Trail Running and the Olympics with Mike Duggan

Trail running is growing fast, but with that growth comes big questions about governance, identity, and where the sport is heading next.In this episode, James sits down with Mike Duggan, Australian representative on the ITRA Steering Committee, to unpack the global push to bring trail running into the Olympic Games. They explore why the Olympics are even on the table, what problem that pathway is trying to solve, and what still needs fixing in trail running regardless of whether 2032 happens.The conversation dives into how ITRA and World Athletics work together, what this means for national bodies like AUTRA, athlete selection and funding, race formats, sponsorship influence, and the growing pressure around anti-doping and professionalism.Whether you’re excited, sceptical, or sitting on the fence, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of trail running — and what it might gain, or risk losing, along the way.https://trailrunning.org.au/***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!Follow James: Instagram | Strava | WebsiteMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R