The Monster Pod

A special live show from the finish line of the 2026 West Macs Monster Trail Running Festival.Co-hosts Katie Stroud and Rohan Barwick talk to 231km champion (and previous pod guest) Mathieu Pangrazzi along with winners Victoria Cole (25km), Dan Donaldson (25km), Petra Melis-Walsh (65km), Julian Hocking (65km) and Tom Giles (128km). And as a special bonus, the (arguably) oldest competitor, 73yr old Doug Strugnell talks about why he has now done the 25km event TWICE.Recorded in the rain at the Telegraph Station on Arrernte country in mparntwe/Alice Springs.

Set your ears to HUNGRY with this tasty bumper episode as we dive into your questions and get some answers from WMM founding member and 65km finisher, Brooke McAllan. In the Finisher's Lounge, get ready for some serious inspiration as 74yr old Ian Cornthwaite talks about what it was like being on the 25km trail with his adult kids, the moment he thought the race was over for him.. and his life changing finish line moment!

Want to increase your chances of finishing strong?Want to know how to help a mate make it through?Pro pacer (and 128km winner) Rodney Angelo gives the inside scoop on what it takes to get a runner across the line and why telling a few white lies is absolutely fine. Encouraged even!In the Finisher's Lounge, Western Arrernte man, 128km finisher and 231km hopeful Ben Mack takes us to the magic moment he decided to become an ultra runner at Standley Chasm, what he's learnt about getting nutrition right and how special it is to run on country.

The team talk with pro dietitian Megan Scott about what to eat and drink during the event. Then they taste test a few things. Is pickle juice really as bad as everyone says?In the Finisher's Lounge, Mathieu Pangrazzi talks about his epic 231km adventure that involved highs, lows, vomits and one of the most inspiring finish lines ever!

Vollie, vollie, vollie! Oi, oi, oi!The Monster Pod crew talk about how important vollies are with volunteer megastar Katie Thompson. And in the Finisher's Lounge, Dan Wilson gets us all teary as he talks about "coming home" across the finish line. I'm not crying, you're crying.

Larapinta legend Kylie Cowan takes us on a tour of the Larapinta Trail. Can you guess which section is her absolute favourite?In the Finisher's Lounge, 128km superstar Carlo Simpson talks about what went through his mind when he lost his phone on the trail in the middle of the night.

Pro run coach Nick Muxlow spills the beans on what you need to be doing to train for whatever distance you've signed up for. He also answers the question: What should I do if I haven't had time to do enough training!? In the Finisher's Lounge, 65km legend Bec Braganza talks about how the love of family and friends at the finish line got her through.

In this first episode of the pod, the Monster Pod talk about what the WMM means to them.. (And eventually Simon reluctantly admits to his remarkable achievements!)Then Morgana comes in and tells the team what the HECK to expect after you've signed up to take on the MONSTER. Is it really as rocky as everyone says? And do you really need to go to the briefing? In the Finisher's Lounge, Simone Edney spins a few yarns about her epic adventure completing the 65km and what it was like pacing her hubby Bluey on his huge 231km.

The team find out from Annie Knight why every single item on the list is vital. From snake bandages to headtorches to space blankets, it's all there for a reason!And in the Finisher's Lounge, 25km whiz Nicola Crook talks about conquering hesitation to complete the 25k Simpsons Monster.

Everything you need to know about the West Macs Monster Trail Running Festival. Drops Thursday March 6th.