In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with elite trail runner Naomi Lang to explore her journey from growing up in the Scottish hills to competing on the world stage. Naomi shares how her love for the outdoors shaped her running career, her transition from track and cross country to trail and hill running, and what it’s like to represent Great Britain at the World Championships and take on the Marathon du Mont Blanc, finishing third on the podium in both.

She opens up about training techniques, mastering downhill running, and joining the Salomon team, which marked a major step in her professional journey. Naomi also reflects on the mental side of competition, how she stays calm under pressure and finds confidence in her preparation, and how the sport continues to push her to new levels.

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Danny Stokes from TrailFam, a charity using the power of trail running to change young lives.

Danny shares his own journey into the sport, from tackling a triathlon with his brother to discovering trail running through YouTube and falling in love with the mountains. He opens up about how trail running transformed his lifestyle, and how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the creation of TrailFam.

From humble beginnings as an after-school club, TrailFam has grown into a thriving charity dedicated to improving the physical health, mental wellbeing, and future opportunities of young people. Danny and James explore the importance of community, the benefits of connecting with nature, and the role diversity plays in making trail running more accessible to all.

Whether it’s through their race team giving young athletes the chance to compete, or by creating a safe and supportive space for kids to thrive, TrailFam is proof that running can be a powerful tool for change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sport, community, and the next generation of trail runners.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 33

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional Brooks trail runner Anna Gibson. Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Anna competed as a track athlete before moving into trail running, while also excelling in other disciplines such as skiing and cycling. Her diverse athletic background has shaped her training philosophy, emphasising the importance of cross training and adaptability.

With the World Championships in Canfranc, Spain on the horizon, Anna talks about her preparation and the mental strategies that keep her sharp on race day. From exploring unique race formats to reflecting on the exciting growth of trail running as a professional sport, this conversation highlights Anna’s journey as a versatile athlete and her passion for competition.

Follow Us.

James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunstrails/

Anna Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/annaagibsonn/

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 32

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with Gemma Hillier-Moses to reflect on her journey to and through CCC at UTMB, her 100K debut!

Gemma opens up about the challenges of injury recovery, adapting her training to the mountains (and living in a van) and the mental strategies that helped her tackle one of the toughest trail races on the calendar. She shares the highs and lows of race day, from unpredictable weather to fueling strategies, and the lessons learned along the way.

Beyond the race itself, Gemma talks about the value of learning from fellow elite athletes at the HOKA training camp and how endurance sport has shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. Despite setbacks, her performance at CCC stands as a huge milestone in her career, and she looks ahead with excitement to returning stronger in the future.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 31

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails Podcast, host James Tilley sits down with professional trail runner Dani Moreno of adidas TERREX.

Dani shares her journey from childhood football player to professional athlete, the challenges of transitioning to full-time running, and the lessons she’s learned through injury and recovery. She opens up about her recent experience at the OCC and what it means to step up to the CCC, while also reflecting on the role of coaching, pacing strategy, and team dynamics in her success.

📌 Key Takeaways:

From football roots to professional trail running

How her parents shaped her work ethic & financial mindset

The leap from tech job to full-time athlete

Managing injuries as part of the athlete journey

Conservative race strategies & pacing insights

Stepping up from OCC ➝ CCC

Coaching, team support & community impact

Dani’s own podcasting journey & future goals

🎧 Subscribe to the RunThrough Trails Podcast for more conversations with trail athletes, coaches, and adventurers.

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 30

In this episode of the RunThrough Trails podcast, host James Tilley speaks with adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, and mental health advocate Alex Staniforth. From a childhood shaped by epilepsy and bullying, Alex opens up about how the outdoors became a source of confidence, belonging, and healing.

He shares the story behind his monumental challenge of climbing all 446 mountains in England and Wales, a journey that not only pushed his physical limits but raised vital funds for mental health initiatives. Through the conversation, Alex reflects on how setting personal goals helped him regain a sense of control, and how running and adventure became powerful tools for managing mental health.

They explore the founding of Mind Over Mountains, Alex’s charity dedicated to helping others find healing through nature, and discuss why community, recovery, and self-care are essential after big challenges. He also shares thoughts on the ongoing journey of self-discovery through endurance, emphasising that in running, as in life, the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the intersection between physical activity and mental resilience, and how nature can be a path to both purpose and peace.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the heart of endurance, mental health, and adventure.

James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunstrails/
RunThrough Trails - https://www.instagram.com/runthroughtrails/
Alex Staniforth - https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/

🎙️ RunThrough Trails Podcast | Episode 29

In this episode of the Run Through Trails podcast, host James Tilley welcomes Edward Gwynne-Harris, trail running enthusiast and creator of the Gwynne-Harris Round in the Brecon Beacons. Edward shares his transformation from a casual runner to an ultra runner, and how his deepening appreciation for his local landscape led to the creation of a new, challenging, and inspiring route through one of Wales' most beautiful national parks.

They discuss:

Growing up in the Brecon Beacons and learning to love the outdoors later in life

Starting with triathlons and shifting focus to trail and ultra running

The motivation behind creating the Gwynne-Harris Round to spotlight the Beacons

The accessibility and scenic value of the Brecon Beacons compared to areas like Snowdonia and the Lake District

Fueling challenges and lessons learned during his ultra-distance efforts

The role of culture, community, and storytelling in trail running

Why it’s important to explore and promote lesser-known trails to ease pressure on overused routes

This episode is a deep dive into what makes the Brecon Beacons special, why community matters in trail running, and how one runner’s vision turned into a new challenge for others to explore.

📽️ Don’t miss the discussion about the Gwynne-Harris Round documentary—it beautifully captures the essence of the route and watch it here - https://youtu.be/aazZLqPX_0s?feature=shared

In this special episode, we sit down with RunThrough Trails' very own James Tilley for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation.

Together with guest host Ben Sheppard from RunThroughs Gone Running Podcast, James reflects on his time in Canada, the roots of his passion for the mountains, and the challenges of turning trail dreams into reality on race day. The duo dive deep into what went into organising one of the most emotional and ambitious events on the RunThrough calendar: Ultra Trail Morzine-Avoriaz.

Also hear,

🏞️ How James designed and raced his own trail course
💥 The behind-the-scenes chaos of delivering an event
📈 RunThrough’s vision for European expansion
🤯 Navigating setbacks, mental fatigue & last-minute changes
🤝 The power of community, connection, and the RunThrough team spirit

This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful trail event — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. From planning courses to managing crises, it’s a candid conversation about passion, purpose, and the people who make the sport so special.

💬 Whether you're a runner, a race director, or someone who loves a good story about grit and growth, this one’s for you.

👇 Hit play, subscribe, and drop us a comment about your own favourite trail experience!