Rising to the Top: Doug's Heartwarming Tale of Passion, Family, and Perseverance

The Trail Chasers

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.