The Home Trails Podcast

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SPINE SEASON:

James returns to the Home Trails podcast for a third time. This time we talk about his return to the big one!

Having dropped out of the full winter race in 2024 with a foot injury, he returned to the race to run the Challenger South with his dad in the epic conditions we saw in January. 

This time, back to full health he's on the start line for the full deal again. In this episode we talk about his learnings from the year...

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Spine Season continues!
Damo returns to the Home Trails Podcast. This time to talk about his recent Three Solo project that didn't go 💯 to plan....and his plans to return to it in 2026.
We dive into how he feels going into the Spine Sprint North race in January, a break from his norm of doing the full race. We talk about the level of FOMO he will be having come January 10th weekend and we talk about his hopes of bettering his time from the test run he did bac...

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In this episode we meet Arthur Hill for the first time.

Arthur recently set a new winter BGR record in 14:54, taking 4 minutes off Gavin Dales record from last year! Arthur was helped during his legs by a host of Lake District royalty, including Kim Collison, Beth Pascal and of course Gavin Dale himself.

In our chat we talk about his route into fell running in his early 20's, his obsession with the Bob and his training leading up to this round. Arthur speaks about the close knit...

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Non SPINE episode!

In this episode I speak to Wozza the running coach.

Warren came on the podcast to talk about his amazing recovery from what doctors told him was the end of his running career. Warren defied the odds and made a full recovery, to the point that he started racing again and won the Ultra Trails Wales 50 mile ultramarathon.

But before we even got onto the subject of his injury, I quizzed him about his coaching style and some of the...

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SPINE SEASON!

We continue Spine Season with the return of Lindley Chambers, the king of all things kit list related. 

Lindley comes on the podcast to discuss everyone's favourite subject...the kit list for the Winter Spine Race. In this episode we discuss the recent changes to the list, controversial items being added/removed and the reasons for it. We discuss the changes to navigation equipment, mapping and checkpoints. 

We also talk about some of the issues that keep coming up for first time Spiner...

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SPINE SEASON!

In this episode I speak to Jamie Rutherford. Jamie is one of the original OG photographers on the race and has helped to build the storytelling style of the media team. 

In this episode we talk about his origins as a runner and as a photographer. We talk about his first ventures into race photography and how he was in the right place at the right time to earn his spot on the media team at the race.

We also talk about his r...

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Welcome to the Home Trails coverage of the 2026 Winter Spine Race!

We begin our lead up to this years race with a preview from a familiar face, John Kelly! John returns for the 4th time to Britain's most brutal race! He returns to better his race from last year when he was suffering with an attack of the sleep monsters on the first night of the race. John talks about this issue and his approach for this years race, which includes a home made 'altitude office' that simulates up t...

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In this episode we welcome Holly Stables to the podcast fir the first time!

Holly has had a long career, firstly in competitive marathon running, before she transitioned into trail and ultra. We ask the 'Superhero' question and find out where it all began and where she is now.

Holly talks about the evolution f her training and approaches to feeling and strength. We dive into some of the races that she's won and CR'd over the years. Finally, we talk about her recent epic 300+ mile race...

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In this episode of the podcast we speak to Dan Weller. 

Dan returns to the podcast after previously being on in 2024, when we talked about his wins at the Montane Spine Challenger South and the Pennine Barrier Ultra. 

This time Dan talks about his 2nd place finish at Centurion Wendover Woods 50 and his year of racing so far. We dive into his new approach to training under his coach Sarah Cameron and his plans for the rest of the year. 

But obviously we couldn’t let him...

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At this point Charlotte is almost a cohost as she returns for her 5th appearance on the Home Trails Podcast!

We catch up on what she's been up to since we last spoke about Lakeland 100. We discuss her successful race to 3rd place at Mallorca and how it feels like she's making her mark on the international trail running scene.

As always, we talk about her training and prep going into the race. What went right and what went wrong...which includes a lack of carbs for...

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https://givestar.io/gs/project-74

The link to Sam's challenge is above ⬆️ 

In this episode I speak to Sam King @fatboysking on instagram

Sam is currently (at time of writing) 42 days into his challenge to run 74 ultramarathons in 74 days in honour of his mum, who suffered a bleed on the brain at aged 74.

We dive into Sams background as a runner. His previous life as a 19 stone gamer, turned corporate businessman and now his life as an ultra runner!

Sams challenge...

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In this episode I speak to Hugh Tibbs, about his recent win at the Centurion Running Autumn 100.

Not only did Hugh win the race, he also broke the previous course record and set a new British 100 mile trail record!

As always, we find out Hughs superhero story, and and how he got Into running. We find out about his previous successes in trail running and how he prepared to run lightening fast at this years A100.

I think we will be seeing more of Hugh...

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Gary speaks to Home Trails about all things ultra running.

We talk about his running origin story, his own running successes and how he went from hairdresser, to personal trainer to in-person coach, to instagram stardom.
We talk about his life in running media and the opportunities that running has presented to him with his newly acquired fame.

We chat about his thoughts on the trends in social media and coaching in 2025.

Watch and learn from the expert!

HT

@ultr...

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HOME TRAILS returns for another podcast in residence!
This time we head to Keswick in the Lake District to bring you coverage of the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra.

We talk to the runners as they prepare to race the 13,7,5 and 2 valley races.
We speak to the male and female winners and find out what it takes to  complete the loops in the iconic landscape of the Lakes.

We have in depth interviews with the runners at the front of the races and we find out what...

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Nutritionist Paul Booth returns for his 3rd appearance on the Home Trails podcast.

This time Paul talks about the nutrition plans he successfully made for this years UTMB winners, Tom Evans and Ruth Croft.
Paul goes into great detail about the pre-UTMB testing he did with Tom at the  Leeds Becket University testing lab. How he used those numbers to dial in the most specific race nutrition plan ever made for an elite ultra runner.

Paul talks about the race in detail and how his knowl...

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In this episode I speak to Holly Wooten about her 2025 Dragon's Back win!

Holly not only won the women's race by over 10 hours, setting a new CR in the process.....she was also 2nd overall to winner David Parish.
This was'nt just a coincidence, Holly was 💯 targeting the overall win for this years race, firmly believing that she could take the win and show that the Dragon shows no discrimination when it comes to being slayed! 

Holly talks openly about her training leading up to this yea...

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In this week's episode we speak to returning guest and friend of the show, Josh Wade.

This is Josh's 3rd time on the podcast......to talk about his 3rd place at UTMB!
We've been championing Josh for some time now, so it's great to see him performing on the world's biggest stage. With his stellar performance, he is finally getting the credit and recognition that us Brits feel he deserves and is long over due!.

In this episodes we dive into his training and preparation, whic...

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In this episode of the HOME TRAILS documentary series, I spend some time with Spine Race champion Lucy Gossage.

This episode was recorded a few months ago at the start of the summer and we reflect on Januarys race, that now seems like a lifetime ago.

As with all HT docs, we run with her on her local trails. The very trails and roads that Lucy used to great effect to train for the first place finish at Britain's most brutal race. We also sit down with...

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On this episode I speak to Pip from Kailas Fuga about this years UTMB races.

WE talk about who's done well so far this week and who is set for glory at the still as yet, undecided races of CCC and UTMB finals. We talk about the races so far and how the changeable weather in the Chamonix valley has affected conditions for athletes, but also for the masses that have descended on the trail running capital of Europe!

PIp talks about the successes of some of t...

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In this episode, Home Trails speaks to Colin Murphy, race director for the 13 Valleys ultramarathons happening at the end of September in the Lake District.

The race returns for its 3rd year and we dive into the fast becoming iconic lakes race. We find out the origins of the race. What challenges its faced in its inaugural years and the ethos behind the race that is part of the much larger Great North Race Series, that organises The Great North Run among other large events.

We also...

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* THE FULL VIDEO VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOME TRAILS YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

The podcast teamed up with Kailas Fuga and Robin - The Running Accountant to put on the first Kailas Fuga shoe and gear test!

We headed to Edale to meet up with Pippa Ebel and Chris Chan from the marketing department of the largest trail running brand in China! To put on the very first gear test in the UK.
Everyone who filled in the form and turned up on the night, got to te...

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Damo returns to the Home Trails podcast.

Damian is probably the guest with the highest number of appearances on the podcast, but we're always happy to talk to him. Especially when he's smashing races like the Montane Lakeland 100!
Damo admits that his goal was to go under 20 hours regardless of his position. But we all know that his race went to plan and he took the victory. Something that his old self from back in 2014 who did the 50 miler, didn't think was possible.

We talk about...

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Friend of the show Charlotte returns to talk about Lakeland 100.

Charlotte continues her cracking year by storming to a well deserved 2nd place and 10th overall In the classic Lake District event.

We catch up on how her race went and what the podium means for her chances of being picked up by a major sponsor! We talk about how she is leaving her influencer career behind her to concentrate on her running. How having a big social presence is helping her get noticed as an athl...

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In this weeks podcast I speak to PT and co-author of the legendary book “Fixing Your Feet” 

If you don’t know about this book, you either haven’t been in ultrarunning long enough or you haven’t done any of the races that need the knowledge that this book provides! 

If you’ve ever had issues with your feet in long events, then this book and now this podcast episode is essential reading/listening to prepare. Tonya talks about her route into physical therapy and ultramarathons and...

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Clorroe joins the podcast for the first time this week.
We talk about her route into ultra-running, her upbringing in the great outdoors and obviously we dive into her obsession with the Spine Race.

We discuss her journey into trail running photography and how she managed to earn her spot on the Spine media team.
Clorroe speaks about her experience as part of the Spine safety team and how her local knowledge of the Cheviots made her ideal for a shift at HUT 2, where she began her...

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Evan has literally burst onto the scene less than a year ago. But he's already won or podiumed at some of the UK's toughest ultras!

Coming a very respectable 6th place at Lakes In a Day, in his first ultra back in October 24, he's gone on to win the Bowland Ultra. He took 2nd at Pendle Way in Day and another 2nd place at the Fellsman in April.

His latest top 10 result at Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB has earned him recognition internationally as one to w...

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Doug returns to talk about TrailCon and WSER.

Doug, along with Dylan Bowman and Brendan Madigan have got their respective heads together to bring the world TrailCon. A week long bridge between Broken Arrow Skyrace and Western States 100.

TrailCon is the trail running conference that we all need. By the people, for the people.

Doug talks about his favourite moments from both TC and WSER and speaks about the successes from this years event and learnings to take through to 2026.

We dive into...

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Allie returns to the podcast to talk about her recent win at the Summer Spine Challenger North!

Allie took on the 160 mile ultra as part of her training towards the Full Winter Spine this coming January 2026. This is a race I know really well, having done it back in 2023. So we shared horror stories of destroyed feet, pasties and hallucinations!

We talk about her feelings of contentment as she ran the race of her dreams and had a performance that she considers a 'Unicorn'.....basically everything went...

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In this episode, JB Benna the creative force behind the now iconic film Unbreakable, speaks to the podcast about why the project to cover this years race (Unbreakable 2) isn't happening after all.

We discuss his early years racing ultramarathons with some of the OG goats of the 90' and 2000's. How his running intertwined with his love of movie making, that ultimately brought us the film we all know and love. A film about 4 ultra athletes, Killian, Jeff, Anton and Hal racing from Tahoe to Auburn in the West...

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Episode 1 of 2.

Julian Ayres and Chris Andrade return to the podcast to talk about Challenger South starting this Saturday morning.

We catch up on what they've been up to since we last spoke to them. We find out their reasons for doing this race with the choice 5 races on offer now, with the addition of Sprint North.

We dive into their preparation leading up to this race and how they plan to attack the route.

Episode 2 on the way......

HT

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Episode 2 of 2 

Podcast regular Jon Shield and and newbie Louise Goddard come onto the podcast to talk about their upcoming races this weekend.

Jon returns to put the full Spine to bed after his DNF last year with a stomach bug.

We find out how his recent training and racing has gone. We talk about his feet during his recent race at Cape Wrath and his he's preparing for more foot carnage at this years race!

Louise, who made a brief appearance on on...

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In this episode I speak to authors Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson.

Last month the duo launched their book ULTRA WOMEN, a book all about the history of women's endurance throughout the years. 

This book reveals the sometimes hidden history of women's sporting achievements and paints the picture of the opposition that women have faced over the years.

The book tells the stories of multiple women that have gone above and beyond what has been expected of them by the largely sexist male population. The b...

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In this episode of the podcast I speak to Keith Wigley about his 3rd place at UTS 100k.

Keith has patiently worked his way up to a performance that put him firmly on the podium along side running veterans, Jon Albon and Mathieu Blanchard! 

Keith talks about how his training has improved with the guidance of the Elite Trail Running Team and how he now has his sights set on Worlds in September. 

Keith is a very down to earth runner who is happy to sha...

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In this episode of the @hometrails_ podcast we speak to Mike McMonagle, aka @shitinthewoods

We ask Mike the Superhero question and find out that his reputation as the ‘fast media guy’ is well earned. 

Recently, Mike made the trip from Salt Lake City to North Wales to take part in Ultra Trail Snowdonia. 

We ask Mike why he took on one of Europe’s toughest ultramarathons. We find out how he trained for the unique terrain and his experience as a US runner. 

We also div...

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Charlotte returns to the Home Trails podcast for another catch up.

This time its to talk about her awesome performance at UTS over the past weekend. Last year Charlotte was sick going into the race and although she gritted it out to finish, she felt like she had more to give at this iconic by UTMB race.

We talk about what went right, what went wrong and how she got into beast mode tho finish the race sting and in 3rd place!

It's always grea...

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Tom returns to the Home Trails podcast!

We talk about his 3rd place at the UTS 100 miler at the past weekend. We dive into his training and racing leading up to his podium success and we discuss the changes he's made to bring him back to his former racing form.

One of which is upping his iron intake to raise his ferritin levels and help him to regain his strength and recovery prowess!

We talk about his race calendar for the year and how this...

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Home Trails were the official Podcast in residence at The LAP 2025!

This is a long episode but it has 3 distinct parts. So if you were interviewed by me over the weekend then it should be fairly easy to find yourself if you want to skip some parts.

In the first section I speak to everyone in the queue for registration on Friday night. So if you were one of the unlucky ones to smile at me and then receive an interview, then it will be in the...

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In this episode of the Home Trails Podcast, I speak to Rebecca Hormann.

Last week, Rebecca stormed to victory at the GB ULTRAS Pennine Barrier 50 in 8:45:58, to not only win, but take 4th place overall

Rebecca is well traveled and holds multiple passports due to her heritage. She grew up in America, then moved to Spain for her soccer career (football), then moved to Malaysia, followed by Northern Ireland, Switzerland and finally good old Blighty!

During her travels Rebecca started to run, then the pand...

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In this episode I speak to the ball of energy and enthusiasm that is Davy Newell!

Since 2019 Davy has been putting on The LAP in the Lake District, a 47 mile ultramarathon around lake Windermere.

Davy has gradually scaled up the race since its first inception before the pandemic, turning it into one of the UK's most recognised and iconic ultras in the Lakes.

This year Davy has stepped up his media presence and next week I will be the official podcast in residence at the...

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In this episode I speak to returning guest, Scott Jenkins.

Scott was last on the show in 2024, when he became the first Brit to complete the Gland Slam of 200's in the US.

Since then Scott has moved from the the UK to New Jersey in the States. This gives him access to some of his favourite long course ultramarathons, including his latest race, The Arizona Monster 300!

Which as you've guest, is a 300 mile epic ultra across the desert put on by Destination Trails, who...