Cassie Cohen is back on the show nearly three and a half years after her first appearance, and what an incredible journey she has been on.

She has run at two 24-hour world championships and was part of the Aussie women's team that finished second in 2025, before that she surprised many (including me and I am still eating humble pie) when she become the 2024 Asia Oceania 24-hour women's champion.

That same year she was part of one of the most epic finishes at Coast to Kosci we may ever see, when she led all comers heading up to Australia's highest peak, before finishing third, making her the second fastest woman to ever run the race, in a time that would've won the women's race in any other year.

It's fair to say she's no longer a rising star, but now a bonafide star of the Australian Ultra running scene, it's no secret she's one of my favourite runners, this was an absolute pleasure, and one of my favourite episode's in the podcast's history.

Shard Malchow is a runner that brings a very unique resume into this year's Coast to Kosci. Having been rejected multiple times, he has since built a resume that includes running at Marathon De Sables, UTMB and Cocodona 250. Pair that with some really solid finishes at UTA, UTK Miler and the 50 mile at Lonely Mountain, and you have someone that could surprise many at this year's race.

His mindset and drive is evident throughout this podcast, brought through from more than 17 years of military service. His insights have certainly left an impression on me, particularly his ideas of being able to have an anchor during your longer event.

I loved this chat and I know you all will as well. You can follow Shard at smendurance.coaching on instagram.

Adrian Whatmore's journey into ultra running is anything but conventional. In this podcast you'll learn about how Six Foot Marathon helped spark his passion for ultra running. Since then, Adrian has made a significant mark in Australia's ultra running community, completing the North Face/UTA100 an impressive ten times, as well as last year finishing his fourth Coast to Kosci.

We talk about a changing landscape in the sport of ultra running, the shift in Coast to Kosci and its growing interest, however his journey to get his first pin is one that will inspire many, particularly those that may have been left disappointed with not getting in this year.

Adrian's story is a profound reminder of the resilience and spirit that defines ultra running. His journey of transformation to becoming a celebrated ultra runner inspires many, proving that passion and determination can lead to remarkable achievements.

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