The people behind your adventure
Meet the team

From our Bristol HQ to the trails of Albania, Georgia and beyond — meet the people who make Pure Trails run.

Charlie Knights
Founder
Charlie Knights

Founder of Pure Trails and ultra-marathon addict. 48 ultras completed including UTMB and a 9th place finish at Dragon's Back 2025. Most recently tackled the 268-mile Winter Spine Race.

48 ultras UTMB finisher Mountain leader Wilderness first aid
Roxy Dukes
Operations Director
Roxy Dukes

The engine room of Pure Trails. From private islands off Mozambique to expedition charters above the Arctic Circle — Roxy has managed it all. Ultra runner, Himalayan climber, outdoor aficionado.

Operations director Ultra runner Himalayan climber
Matt Rogers
Trail Guide & Marketing
Matt Rogers

Former pro cyclist who rode the tour alongside Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins. Traded the bike for trails and never looked back. Infectious enthusiasm, a decade of guiding, and Murphy the dog.

Former pro cyclist 10+ years guiding Wilderness first aid
Charlie Gay
Trail Guide
Charlie Gay

Ultra addict with a rare gift for route-finding. Five years as a route planner for the UK's greatest running races. When not guiding, he's on the Cotswold Way — his personal happy place.

UESCA ultra coach Mountain leader Ski instructor
Eddy Prince
Trail Guide
Eddy Prince

The ultimate long-distance trail runner — Ironman and ultra finisher from 30 to 100 miles. UTMB finisher 2022. Off the trails you'll find him on a yoga mat or wild camping. Calm, inspired, professional.

UTMB finisher 2022 Certified running coach Wilderness first aid
Olivia Ward
Trail Guide
Olivia Ward

Based in the Lake District, Olivia is a keen trail runner, yoga teacher and qualified Mountain Leader. She loves supporting runners to feel more confident and inspired in the mountains. Exploring a new country on foot is her idea of the perfect adventure.

Qualified Mountain Leader Wilderness first aid Yoga teacher
David Thorp
Trail Guide
David Thorp

Quit his job in 2017 to run the Lake District fells full time. Running is his preferred form of exploration — a philosophy that led him to the Swiss Alps and a 3rd place at the UTMR 65km.

UTMR 65km — 3rd place Lake District specialist
Baton Gashi
Trail Guide · Albania
Baton Gashi

Our man in Albania — huge personality, incredible passion for the outdoors. Swiss Alps 100 Miler finisher 2023. Knows every trail, pass and guesthouse in the Accursed Mountains.

Swiss Alps 100 Miler Certified mountain guide
Misha Tsertsvadzem
Trail Guide · Georgia
Misha Tsertsvadzem

Our Georgian man of the mountains. Growing up not far from the trails of Caucasia, he remains one of the best mountain guides in the country. Years of experience leading groups through the mountains, and an avid trail runner himself.

Georgian mountain guide Caucasus specialist Avid trail runner

NEWS FROM BASECAMP

THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM PURE TRAILS HQ