Episode 515 - Phil Essam - From Burnie to the Barkley: Phil Essam’s Running Adventures & Ultra Wisdom

Get ready to meet Phil Essam—a Tassie-born runner, race director, military man, walking enthusiast, historian of ultra running, and all-round top human.

Phil’s journey started with laps around the block to beat bronchitis and somehow evolved into 24-hour track races, ultra marathons, and helping coordinate Jesper Olsen’s global runs. Yes, you read that right—he helped multiple runners run around the world. 🌏

In this chat, Phil shares stories from:

•His very first marathon (because he failed a 2.4km Air Force fitness test 😆)

•Pacing runners in the legendary Westfield Sydney to Melbourne Ultra

•Founding the Anzac Ultra, a multi-day race that raised $90,000 for Legacy 🇦🇺

•Race walking marathons (including getting lost mid-race!)

•Co-founding the World Runners Association for global circumnavigators on foot

•His deep love for the ultra community—where breakfast shared from a caravan can keep a race director going 💛

Phil’s Westfield Ultramarathon book - https://amzn.asia/d/2yw3V1L

🧠 Top tips from Phil:

•“Just put your shoes on and go.” (Even if it’s just one lamppost at a time.)

•“You don’t need to go fast. Just don’t stop.”

•“Running is achievement. Whether it’s a marathon or a new recipe—it’s all about the doing.”

And yes, he still dreams of finishing the Burnie 10 and walking the Camino before 70.

If you love Aussie ultra history, community stories, and the kind of humble grit that makes this sport so magic—this is one for your ears.

A couple of BIG favours:

1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)

2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (ZenRUN.club) or send me an email - Hello @ zenrun.club

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Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

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