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"The views in Paarl Mountain with the big granite domes is just something out of this world. If you haven't experienced it in person before, you wouldn't know what I'm talking about." – Mias de Klerk

Mias de Klerk calls Paarl Mountain his 'backyard,' but for most runners, its massive granite domes remain a mystery. In this episode, Dean sits down with The Rock Ultra founder to uncover how a local obsession evolved into a race that unlocks this hidden playground, bridging the gap between the road and the trail.

🏔 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The Origin Story: How a "crazy idea" for a 100km social run evolved into a beautiful race.

✅ Unique Features: A look at the course’s standout features, including the enormous granite outcrops of Paarl Mountain and the 100m floating bridge on the Nantes Dam.

✅ The Vision: Why Mias believes this accessible, "runnable" course has the potential to become the "Comrades of Trail Running".

✅ Community Roots: How the event partners with the Anna Foundation to support and inspire rural youth and create a platform to unlock Paarl's athletic talent

Whether you are a novice attempting your first trail marathon or a veteran chasing a fast time, this episode opens the door to the Paarl Winelands' best-kept secret.

Running The Rock Ultra? Tag us @trailchaserspod or send us a DM, especially if you survive the water crossing!

🎙 Behind the Trails is proudly brought to you by Trail Chasers.

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