Chasing 13 Peaks and Dreams: Mackenzie's story of passion and trail running

The Trail Chasers

How does an 11-year-old become a trail-running sensation, conquer a challenge as daunting as the 13 Peaks four times, and still find time to save orphaned baby rhinos?
In this special and heartwarming episode of Trail Chasers, we meet 11-year-old Mackenzie Knott, a trail-running superfan with a passion far beyond her years and her father Gareth who inspired Mackenzie's 1st steps into the sport.
Mackenzie has already accomplished the incredible feat of completing the grueling 13 Peaks challenge not once, but four times—and she’s just getting started!
With dreams of becoming a professional trail runner, Mackenzie talks about how her love for the sport began by watching her dad’s adventures and how she’s now chasing her own goals to become a future star on the trails representing South Africa and inspiring the next generation.

Mackenzie’s journey is more than just about running—it’s about pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and using her passion to make a difference. Inspired by her love for animals, she’s raised thousands for (milk for) orphaned baby rhinos through her runs, proving that no goal is too big when fueled by purpose. Whether she’s climbing steep inclines, running with her puppy Aurora, chasing peaks with her dad or navigating the toughest terrains, Mackenzie’s determination shines through every step. Not only is she inspiring herself to get better year on year but her exploits have encouraged and motivated her peers and others through the media work she is doing and the legacy she is creating.

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming and motivating story of a young girl with big dreams, an even bigger heart, and a love for adventure that knows no limits. From battling tough weather conditions to inspiring her friends and classmates, Mackenzie shows us all that anything is possible when you put your mind—and your heart—into it and you find something that sparks a passion that pushes you.
This is an episode you won’t want to miss, packed with lessons in resilience, family bonds, and the pursuit of greatness as well as moments that will leave you emotionally and inspired. Sometimes all we need is someone like Mackenzie to motivate us to take that leap (no matter how big or small) in our lives.