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Rapid AscentAuthor: rapidascent
Welcome to the Rapid Ascent Podcast. Experts in adventure since 2004. Run, ride, swim, paddle. Bringing you the best interviews with some remarkable participants from Rapid Ascent endurance events. Language: en Genres: Running, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep. 25: Piotr Babis: The Quiet Achiever Dominating Tasmania's FKTs
Episode 25
Tuesday, 7 April, 2026
In this episode of the Rapid Ascent Podcast, Jez sits down with one of the most understated yet profoundly dominant forces in the Aussie trail running scene: Piotr Babis. Originally from Poland and now a Park Ranger based at Fortescue Bay, Piotr has been quietly chipping away at some of the most brutal Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in Australia. From the Southwest Traverse to the Overland Track, Piotr’s approach is simple: stay humble, seek adventure, and respect the wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or just starting your trail journey, Piotr's story of going from a "failed" university fitness test at 22 to winning 100-milers is the ultimate inspiration, proving that true strength often comes with a quiet determination and an unwavering spirit to dominate the trails. The Southwest Traverse and the "Impossible 7" The core of our conversation dives into Piotr’s recent feat on the Southwest Traverse. This route links the Western Arthurs, Eastern Arthurs, Port Davey Track, and the South Coast Track — 240km of Tasmania’s most rugged terrain. Piotr completed this massive link-up in just 3 days and 18 hours, a time that seems almost impossible given the mud, bouldering, and the technical climb up Federation Peak alone (not to mention the rest of the route!). We discuss the mental grit required to row across Bathurst Harbour in the dark and the logistical challenge of coordinating a crew that had to run 30km just to meet him. Piotr also reflects on his "Impossible 7" project, where he ran NINE of Tasmania’s most iconic trails in seven consecutive days. This ambitious mission included Frenchman’s Cap, the Overland Track, and the Three Capes Track. We explore how these projects transition from a "romantic notion" in the middle of a race to a fully executed plan, and why Piotr often lets these ideas "sit" for years until the time is right. From Poland to the Tasmanian Wilderness Beyond the records, we get to know the man behind the FKTs. Piotr shares his journey from a teenager training Judo in a small Polish town to moving to London and eventually finding his home in the Tasmanian mountains. His transition into endurance sports was far from linear, involving stints in England and Canada before he landed in Australia. Now, as a Park Ranger at Fortescue Bay, he balances a 40-hour work week with 100km+ training blocks, often disappearing into the Tasman National Park for evening runs. What’s Next for Piotr Babis? Looking ahead, Piotr isn't slowing down. He is already eyeing international challenges like the 10 Great Walks in New Zealand and the Australian Alps Walking Track on the mainland. He's also lining up for our NEW event: Run Tasmania Stage Race in November. You can join Piotr here if you hurry (only 5 spots left): 👉 https://runtasmania.rapidascent.com.au Resources & Links • Follow Piotr Babis on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/iron_explorer/ • Piotr's FKT Profile: 👉 https://fastestknowntime.com/athlete/piotr-babis • Run Tasmania Stage Race: 👉 https://runtasmania.rapidascent.com.au Join the Rapid Ascent Community If you enjoyed this chat, make sure to subscribe and leave us a review! We’re all about the personal challenge, the beautiful locations, and the supportive community. Whether this is your first go or you're an old hand, we're stoked to have you here. • Website: rapidascent.com.au • Instagram: @rapidascent • Facebook: Rapid Ascent Ultra Running #TrailRunning #FKT #Tasmania #UltraRunning #RapidAscent #SouthwestTraverse #PiotrBabis #OverlandTrack #LarapintaTrail
