Episode 648 – Simon Poli – ultra running, beer, Delirious, busted ankles, and finding your people

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderfully dry, very funny, and deeply embedded-in-the-Delirious-world Simon Poli.

Simon is one of those people who seems to quietly sit behind the scenes making things happen – which is possibly a terrible description because he also has a habit of casually doing ridiculous things like 200 milers, running from Bunbury to the start of Delirious, drinking beers mid-ultra, and helping race direct some of the most loved Ultra Series events in WA.

As you do.

Simon grew up in Bunbury, spending weekends playing in the bush with his brother Felix, climbing through quarries, exploring trails, and somehow surviving childhood adventures that would probably cause modern parents to faint.

Running wasn’t really the plan at the start. There was soccer, hockey, speed skating, basketball, indoor soccer, obstacle racing, and eventually trail running – thanks partly to Felix inviting him to a night trail race called Moon Shadow.

And that was it.

Simon was hooked.

We talk about his early life, becoming a dad young, building a long career in supermarkets, moving to Kalgoorlie, finding community, discovering trail running, and the deep friendships that have come through the ultra running world.

Of course, we also talk about Delirious.

Simon shares how he first got involved with Ultra Series, what it’s like being part of the team behind the events, and why he loves seeing runners finish something they never thought they could do – whether that’s a short trail race, a backyard lap, or a 200 miler.

There are also some brilliant stories in this episode, including:

his brother Felix and their very unique trail adventures
the unofficial “16K ultra” idea at Lake Ballard
meeting Peter through running
getting married in Spain around a mountain race
running 200 milers like moving picnics
why 100 milers feel more like races
why he does not understand the appeal of the beach
his current ankle recovery after finally listening to the experts
Star Wars Lego
beer
more beer
and the joy of finding your people

Simon’s running story is funny, honest, very Aussie, and full of that beautiful ultra running truth – it’s not always about the race result. Sometimes it’s about the people, the ridiculous ideas, the stories, the community, and the places running takes you.

Tips from Simon

Simon shared a few simple but very useful reminders:

If you roll your ankle – rest.
Simon is currently recovering from ankle surgery after years of rolling, ignoring, strapping, and continuing on. His advice is very clear: don’t keep running on something that needs time to heal.

Find your why.
If motivation is missing, Simon says it helps to come back to why you want to do it in the first place. And if running isn’t the thing that lights you up right now, that’s okay too. Find something that does.

Get involved in the community.
Running can open the door to incredible friendships, adventures, and support. Simon talks beautifully about how much the ultra community has given him.

Volunteer at an event.
Even if you’re not running, volunteering can give you a huge buzz. Helping someone else reach their goal is pretty special.

Don’t overcomplicate it.
Just get out there, enjoy it, and be part of it in whatever way you can.

Pass the Baton

Simon has also given us the first “Pass the Baton” question for the next runner interview:
What’s the one food you wouldn’t share with someone, even if they were really struggling in an ultra?
Which feels very Simon, honestly.

Delirious WEST event website:
https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW?
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset – a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast – it helps more runners discover these conversations.
2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you or someone you know has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club
or email hello@zenrun.club