Send us a text

"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.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to your podcasts and chase the stories behind the trails.

Send us a text

"UTCT is one of those races where you just find people everywhere. You can pass through a town... people having lunch, they'll pause, cheer for you... which is an incredible thing." Admire Muzopambwa

In this special bonus episode of The RMB UTCT (The Place We Run) Series, Host Dean Horwitz is joined by local favorite Admire "Adie" Muzopambwa. Fresh off a massive season, Adie breaks down his analytical approach to his first RMB UTCT 100 Miler and the mental strategy that keeps him moving when things get tough.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll hear:

✅ The "Final Exam" mindset: Why this race is the pinnacle that sums up the entire year of training.

✅ His golden rule for ultra-running: "When you panic, you do everything wrong."

✅ How to conquer Table Mountain’s unpredictable weather and technical terrain, from loose rocks to steep stairs.

✅ The power of the Cape Town crowd and why the support on the trails is "priceless."

✅ Why success isn't just a finish time—it's crossing the line and thanking the volunteers.

Whether you are facing your first 100-miler or your own personal "final exam," this episode is a masterclass in staying calm, trusting your preparation, and finding the joy in the toughest moments.

This Special Edition of the Trail Chasers Podcast is proudly sponsored by RMB.

Enjoying the season? Subscribe, leave a review, and tag @trailchaserspod to share your biggest takeaway from Adie's advice.

Send us a text

"It's a big event, but it has small event culture and values. I don't know if I've experienced that anywhere else in the world." Kane Reilly

In this special bonus episode of The RMB UTCT (The People We Run With) Series, Host Dean Horwitz is joined by local legend Kane Reilly. As both an elite athlete and a key figure behind the scenes, Kane offers a unique perspective on the race's evolution from a "gazebo under a tree" to a global stage, and why he is finally lining up for the "loaded" PT55km on home soil.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll hear:

✅ Kane's journey from running up to the Blockhouse during high school lunch breaks to lining up against the world's best in his "backyard."

✅How he navigates a decade of working "behind the scenes" with the ambition to finally give the race a "proper crack" as an athlete this year.

✅ His take on the "Big Event, Small Culture" phenomenon—mixing world-class infrastructure with a vibe where friends share a beer at the finish line.

✅ The deep satisfaction he gets from watching international teammates experience the unique "interplay" of mountain, city, and ocean for the first time.

Whether you are lining up for the "loaded" PT55km or cheering from the sidelines, this episode is a celebration of the unique 'small event soul' that makes Cape Town a world-class stage.

This Special Edition of the Trail Chasers Podcast is proudly sponsored by RMB.

Enjoying the season? Subscribe, leave a review, and tag @trailchaserspod to share your biggest takeaway from Kane's story."