In this episode of The Mindful Runner Podcast, we sit down with Damien Kuhn, the 2024 winner of the Mac Mac 200.

Just a year earlier, Damien led the race for over 200 kilometers—only to fall short of the finish. Now, with victory behind him and another attempt ahead, he reflects on the lessons from both heartbreak and triumph.

Damien shares insights from training on the route near his hometown of Nelspruit, how running back-to-back ultras like Comrades and Mac Mac shape his mindset, and why community and consistency matter just as much as grit.

Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or preparing for your next comeback, this conversation is about what it really takes to go the distance—mentally, physically, and emotionally.