail races worldwide while balancing a passion for sustainability, the outdoors, and community? In this exhilarating episode of the Trail Chasers UTCT Special, host Dean Horwitz and co-host Musa dive deep into the trail running journey of Marcel Höche, known to fans as "Macy Pacy." Fresh from a record-breaking win at the Cappadocia Ultra-Trail, Macy joins us to share his insights on race-day mindset, his journey to the pinacle of the sport, an...

What if I told you the secret to breaking records on the world’s toughest trails—and living to tell the wildest stories—comes down to chasing the thrill of the unknown, thriving on the brink, and finding awe in every grueling step? In this dynamic and engaging episode of the Trail Chasers UTCT Special, Musa and I are thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Robbie Simpson: 2x Ultra-Trail Cape Town PT55km champion, record-holder, and Adidas Terrex athlete. Robbie takes us throu...

What if I told you that the key to tackling the toughest trails—and perhaps the obstacles in life itself—lies in resilience, a good dose of humor, and maybe even a cold beer mid-race? In this engaging episode of Trail Chasers, we welcome South African trail running icon and legend "Pistol" Pete Calitz. Known for his relaxed yet competitive style, Pete takes us through his transformation from tennis player to tennis coach to road and mountain bike cyclist to dedicated and passionate trail...

What if I told you that the secret ingredients for redefining your running—and even your approach to life—lie in consistency, community, and, yes, cake? In this captivating episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with the remarkable Carla Molinaro—World 50km Champion, ultra-running superstar, social media sensation, as well as a coach, foodie, and professional athlete. Carla shares her inspiring journey from exploring various sports, particularly triathlon, to fully embracing the wo...

How does an 11-year-old become a trail-running sensation, conquer a challenge as daunting as the 13 Peaks four times, and still find time to save orphaned baby rhinos? In this special and heartwarming episode of Trail Chasers, we meet 11-year-old Mackenzie Knott, a trail-running superfan with a passion far beyond her years and her father Gareth who inspired Mackenzie's 1st steps into the sport. Mackenzie has already accomplished the incredible feat of completing the grueling 13 Peaks cha...

What's the hidden formula behind the coach-athlete synergy that unleashes ultra-running greatness?This week we have a captivating and fascinating episode as I sit down with Thomas Vermaak and his coach James to tackle the mysterious and intrigiuing world of 100-mile racing. We delve into the inspiring journey of Thomas, a professional mountain guide turned ultra-distance trail runner with an unlikey origin story and James' start as coach when he was still in school.Join us as Thomas...

What if you discovered a passion later in life that not only pushed your limits but transformed the way you see yourself and the world?In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rodney, who started trail running later in life but quickly found that it's never too late to discover a passion. Craig opens up about his unexpected journey from agency life to becoming a dedicated trail runner. We explore his early memories of running, the challenges of balancing family life and running, and how starti...

What happens when a trail runner finds the perfect partner to help her chase her dreams?In a 1st for the Trailchasers Podcast host, Dean Horwitz sits down with rising star Lijan Burger and Claude Eksteen from Salomon to get a unique perspective on the relationship between athlete and sponsor. In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Lijan Burger, whose partnership with Salomon has not only elevated her performance but also transformed her career. From navigating the technical terra...

What does it take to turn a passion for running and running shoes into a thriving community?In this insightful and educational episode, we sit down with Geoff Crowe, a dynamic running shoe influencer whose journey started with a simple goal: to inspire others through his love for running.Geoff shares his unique journey of getting into running later in life, beginning in his late thirties around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He transitioned from a corporate career to remote work, giving h...

How does someone balance their full-time career, family and a farm all the while tackling and winning some of South Africa's top 100 milers? In this captivating, honest and uplifting episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Doug Pickard, owner of a trucking company by day, family man and farmer by night and trail runner on the weekends. Doug seamlessly balances his demanding professional career with a fervent passion for ultra trail running, family and farming.Join us as Doug...

What does it take to conquer the world's most iconic 100km trail race, the UTMB CCC, on your very first attempt?In this inspiring, heartfelt and honest episode of the Trail Chasers we welcome the newly crowned UTMB CCC Champion and South African trail running legend Toni McCann into the studio.Join us as we chase the trails with Toni from her recent win and experience all the way back to her cross-country days in grade 7 and her rediscovery of trail running while leading a sedentary life in u...

What happens when running goes beyond physical endurance and transforms lives?In this deeply inspiring episode of the Trail Chasers podcast, we delve into the transformative power of endurance running. Join us for an engaging conversation with Kyle and Miranda, two remarkable athletes who have redefined their lives through the sport. Miranda, a creative jeweller and former addict, shares her journey of overcoming substance abuse through ultra running, finding control and solace in the discipl...

How many years of hard work in the shadows does it take to become an overnight sensation? In this special bonus PUFfer episode I sit down with 2-time and reigning champion Emily Djock to find out more about what it takes to breakthrough to the top of the SA trail running world and the answers may surprise you...From the pavements of Wisconsin to the scenic trails of Cape Town, South Africa Emily's journey has been marked by memorable moments and outstading and often surprising achievemen...

Join me, Dean Horwitz as I sit down with social media superstar Omar Runs Nap, a remarkable runner whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this uplifting episode, we dive into Omar's transformative journey from being a tech-focused director of engineering in Silicon Valley to becoming a passionate marathon runner. Grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Omar discovered that running was more than just a way to manage weight gain and mental health struggles; it beca...

What sparks the passion to transform one's life by embracing trail running, and how pivotal is the support of the trail community in fueling that transformation?"In this episode Musa Dliso AKA @Musa_on_Trails joins me, Dean Horwitz to chat all things community, diversity, representation and why Trail Running has become such an important part of his life! In this inspiring conversation Musa takes me through his passion for trail running and how it has transformed his life over the past de...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the trail running world? Join me, your host, Dean Horwitz as I explore the inspiring journey of Emily Hawgood, a passionate and exceptionally talented trail runner, coach and amazing human being from her humble beginnings in Zimbabwe to racing on the world stage. Emily shares her transformation from Ironman triathlete to trail running enthusiast, and reveals her coaching philosophy and training reg...

Have you ever wondered why they call Karkloof South Africa's friendliest and fastest trail race? Join me, Dean Horwitz, as I sit down with Michael Cunningham, one of the race directors of the renowned Karkloof trail race to take a deep dive into what makes this trail race so special and unique. Our chat explores the history and evolution of the Karkloof Trail Run, highlighting its unique characteristics, the landscape of the Midlands, and the race's inclusive, friendly n...

What happens when you find out that your passion is running after attention and clout? In this episode "Runfluencer" Rachel Beaton joins me, Dean Horwitz in her debut podcast that goes big on attention and clout and takes you behind the screen of one of SA's hottest rising running influencers. Rachel dives right in using her signature quirky and hilarious personality to recount her most embarrasing running moments involving an oval office in the middle of Joburg and how being one of...