What happens when a trail runner finds the perfect partner to help her chase her dreams?

In a 1st for the Trailchasers Podcast host, Dean Horwitz sits down with rising star Lijan Burger and Claude Eksteen from Salomon to get a unique perspective on the relationship between athlete and sponsor.

In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Lijan Burger, whose partnership with Salomon has not only elevated her performance but also transformed her career. From navigating the technical terrains of Stellenbosch to representing South Africa on the global stage, Lijan shares how Salomon’s cutting-edge gear and unwavering support have given her the tools she needs to push boundaries and excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports.

We also chat to Claude about Salomon's celebrated history in the sport internationally and their local legacy and how they work with their athletes and integrate them into the brand. Claude chats us through the brands innovation, the challenges they face and the growth of trail running in South Africa.

Unpacking Lijan and Claude's collaboration we discover the unique way in which Salomon works with their athletes and the postive impact that this has had on Lijan's running and life.

Join us to discover the milestones that have shaped Lijan's path, the challenges she’s faced, and what it truly takes to rise in the world of trail running as well as the lessons she has learnt along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a seasoned runner, this episode is filled with inspiration, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a powerful brand-athlete partnership can drive lasting success.

What does it take to turn a passion for running and running shoes into a thriving community?

In this insightful and educational episode, we sit down with Geoff Crowe, a dynamic running shoe influencer whose journey started with a simple goal: to inspire others through his love for running.
Geoff shares his unique journey of getting into running later in life, beginning in his late thirties around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He transitioned from a corporate career to remote work, giving him flexibility to focus on fitness and running before moving into the running space full-time!

Geoff takes us through his favourite distances, his obsession with getting his marathon right and even touches on his love for trail running and affinity for mountains.

As a running shoe influencer Geoff touches on his strategy for maintaining an independent and authentic presence in the running shoe review niche. He delves into his experiences working with various brands, his massive shoe collection, and the ways he engages with his community both online and at races and events.

Geoff shares how his expertise in running shoes has not only helped athletes find their perfect fit but also created a global community of runners.

He also reveals his training routines, personal life balance, and exciting future goals, including running the Berlin Marathon, Otter Trail Run and UTCT with Adidas.

The episode ends with a light-hearted word association game, offering listeners a glimpse into Jeff's personality and priorities.

From shoe reviews to personal stories, Geoff’s content motivates runners of all levels to keep pushing forward—one stride at a time. Tune in to discover how Geoff uses his platform to inspire, connect, and build a movement that goes beyond just shoes.

How does someone balance their full-time career, family and a farm all the while tackling and winning some of South Africa's top 100 milers?

In this captivating, honest and uplifting episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Doug Pickard, owner of a trucking company by day, family man and farmer by night and trail runner on the weekends. Doug seamlessly balances his demanding professional career with a fervent passion for ultra trail running, family and farming.

Join us as Doug shares his remarkable journey from his early days in school athletics to his adventurous exploits in kite surfing and adventure racing, culminating in his profound love for trail running.

Discover the pivotal moments that rekindled Doug’s enthusiasm for running, including his experiences at renowned races like Skyrun and the UTD 100-mile. Doug opens up about the mental and emotional aspects of trail running, emphasizing the importance of running one's own race and the tranquil joy found in solo runs amidst nature.

Doug's story is a testament to the supportive and tight-knit trail running community. He recounts memorable races like the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD) and the George Mountain Race, which have not only tested his limits but also reinforced the camaraderie among runners. With insights into his rigorous training regimen tailored for international races like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), Doug offers valuable advice on balancing high-speed, short-distance runs in Johannesburg with intense climbing sessions in the mountains surrounding his farm in KZN.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a curious newbie, Doug’s heartfelt advice and motivating perspective provide an enriching look into the world of ultra trail running. Tune in to hear about his personal goals, the integral role of family support, and the relentless spirit that drives him to push his boundaries.