In this special episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, James and Lewis take a deep dive into this weekend’s RunThrough Trails Lake District event - and why it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting races of the year. They dissect the elite battle at the front, previewing the leading men’s and women’s fields and discussing what’s at stake with the race doubling as both the British 50K Trail Championships and a key European Championships selection race.

With top athletes, national team implications and a stacked field on the start line, this episode is the perfect preview for anyone racing, spectating or following along from home.

They also break down the challenging 23K and 53K courses - from Scafell to Cat Bells, they explore what makes racing in the Lake District so unique, so technical and so tough - reflecting on last year’s brutal but unforgettable route, and explain the changes made for 2026.

In this episode of The RunThrough Trails Podcast, Red Bull athlete David Kilgore joins host James Tilley to talk all things trail running. Known for his remarkable achievement of completing marathons on all seven continents, David shares how his journey into endurance sport has shaped his approach to training and racing on the trails.

James and David dive into the key elements of preparing for trail running, from building strength and endurance to developing the right mindset for unpredictable terrain. They discuss practical training techniques, the importance of strategy, and how runners of all levels can approach the unique challenges that come with trail environments.

Whether you're new to trail running or looking to elevate your performance, David offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you make the most of every run off-road.

In this episode of The RunThrough Trails Podcast, elite trail runner Toni McCann joins host James Tilley. Coming to running later than many pros, Toni started out in team sports before discovering the trails, where a tough first race quickly sparked her competitive edge. She talks about the strength of South Africa’s running culture, the growth of trail running in the country, and what it has taken to move from 50k racing up to the demands of 100k distances after winning both CCC & OCC at UTMB Finals Week.

James and Toni also dive into coaching, including Tony’s experience with self coaching and the value of having guidance for accountability, as well as the challenge of balancing her own racing with coaching others. They explore the mental resilience needed to perform at the highest level and how mindset plays a huge role over longer distances.

With the World Championships in Cape Town In 2027, Tony shares her excitement about racing on home soil and what’s next as she continues to test herself across different distances.