Podcast
The Running Voyager
Hosted by Linda Kapembeza · EN
This is a podcast about running and storytelling. Each episode we’ll talk to a runner and hear their story. Running is never just about running there’s always so much more to it!
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Race Directing and Exploring Cape Town’s Trails with Warren King
Nov 600:30:33Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWarren King’s journey from attorney to private banker to trail running entrepreneur is a story of reinvention and passion. After a 15-year career at Investec Bank in Johannesburg, Warren stepped away from finance to create some of South Africa’s most recognisable trail running events. His transition not only drew on his business expertise but also deepened his understanding of the rapidly expanding adventure tourism sector.A seasoned traveller and runner, Warren has raced across more than 35 countries: from the Himalayas and Southeast Asian jungles to the Andes. These global adventures have given him a rare insight into emerging trail destinations like Georgia, Mongolia, and Slovenia, and the trends shaping the future of adventure travel.Now based in Cape Town, Warren is combining his love of running, exploration, and entrepreneurship through his latest venture, Cape Trail Tours—a business offering curated trail running experiences and on-the-ground support for international runners keen to explore South Africa’s remarkable trails. Links:https://capetrailtours.co.za/https://instagram.com/capetrailtourshttps://facebook.com/capetrailtoursWhat I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki MurakamiThe Lord of the Rings by JRR TolkienFrasierFriendsThe Himalayas - NepalSupport the showThanks 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 linda@therunningvoyager.com 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!
Transcribe →Inside South Africa’s Running Boom, Comrades Fixes, and Cape Town Marathon's Cancellation
Nov 300:46:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe explore South Africa’s running surge with Stuart Mann—from sold-out ballots and the Cape Town Marathon cancellation to how Comrades has shifted from controversy toward accountability. With 178 unique marathons completed, Stuart shares what resilient races get right and how the sport has evolved since COVID.We discuss participation trends, the impact of social media, and how ballot systems affect major events like Two Oceans and Comrades. Stuart reflects on lessons from the Otter Trail, and the realities of technical terrain. We also unpack the Comrades 2024–2025 improvements, and what the Cape Town Marathon’s cancellation reveals about race governance and planning in South Africa.To support the show, follow @TheRunningVoyager on Instagram, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It doesn’t take much, but it means a lot.Here’s to another week full of great adventures.Cheers.Support the showThanks 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 linda@therunningvoyager.com 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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Lake Biwa 100 Miler (Japan) - Media Post Race Report
Oct 2400:09:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI recently had the opportunity to be on media duty at the Lake Biwa 100 and this is my impression and race report.Text below from race website:" The Lake Biwa 100 course takes you on a journey through various ecosystems and historical sites in the Kansai region of Japan, skirting Lake Biwa the biggest lake in Japan for most of the course. With only 330 participants and a generous 52-hour cut off, the race keeps its authenticity, with friendly smiles at the hospitable aid stations. But don’t let that fool you: despite the highest peaks being only around 1200m (4000ft), the technical 169km course boasts over 10,500m (34,400ft) of elevation gain. From 2024, it is Japan’s only Hard Rock 100 Qualifier, and for good reasons."LinksLake Biwa100 MilerYunoyama OnsenLake BiwaKansai Region JapanHira Lake Guest HouseKaori Niwa Lake Biwa 100 RD InstagramSupport the showThanks 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 linda@therunningvoyager.com 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!
Transcribe →Across State Lines: Cameron’s 220-Mile Run from Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 2100:58:12Tap to summarizeSend a textCameron, a Virginia native, ran an astonishing 220 miles as a beginner, driven by an inner voice to transcend mental and physical limits through relentless effort. Cameron embraced running as a crucible to forge his purpose. Each grueling mile reflects his belief that life demands giving your all to bear meaningful fruit. “I’m just like you,” he says, urging others to fearlessly join life’s journey of growth. When not pounding the pavement, Cameron chases other passions—flying planes, writing movies, mastering piano, or opening a restaurant—knowing time waits for no one. His story inspires us to embrace struggle, push beyond limitations, and find peace through suffering, proving we’re all connected in our pursuit of growth.LinksDavid GogginsChatanoogaThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidCan't Hurt Me by David GogginsBest Ever Food Reviews - Youtube ChannelThe Magazine Dreams with Jonathan MajorsFunny FarmSupport the showThanks 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 linda@therunningvoyager.com 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!
Transcribe →Getting Motivated: Tips for Runners Episode
Feb 25, 202500:08:58Tap to summarizeSend us a textThis episode covers various tips and personal experiences on how to get motivated for running. From participating in unique running events to finding the right running group, the speaker shares different strategies and personal anecdotes to help runners get out of a rut and back on track. Introduction Runner Event in Hadano Group Running Experience Why This Episode Tips for Getting Unstuck ConclusionSupport the show
Transcribe →Wye-Khe Kwok- on Everyday Adventuring, Rucking and Challenging Yourself
Feb 11, 202501:01:54Tap to summarizeSend us a textThe guest in episode 108 is Wye-Khe Kwok. Wye-Khe is an Australian transplant in Japan, whose life has been an exploration of trails, mountains and pushing the boundaries of endurance. From transitioning from hiking to trail running, to navigating the delicate balance between carrying too much gear and running too far, Wye-Khe shares his unique perspectie on living life to the fullest. With a passion for mountains, a love for doggos and an understanding nod to cattos and an appetite for unconventional endurance challenges. Wye-Khe's journey is sure to inspira and captivate.Naoki ShimizuSemi Rad - Brandon LeonardHow to Run 100 MilesBackyard UltraAJR 100 bad days make 100 good storiesHachioji Castle RuinsYamanote LineCan't Hurt me - David GogginsThe Comfort Crisis - Mark EasterYamanote LineInterstellarMomentoSupport the show
Transcribe →Bennie Roux on Running the Ultra Gobi: 400km of Endurance and Lessons Learned
Jan 31, 202500:52:58Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode, Linda interviews Bennie, a seasoned ultra-endurance runner with an impressive track record. Having conquered grueling races like the 400km Ultra Gobi in China/Mongolia, The Munga, Skyrun, Mac Mac, and Moab 240, to name a few, Bennie is no stranger to pushing his physical and mental limits. This conversation focuses on his experience running the **Ultra Gobi**, diving into the extreme challenges of the 400km race, his training and nutrition strategies, and the gear that carried him through. Bennie also shares insights on cultural differences in endurance racing and the relentless mental resilience required to take on some of the toughest ultras in the world. Notably, Bennie placed 3rd overall at the Moab 240 in 2019, one of the toughest foot races in the world run in the Moab Desert. He also secured 1st place at the Karkloof 100-miler in 2017, 1st place at The Munga 400km in 2017, and 1st place at the Addo 100-miler in 2016. Links:Karkloof 100 milerMoab 240Addo 100 MilerFinding Gobi by Dion LeonardUltra GobiBennie's Facebook PageBennie's instagramSupport the show
Transcribe →Breaking Barriers: Miyelani Vilankulu's Journey in Adventure Racing
Jan 20, 202500:39:16Tap to summarizeSend us a textMiyelani is a powerhouse both on and off the trails. A single mom of three, she juggles her busy schedule with training and competing, proving that determination knows no bounds. With multiple Comrades Marathon finishes under her belt, Olivia has taken her endurance to new heights in the world of adventure racing. She shares her experiences navigating team dynamics, overcoming challenges, and encouraging others to dive into this thrilling sport. Olivia’s story is a testament to strength, resilience, and embracing life’s adventures with style and confidence.Links:Grin and Bear It!: A formula to grow passion, edurance and resilience by Peter Van KetsThe Six Triple EightWashie 100 milerExpedition Africa - Adventure racingMiyelani's FacebookAdventure Racing World SeriesSupport the show
Transcribe →Mike Obery - Building Community Through Running
Jan 13, 202501:01:13Tap to summarizeSend us a textMike is a dedicated runner and community builder based in Cape Town. In addition to being an accomplished ultrarunner, he serves as the Captain of Must Love Hills Runcrew and is the co-founder of Community Track Club. In this episode, we delve into how Mike began his running journey, his recent adventure in Egypt, and his experience at Ultra Trail Cape Town. We also discuss the significance of community, the power of showing up as your authentic self, and Mike’s recommendations for the best races to run in Cape Town.LinksUltra Trail Cape TownGeorge MUT3 PeaksCape Town Marathon2 Oceans MarathonPuffer Peninsula UltraComrades Ultra MarathonA Glass Stone by Odette HaynesCity of Ghosts by Victoria Schwabb How I Met Your MotherCobra KaiMike's InstagramPyramids Half MarathonCommunity Track ClubMust Love Hills Run CrewFourth Wing by Rebacca YarrosSupport the show
Transcribe →Running, Writing, and Storytelling: Kiyo Fujishiro’s Path to Like the Wind Japan
Jan 9, 202500:55:31Tap to summarizeSend us a textKiyo Fujishiro is the editor, publisher, and managing director at Mokusei Publishers Inc., known for bringing compelling stories to life. As the publisher of Like the Wind Magazine Japan and acclaimed books such as Beyond Jogging: The Innerspaces of Running by Mike Spino, Cross Country by Rickey Gates, and El Fútbol a Soly Sombra by Eduardo Galeano, Kiyo’s passion for storytelling shines through every project.With an impressive background working with Vogue Japan, Wired Japan, and GQ Japan, Kiyo has seamlessly merged his love for running and publishing. An accomplished ultra-runner, he’s taken on iconic races like TDS, UTMF, and Tarawera, drawing inspiration from the trails to fuel his creative pursuits.In this episode, we chat about Kiyo’s journey bringing Like the Wind to Japan, the art of storytelling through running, and the cultural significance of sharing these tales. From his experiences as an ultra-runner to his role as a storyteller, Kiyo offers unique insights into the world of running, publishing, and connecting through shared narratives.Like the Wind JapanMokusei PublishersLike The Wind Japan InstagramWhat I talk about when I talk about Running by Haruki MurakamiSupport the show
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