In this episode of the Run Through Trails Podcast, host James Tilley welcomes elite trail runner Hayden Hawks to reflect on the challenges he faced at UTMB, where difficult weather and preparation issues made for one of the toughest races of his career. Hayden breaks down what went wrong, what he learned from the experience, and how it reshaped his focus moving forward.

The conversation then shifts to Hayden’s standout performance at the 2025 Kodiak 100 Miler, a race that marked a major turning point after UTMB. James and Hayden also dive into his approach to improving as an athlete, with a strong emphasis on developing technical skills and preparing for demanding mountain terrain.

Later in the episode, Hayden shares how he enjoys combining racing with family travel and why cultural immersion has become an important part of his international racing experiences. The chat also highlights hydration and nutrition strategies, his work with coach Robbie Britton, and the camaraderie and friendships that define the trail running community.

Looking ahead, Hayden outlines an ambitious 2026 race calendar, with his sights set on returning to key races and addressing unfinished business on some of the sport’s biggest mountain stages.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, guest host Lewis Moses sits in for James Tilley to chat with trail running superstar Judith Wyder. Judith opens up about her journey from orienteering to trail running, how she balances family life with her athletic career, and the challenges and joys that come with it.

She shares her thoughts on strength training, pacing, and adapting training schedules to fit family life, as well as what keeps her motivated, like seeing her kids at races. Judith also talks about her love for shorter distance races, the growing inclusivity in the trail running community, and why enjoying the sport and inspiring others is just as important as competing.

On this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, we’re joined by Francesco Puppi, one of the best trail running athletes on earth and the recent champion of CCC.

Francesco shares why the process of running matters more to him than the final outcome and how external success doesn’t always reflect how an athlete truly feels. He opens up about staying motivated through a genuine love for the sport rather than outside validation, and the essential role mental resilience plays in getting through tough training blocks and race moments.

Francesco reflects on how experience has shaped his understanding of his own limits and how it guides his approach to training. He talks about the importance of versatility across different distances to keep training exciting, as well as the need for a holistic approach that balances running with the rest of life. With his sights set on Western States, he also discusses the unique mental challenges of ultra running and the mindset required to overcome them.

In this episode of the RunThrough podcast, trail running legend Ryan Sandes joins the show to share his journey from rugby player to world-renowned ultra athlete. Ryan talks about how an impulsive decision to run his first marathon sparked a career built on adventure and exploration. He reflects on how trail running has evolved over the years and why the sport’s adventurous spirit continues to drive him.

Hosted by James Tilley, the conversation dives into Ryan’s biggest undertakings, including the prestigious Drakensberg Grand Traverse in South Africa, his life-changing expedition on the Great Himalaya Trail, and his recent push at the Cocodona 250, which challenged him in new ways.

Ryan also explains why long-term sponsor relationships matter, why downtime and recovery are essential after big efforts, and how Southern Africa still holds countless unexplored routes and future adventures.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James Tilley and Gemma Hiller-Moses catch up for an honest conversation about all things trail running, from training and recovery to racing and staying motivated. They share personal updates about their own running journeys, the highs and lows of consistency, and how they keep their love for the sport strong.

Gemma talks about the importance of finding joy in the process, creating training plans that actually work for you, and trusting your body, while James reflects on his goals, routines, and how recovery can sometimes be the key to progress. As they discuss the ups and downs of training, they emphasise that you can't take recovery for granted, rest is sometimes the best option, and taking action is what gives you motivation. Together, they explore the mental and physical challenges that come with running and why it’s not just about the miles, but about mindset, balance, and purpose.

They also chat about James’ favourite RunThrough Trails European events, offering inspiration for where you should race in 2026, and preview his exciting upcoming race in the USA, where he’s got his sights set firmly on the win.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with elite trail runner Naomi Lang to explore her journey from growing up in the Scottish hills to competing on the world stage. Naomi shares how her love for the outdoors shaped her running career, her transition from track and cross country to trail and hill running, and what it’s like to represent Great Britain at the World Championships and take on the Marathon du Mont Blanc, finishing third on the podium in both.

She opens up about training techniques, mastering downhill running, and joining the Salomon team, which marked a major step in her professional journey. Naomi also reflects on the mental side of competition, how she stays calm under pressure and finds confidence in her preparation, and how the sport continues to push her to new levels.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Danny Stokes from TrailFam, a charity using the power of trail running to change young lives.

Danny shares his own journey into the sport, from tackling a triathlon with his brother to discovering trail running through YouTube and falling in love with the mountains. He opens up about how trail running transformed his lifestyle, and how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the creation of TrailFam.

From humble beginnings as an after-school club, TrailFam has grown into a thriving charity dedicated to improving the physical health, mental wellbeing, and future opportunities of young people. Danny and James explore the importance of community, the benefits of connecting with nature, and the role diversity plays in making trail running more accessible to all.

Whether it’s through their race team giving young athletes the chance to compete, or by creating a safe and supportive space for kids to thrive, TrailFam is proof that running can be a powerful tool for change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sport, community, and the next generation of trail runners.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 33

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional Brooks trail runner Anna Gibson. Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Anna competed as a track athlete before moving into trail running, while also excelling in other disciplines such as skiing and cycling. Her diverse athletic background has shaped her training philosophy, emphasising the importance of cross training and adaptability.

With the World Championships in Canfranc, Spain on the horizon, Anna talks about her preparation and the mental strategies that keep her sharp on race day. From exploring unique race formats to reflecting on the exciting growth of trail running as a professional sport, this conversation highlights Anna’s journey as a versatile athlete and her passion for competition.

Follow Us.

James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunstrails/

Anna Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/annaagibsonn/