This one is Audio Only, and Adults Only. Due to the heavy content covered, and a few surprising F-bombs, don't play this one in the car with the kids in the back.

This episode is a special one! When Gavin Clifton reached out to suggest a collaboration of three trail running podcasts - Dirt Church Radio, The Cowbell and Talking Trail - to showcase this very important fundraiser that aids in the fight against Motor Neuron Disease, we all said "Absolutely!"

I am incredibly humbled and tremendously grateful to have shared this special night, the 2026 Launch of the Firies Climb for MND, hosted by Louise & Baden at Tempus Katoomba. Such a great example of whanau - the love and compassion to be found in the trail running community, and our emergency services professionals.

In this panel discussion, you'll hear from Matt Rayment (Dirt Church Radio), Matt Pridham (creator of the Firies Climb for MND), Professor Dominic Rowe (leading the world in research at Macquarie University), Gavin Clifton (who resurrected the Firies Climb by bringing it to the Blue Mountains) and myself.

Prepare to be moved, inspired and educated in this informative and at times, quite frank discussion about Motor Neuron Disease and its impact on families, advancements in recent years and what you can do to help.

If you can, please donate here - https://firiesclimbformnd.org.au/

Thanks for listening,

Rob Phillpott

In this episode, Annie Hand and Rob Phillpott are joined by physiotherapist and running coach Mark Green, and the Blue Mountains Marathon Clinic's Ben Berriman to explore the factors driving the rapid improvements in trail and ultra running performance, including technology, access to data, coaching, and cultural shifts. They analyze recent record-breaking performances and the evolving landscape of endurance sports.

The conversation ebbs and flows, with a lot of personal anecdotes to flavour the discussion. Enjoy!

Katinka von Elsner-Wellsteed is a name to watch in the world of trail running. Recently, she sat down with Rob Phillpott on Talking Trail to share her incredible journey from being a junior triathlon champion to embracing the rocky paths of trail running.

Since her foray into trail running, Katinka has continued to push her limits, competing in multiple races and winning significant events like the Kunanyi Mountain race. She’s excited to explore more of the trail running world, which she admits she is still learning about.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back is the best way to move forward. Katinka's journey is just beginning, and it's one that many will be inspired by as she carves out her path in the world of trail running.

No, we're not recreating a hit 90's movie, Annie and Rob are catching up with a relatively new talent on the trail running scene, Jaime Black.

In a short period, Jaime has moved from trail running newbie to heading over to the Big Dance, UTMB.

We discuss his philosophies on training, balancing the demands of a young family with chasing running goals, nutrition, gear, the mental aspects of ultrarunning, and the advantages for him in being self-coached.

The OG Band is Back together!

In this in-depth interview, we catch up with Mike Dunstan after his amazing win in the UTA100 last weekend to discuss his journey to victory, what changed for him in the last 12 months, race-day insights, and his plans for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Mike Dunstan is a super talented, yet supremely humble person, and his character shines through in this interview.

It was so great for the 2 Robs to get their Mike back!

Our 2026 UTA (Ultra Trail Australia) Special!In this episode, the tables are turned as Jose Brosas takes over the Host chair and interviews Annie Hand and Rob Phillpott to talk all things UTA.Rob reminisces about the very first North Face 100, Annie and Rob reflect on how trail running has changed over the years, advice for first time trail runners, favourite and least favourite sections of the course, pre-race preparation, post-race fueling and more.

Exciting news - Annie Hand joins the Talking Trail team for 2026!

In this episode, Rob Phillpott welcomes Annie to the team, and they discuss; a bit of Annie's history , her rapid rise in the trail running ranks, how getting a coach has been transformative to her performances, her plans for 2026 and beyond and we have a lot of laughs along the way.

In this episode, Rob Phillpott sits down with Running Wild NSW's President, Mel McSeveny, to discuss the events they host, Mel's running career and the return of a Blue Mountains classic race - exciting news!

Rob also catches up with Andrea Comastri to recap his epic run - the Long Run To Inclusion - from Mt Victoria to Canberra, raising funds and awareness for Hotel Etico's life changing program promoting awareness about disability and employment.To donate to or learn more about Hotel Etico, go to https://hoteletico.gofundraise.com.au/Running Wild NSW events can be found at https://www.runningwildnsw.com/

In this episode, Rob Phillpott catches up with a handful of Six Foot Track Marathon debutantes - Dane Briggs, Luke Newcombe, Geoff Johnston-Hall and Kate Klein - to discuss their experience of race day. Rob also chats with second placegetter Annie Hand about her race and training prior to race day.

At Talking Trail, we always do a Six Foot special, and this year we're treated to the perspectives of five runners taking on the Six Foot Track race for the first time.

Rob Phillpott sits down with Ash Bartlett, Dane Briggs, Luke Newcombe, Geoff Johnston-Hall and Kate Klein, to discuss: why they entered, their training build-up, and strategies for race day.