Episode 89 (and 90 coming next week) of Peak Pursuits delivers a comprehensive wrap of a massive 2025 for Australian trail running, as James, Vlad, Brodie, and Sim hand out their end-of-year performance awards.

In Part 1, the team debates the standout performances of the season and the surprise breakout performances, eventually coming to a decision where it feels like there is no right or wrong because how good was 2025!!

Throughout, the team unpack deep fields at global races, compare domestic versus international results, and explore how indexing, course difficulty, and competitive depth shape performance context. With sharp analysis, athlete recognition, and honest debate, this episode is essential listening for anyone tracking Australian trail running results, elite progression, and the stories that defined 2025.

What do you think? Were we close or did we miss something? Let us know!

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners! And to enter our end of year giveaway make sure you follow us and Bix Australia on insta then tag your friend in a comment on this episodes post!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website

Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava

Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava

Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Endurance at the extreme isn’t built in a single race. It’s shaped over years of uncertainty, hard choices, and an ability to keep going when there’s no clear finish line.

In this episode, James sits down with Piotr Babis — two-time King of the Hill winner, Arc’teryx athlete, and one of Australia’s most quietly accomplished ultra runners — to explore the long path behind his 90-hour performance.

They dive into Piotr’s unconventional entry into running, his seven-year fight to stay in Australia, the mental and physical demands of backyard ultras, and why sleep deprivation — not pain — is often the true breaking point. The conversation also unpacks FKTs, self-directed projects, crew dynamics, and what it really means to test your limits without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you’re curious about ultra endurance, drawn to long-term challenges, or navigating your own uncertain path in the sport, this episode offers a rare, honest look at what sustains performance over time.

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Piotr Babis: Instagram | Strava

Follow James: Instagram | Strava

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In Episode 88 of Peak Pursuits, James and Vlad are joined by Demi Caldwell to unpack a huge stretch of racing across Australia and the international trail scene. Demi reflects on her breakthrough third-place finish at the fiercely competitive Kosci 50, breaking down race strategy, course execution, and a season that’s steadily built momentum at the pointy end of Australian women’s trail running.

Vlad recaps his international podium at the Oman ultra, diving into the brutally technical course, racing at altitude, mandatory gear controversy, and why the event is shaping into a future UTMB destination race. The episode also covers key domestic results, athlete trends, gear insights, coaching discussion, and what the current calendar says about where Australian trail running is heading. A must-listen for runners tracking podium performances, race analysis, and the sport’s next phase.

Results:

• ATR Summer Series 2: Bridgewater (SA)
• Peaks & Passages (ACT)

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Demi: Instagram | YouTube

Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website

Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R