The Running Voyager

What happens when you decide that your age, your circumstances, or other people’s expectations do not get to define what you are capable of?

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Noleen Dube, a powerhouse in the corporate sector, a wife and mother of two adult children. In this episode, we talk all about how Noleen summited Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 55.

Noleen’s story is about so much more than climbing a mountain. It is about the power of positive thinking, the importance of believing in yourself, and the courage to attempt something big, even when the goal feels daunting.

We talk about what it means to challenge your own limitations, the mindset required to keep going when things get difficult, and how the lessons we learn in one area of life can transform every other part of it.

As a Black African woman, a mother, and a leader in the corporate world, Noleen brings a unique perspective to the question: What might be possible if we stopped telling ourselves that we are too old, too busy, too inexperienced, or simply not capable?

Her journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest obstacle is not the mountain in front of us, but the limits we have placed on ourselves.

This is a conversation about courage, resilience, positive thinking, ambition, and the power of believing that you can achieve big things.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Noleen’s journey to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 55
• The mindset required to take on a major challenge
• The power of positive thinking
• Why believing in yourself matters
• Challenging the limitations we place on ourselves
• Balancing a demanding corporate career with motherhood
• What it means to pursue big goals at any stage of life
• The lessons the mountain taught her about resilience and perseverance
• Why it is never too late to attempt something extraordinary

If you have ever had a dream but wondered whether you were too old, too busy, or not capable enough to pursue it, this episode is for you.

Noleen’s story is a reminder: the mountain may be difficult, but the first step is believing that you can climb it.

In this episode, we sit down with ultra-runner Donovan Shirley of Pirates Running Club in Johannesburg to discuss an extraordinary challenge that goes far beyond the finish line.

Donovan is no stranger to pushing the limits of human endurance. Having competed in the legendary Backyard Ultra format, he has built a reputation for resilience, grit, and perseverance. But his latest challenge is about something much bigger than running.

Ahead of the Comrades Marathon, Donovan will run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban before joining thousands of runners on the start line of Comrades to run the official race back to Pietermaritzburg. The challenge intentionally mirrors the journey many people face with their mental health: running "Down" to Durban before turning around and finding the strength to "Get Back Up."

This powerful campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for mental health organisations Matthew&ME and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), while encouraging open and honest conversations about depression, anxiety, and the importance of seeking support.

Matthew&ME was founded in memory of 16-year-old Matthew, who tragically lost his battle with depression. The organisation works to raise awareness around teen suicide, create safe spaces for conversations about mental health, and support families navigating depression and loss. Their message is simple but vital: it's okay not to be okay, and it's okay to ask for help.

Throughout our conversation, Donovan shares:

• His background in ultra-running and Backyard Ultras
• Why did he choose mental health as the focus of this challenge
• The symbolism behind running to Durban and then back again
• The physical and mental demands of a back-to-back Comrades effort
• The importance of community support and connection
• His hopes for the impact this campaign can have across South Africa

This challenge is about more than miles. It's about resilience, hope, and reminding people that no matter how difficult the journey may seem, there is always a way forward.

Because sometimes the bravest thing we can do is keep moving.

We can do hard things.

To learn more about the campaign, support the fundraising effort, or find help for yourself or someone you know, please visit Matthew&ME and SADAG.

#MentalHealth #ComradesMarathon #UltraRunning #DonovanShirley #PiratesRunningClub #SADAG #MatthewAndME #BackyardUltra #MentalHealthAwareness #WeCanDoHardThings

Links

Backabuddy Campaign

Merch order form

Instagram

Alexander Sorrington

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Today’s guest is Junko Kazukawa, an ultra and trail runner based in Denver, Colorado, originally from Japan. She has over 30 years of experience in the health, fitness, and training fields, and currently works as a UESCA-certified running coach, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and Run Club coordinator at Colorado Athletic Club Tabor.

Junko is passionate about helping people achieve their athletic goals through individualized training and strength programs, with a focus on improving weaknesses and preventing injury. She enjoys working with runners of all levels, especially beginners and older athletes.

She is also a two-time breast cancer survivor, an experience that continues to shape her approach to training and life.

As an athlete, Junko has completed 19 100-mile ultramarathons, including races such as Leadville 100, UTMB, UTMF, and Ultra Fiord in Patagonia. In 2015, she completed both the Grand Slam of ultrarunning and the Leadwoman series in the same season.

She is an Altra Red Team athlete, a Nuun ambassador, and part of the Berkeley Park Running Company team. Outside of running, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and has summited multiple Colorado 14ers, as well as Mount Rainier, Kilimanjaro, and Mont Blanc.

Links

Leadvile 100

Lead challenge

Grandslam

Ultra Trail Mont Blanc

Ultra Trail Mount Fuji

Hardrock 100

14ers

high lonesome 100

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes and the Gretaest Race the World has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

Training for the Uphill Athlete: a Manual for Mountain runners and Ski Mountaineers by Steve House, Scott Johnston and Killian Jornett

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If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

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With the Addo Elephant Trail Run happening this weekend, I’m republishing my conversation with race directors Sheena and Sian to help new runners feel prepared and confident. Addo is no ordinary race—it takes you through rugged trails, remote landscapes, and breathtaking scenery in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park.

In this episode, we talk about the race itself, what first-time runners should know, and what makes Addo such a unique challenge. If you're feeling a bit nervous ahead of race day, this episode is for you!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The history of the Addo Elephant Trail Run and how Sheena & Shaun became race directors
• What makes this event so unique compared to other ultras
• A breakdown of the course and what runners can expect on race day
• Key challenges, terrain, and weather conditions to be prepared for
• Tips for first-time participants to stay strong physically and mentally

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re running Addo for the first time, this episode will give you valuable insights to help you feel more prepared. Even experienced runners will enjoy hearing about the behind-the-scenes of organizing such a remote and challenging race.

Resources & Links:

• Addo Elephant Trail Run Official Website
• Follow the Race on Social Media

Support the show

Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

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The guest in this episode is Stuart Gemmill. Stuart is a run coach based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He’s an ultra-runner himself, having completed 28 Comrades marathons, and he’s gearing up for his 29th this year. Last October, he won the Runyanga 100-mile ultra.

In this episode, we dive into Stuart’s incredible running journey, spanning decades. We talk about the running culture in Zimbabwe, the exponential growth of the sport, and the measures race organizers can take to improve efficiency, professionalism, and runner safety. We also explore trail running in Zimbabwe, and Stuart shares his insights as a coach—giving advice for those just starting out in running.

Links

• Comrades Marathon – https://www.comrades.com
• Richmond Marathon (Durban) – https://richmondmarathon.co.za
• Skyrun (Zimbabwe) – https://skyrunzim.com
• The Lion King – https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/the-lion-king-1994/
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
• Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop – https://trainright.com/book/
• The Happy Runner by David Roche & Megan Roche – https://www.happy-runner.com
• Stuart's Instagram
• Trailblazerszim Instagram

Support the show

Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Wayne Hunter to explore his life, career, and remarkable transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a background in engineering, Wayne came to Japan at the age of 23 and has since spent most of his 37 years in the country working in private membership club management. He is married with two daughters and has had the unique experience of living in a four-generation household with his in-laws in Chiba.

Wayne’s running journey began as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At his heaviest, Wayne weighed 185kg, and after witnessing deaths within his work circle, he made the decision to change his life. Over an 18-month period starting in the summer of 2020, Wayne lost an extraordinary 54% of his body weight — around 100 kilograms.

He initially took up rowing, training for hours a day in his home which he credits as the foundation of his weight loss. He later transitioned into running, taking part in road races but finding his true passion on the trails. In this episode, Wayne shares his journey into running, his training, and his experience tackling the Nagawa Trail.

Whether you're looking for motivation, perspective, or simply a powerful human story, this episode delivers on all fronts.

Links:

Centennial — by James A. Michener

Nagawa Trail

COVID-19

Breaking Bad

Tokyo American Club Japan

Shōgun- by James Clavell

The Godfather

Support the show

Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Kiyoshi a Tokyo-based running community organizer and avid runner, discusses his journey with running, the famous Hakone Ekiden relay race, and his involvement in the Doyou (土曜） Club, an open learning and running community. Kiyoshi shares insights into the cultural significance of the Ekiden race in Japan, its impact on university students, and how it fosters community spirit. He also touches on his own experiences, struggles, and the importance of running in his life. This episode is a deep dive into how running and learning intertwine to build connections and personal growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
01:19 Meet Kiyoshi: The Learning Enthusiast
02:52 Kiyoshi's Running Journey
03:24 The Birth of a Video Producer
04:33 Language Exchange and Friendship
06:11 Exploring the Japanese Ekiden
07:59 Hakone Ekiden: The Ultimate Relay Race
14:14 The Significance of Hakone Ekiden
16:06 Comparing Global Running Events
18:01 Cheering and Strategy in Hakone Ekiden
23:56 Advertising and Marketing in Ekiden
24:27 Nike Vaporfly and Shoe Technology
26:31 Comparing Marathon Runners
29:35 University Teams and Qualifications
32:43 Ekiden in Japanese Schools
38:14 Book Recommendations
39:53 Movie and TV Series Recommendations
44:23 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

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Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

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In this episode, I chat with Terence Vrugtman — ultrarunner, photographer, and Race Director of the Karkloof Trail Series.
We dig into what makes Karkloof such a standout event in South Africa’s trail running calendar, and Terence gives us a first look at the 2026 course: the terrain, the challenges, and how the route continues to evolve.

We also talk about the realities of race directing, what it takes to build a welcoming and sustainable trail community.

Whether you're planning to run Karkloof, curious about race organisation, or just love trail stories, you’ll enjoy this one.

Guest Links

 Karkloof Trail Run: https://www.karklooftrailrun.co.za
Terence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terencevrugtman

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Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, I speak with South African ultra-runner Kennedy Sekhuthe, who recently won the 2025 Salt Pans Ultra 100kmin Botswana with an impressive time of 12:26:50. We talk about his journey in ultra running, the dedication and discipline behind his rise, and the mindset that carried him through one of Africa’s toughest endurance races.
 Key Topics Covered

• Kennedy’s 2025 Salt Pans Ultra victory
• How he trained and prepared for a 100km race
• His long journey in the sport and what has shaped him as an athlete
• What this win means for his future in ultra running

Kennedy’s story is a reminder that consistency over years, not shortcuts, builds endurance and success. His journey shows that with discipline, grit, and patience, long-term goals become reachable.

Notable Results:

• 1st place at Salt Pans Ultra 100km 
• 1st place at Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100 Miler 25:08:26

Support the show

Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!

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In today’s episode, I read a personal story that celebrates one full year of running — starting at age 44, with no athletic background, four kids, a full-time job, and zero intention of ever becoming “a runner”.

What began as a curious experiment with a Garmin watch slowly turned into a life-changing habit. In this reflective episode, I share the highs, lows, lessons, and honest realities of beginning running later in life, in cold Canadian winters, and with absolutely no clue what “zone 2” even meant.

If you’ve ever thought “running isn’t for me”, this one is for you.

• How he went from no running experience to completing consistent run/walk sessions
• Why running initially made no sense to him
• How a fitness tracker motivated him to start
• Training through a Canadian winter, illness and family demands
• His first goal: preparing for a 5K at work
• The moments that changed how he viewed running

Support the show

Thanks so much for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on Instagram @therunningvoyager  we’d love to share your story next. You can DM us or send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.

Your support keeps this show going! If you’d like to help us grow, you can become a supporter on Patreon - every contribution goes directly towards hosting and production costs on Buzzsprout.

Thanks again for listening, and see you in the next episode!