Ryan Sandes

We’re honoured to feature South African trail legend, Ryan “Hedgie” Sandes - a living testament to what a curious mind, unwavering discipline, and bold risk-taking can achieve. From lining up for his first marathon in Knysna with just three weeks of training, to winning the Gobi Ultra and becoming the first ever to conquer the Four Deserts, to his landmark Western States victory, Ryan has consistently redefined what’s possible in our sport.

He’s faced setbacks, from glandular fever to being attacked by the locals, and emerged stronger and wiser. In our conversation, we’ll hear what truly motivates him - how racing for fun is better than racing for medals, and how important the small wins really are.

Whether you’re an endurance athlete, business leader, or dreamer - Ryan offers strategies to help you push further, think smarter, and live more resiliently. Let’s dive in.

Highlights:

• Try > What If?: Ryan’s core philosophy on risk, regret, and choosing action over hesitation.
• The ‘Accidental’ Marathon: Three weeks’ prep, a hilly course… and a breakout first marathon that sparked everything.
• Dream Givers: Why he treats partners as long-term collaborators, not logos - and how that saw him through the lows.
• Lesotho Lessons: A terrifying night on the mountain turns into a masterclass in empathy, context, and team resilience.
• Small Wins > Big Medals: Community runs, a K9 race with his dog, human connections that matter more than podiums.
• Becoming A Pro (The Real Playbook): Winning matters, but stories, value, and thinking like a business sustain a career.
• Joy Over Obligation: Letting go of UTMB and reigniting motivation with fresh goals like Cocodona 250.
• Inside 250 Miles: Hallucinations, micro-sleep fails, bone broth and rice - the mental and fuelling strategies that kept him moving.
• Rebuilds & Reinvention: Glandular fever and a sacrum stress fracture; ditching rigid goals to rediscover love for the sport.
• Giving Back & Legacy: From 13 Peaks to mentoring: using adventure to grow people, not just results.

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This episode was sponsored by:

The Trusted Team

and 4th Discipline