Trail to Transcend Episode 02 | 2026 Transcend Trails Series | Annika Keall & Ben Leeson

Monday 6th July 2026 Welcome to Episode 02 of Trail to Transcend, the WARP Training Series following 4 athletes as they train for the 2026 edition of Transcend Trails on Saturday 22 August. Last episode we met Victoria Hunn and Michael Edgar, where Vic spoke about qualifying for the 2027 edition of CCC and Mike shared stories of Feral Pig 2025 where he got to taste his breakfast and his gels - twice. Today we are blessed to be speaking to two of WA’s finest athletes on our trails, both of them representing Tarkine Athletics and boasting a list of results that will make your eyes water and your quads quiver. Annika Keall is returning to Transcend in the 28K this year after having run 8hr24min in the 65K back in 2023. Her running has levelled up since then and following a win at 3 inch trail marathon in December just days after having her wisdom teeth removed, she has since gone on to take 6th place in the 22K Donna Double at Warburton Trail Festival back in March, and most recently 17th at UTA22 in Katoomba NSW in May. Ben Leeson has been on an absolute tear of late. He’s made a habit of breaking course records, winning Feral Pig 100K last year in 10hr35min, 2026 MRU 80K in 6hr16min (he also holds the course record in the 42K from 2025) and just for shits and giggles ran WAMC King of the Mountain two weeks back in 1hr1min. Last year Ben placed second in the 65K at Transcend behind Mike Dimuantes and you can be sure he is back this year to take gold.   This episode is brought to you by Transcend Trails. Starting at Walyunga National Park, traversing the Paruna Wildlife Reserve and finishing at Cobblers Pool, you will have access to some of the most stunning trails on offer in WA through the beautiful and untamed Avon Valley.  But don't be fooled - your body and mind will be challenged in ways you might least expect. Whether you're taking it on solo or enjoying a day on the trails with friends, race distances from 6K to 65K offer an inclusive and unforgettable race experience for people of all ages and abilities. Transcend. Rise above and go beyond. The Valley awaits…Find out more and enter now at transcendtrails.com with entries closing midnight 9th August 2026.