What if you discovered a passion later in life that not only pushed your limits but transformed the way you see yourself and the world?

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rodney, who started trail running later in life but quickly found that it's never too late to discover a passion. Craig opens up about his unexpected journey from agency life to becoming a dedicated trail runner. We explore his early memories of running, the challenges of balancing family life and running, and how starting "the race" late in life has taught him invaluable lessons about endurance, mental resilience, and self-compassion.

From his initial struggles and humorous trail mishaps to running the 100K UTCT, Craig shares the highs and lows of his running journey. He discusses the importance of mental strength, finding motivation, and the unexpected joys that come from overcoming personal limits. Whether you're an experienced runner or thinking about lacing up for the first time, this conversation is packed with insights that extend far beyond the trails.

Tune in for a conversation that proves starting late doesn’t mean finishing behind—it means winning at life, on your own terms.

What happens when a trail runner finds the perfect partner to help her chase her dreams?

In a 1st for the Trailchasers Podcast host, Dean Horwitz sits down with rising star Lijan Burger and Claude Eksteen from Salomon to get a unique perspective on the relationship between athlete and sponsor.

In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Lijan Burger, whose partnership with Salomon has not only elevated her performance but also transformed her career. From navigating the technical terrains of Stellenbosch to representing South Africa on the global stage, Lijan shares how Salomon’s cutting-edge gear and unwavering support have given her the tools she needs to push boundaries and excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports.

We also chat to Claude about Salomon's celebrated history in the sport internationally and their local legacy and how they work with their athletes and integrate them into the brand. Claude chats us through the brands innovation, the challenges they face and the growth of trail running in South Africa.

Unpacking Lijan and Claude's collaboration we discover the unique way in which Salomon works with their athletes and the postive impact that this has had on Lijan's running and life.

Join us to discover the milestones that have shaped Lijan's path, the challenges she’s faced, and what it truly takes to rise in the world of trail running as well as the lessons she has learnt along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a seasoned runner, this episode is filled with inspiration, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a powerful brand-athlete partnership can drive lasting success.

What does it take to turn a passion for running and running shoes into a thriving community?

In this insightful and educational episode, we sit down with Geoff Crowe, a dynamic running shoe influencer whose journey started with a simple goal: to inspire others through his love for running.
Geoff shares his unique journey of getting into running later in life, beginning in his late thirties around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He transitioned from a corporate career to remote work, giving him flexibility to focus on fitness and running before moving into the running space full-time!

Geoff takes us through his favourite distances, his obsession with getting his marathon right and even touches on his love for trail running and affinity for mountains.

As a running shoe influencer Geoff touches on his strategy for maintaining an independent and authentic presence in the running shoe review niche. He delves into his experiences working with various brands, his massive shoe collection, and the ways he engages with his community both online and at races and events.

Geoff shares how his expertise in running shoes has not only helped athletes find their perfect fit but also created a global community of runners.

He also reveals his training routines, personal life balance, and exciting future goals, including running the Berlin Marathon, Otter Trail Run and UTCT with Adidas.

The episode ends with a light-hearted word association game, offering listeners a glimpse into Jeff's personality and priorities.

From shoe reviews to personal stories, Geoff’s content motivates runners of all levels to keep pushing forward—one stride at a time. Tune in to discover how Geoff uses his platform to inspire, connect, and build a movement that goes beyond just shoes.