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Meet Colleen Browne, the owner of Southern Summits Trail Tours & Coaching, who provides unforgettable hiking and trail running experiences while helping others achieve their personal goals. Colleen is a registered mountain guide, a UESCA-certified Ultra Running Coach, and an Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach. Based in George, she has a deep love for the mountains and a passion for helping others discover the same joy and fulfilment that trail running and mountain adventures bring her.
Colleen’s journey into trail running is one of persistence, passion, and pushing personal limits. Her story began in 2018, when she returned to South Africa after spending twelve years abroad. Looking for a way to reconnect with the natural beauty of her home country, she found herself at the George Park Run, a decision that would spark a life-changing journey.
From Park Run to Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
It may seem hard to believe now, but Colleen’s adventure into the world of trail running started with the simplest of steps—attending a local Park Run. By her own admission, she would never have imagined that a few years later she would be taking on some of the world’s most prestigious ultra-trail races.
In a short period of time, Colleen has completed and excelled in several grueling and renowned events, including:
- Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) 100 miles – One of the most sought-after ultra-marathons in the world, where athletes conquer the stunning yet unforgiving terrain around Mont Blanc.
- MUT 100 miles – The renowned 100-mile race through the Outeniqua Mountains in George.
- Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100 miles – A test of endurance through some of the most rugged mountain landscapes in the Southern Drakensberg.
- Mozart 100km – A challenging 100km trail race in Austria.
- UTCT 100km – The iconic 100km trail race around Table Mountain National Park.
- Maxi Race Cape Winelands 65km – A stunning race through the beautiful winelands of South Africa.
- Cederberg Traverse 60km -New route starting and ending at Sanddrif.
- MUT 60km – You’ll begin with the old Voortrekker Pass, also known as Cradock Pass, which features the route’s most significant climb.
Colleen has also tackled the Double George 6 Peaks FKT (Fastest Known Time), further cementing her reputation as an accomplished and determined trail runner.
Though these race results are impressive, Colleen will tell you that her true love lies not only in the competitive spirit but in any mountain adventure where she can test her limits. For Colleen, trail running is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Her ultimate goal is to keep pushing herself, embracing longer, more challenging adventures that allow her to immerse herself fully in the beauty and energy of the mountains.
Southern Summits Trail Tours & Coaching
Southern Summits Trail Tours & Coaching is a natural extension of Colleen’s love for the outdoors. Through her company, Colleen offers guided hiking and trail running excursions in the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains, one of South Africa’s hidden gems. Her knowledge and expertise as a registered mountain guide ensure that each tour is not only enjoyable and fulfilling but also safe and well-planned.
Although Southern Summits specialises in the Outeniqua Mountains, Colleen’s extensive knowledge of the Western Cape means that she can help tourists plan guided hiking trips all over the region. From the iconic Table Mountain to the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands and the rugged beauty of the Cederberg, Southern Summits Trail Tours have you covered for a variety of mountain adventures.
Colleen’s love for guiding others stems from her desire to share her passion for the mountains with those who may be new to trail running or hiking, as well as those seeking to deepen their experience. Each tour is tailored to the client’s specific needs and skill levels, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience.
Coaching: Helping Others Reach Their Potential
Beyond offering tours, Colleen is also passionate about helping trail runners achieve their goals through her Southern Summits Trail Coaching service. With her certifications as a UESCA Ultra Running Coach and an Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach, Colleen provides personalised online coaching services that are tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals.
Colleen’s coaching philosophy is built around the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve more than they think. Her approach combines science-based training with holistic support, helping athletes reach their full potential both mentally and physically. Colleen emphasises that trail running, like any sport, requires patience, consistency, and self-belief—qualities she knows all too well from her own journey.
Reflecting on her own accomplishments, Colleen is the first to admit that when she first started trail running in 2018, she would never have believed that she would one day run 175 kilometers around Mont Blanc. But with hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her friends and family, Colleen made the impossible possible.
Living the Dream in George
Living in George, Colleen feels incredibly fortunate to call this beautiful part of the world home. The breathtaking views of the Outeniqua Mountains and the lush landscapes surrounding her provide endless inspiration for her work. But what truly makes it special is the opportunity to work in a field she is so passionate about. Whether she’s guiding a tour, coaching a client, or preparing for a race, Colleen feels a deep sense of privilege to be able to share her love for the mountains with others.
Through Southern Summits Trail Tours & Coaching, Colleen continues to pursue her own adventures while helping others experience the thrill of the mountains in a safe, supportive, and fun way. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a first-time hiker, Colleen and her team are there to guide you every step of the way.
