Meet The Team.

  • FOUNDER

    Meet Jacqui Bell, founder of Run Escapes, with her biggest claim to fame being the youngest person to run an ultra marathon on all 7 continents.

    She became a passionate runner who conquered her first 50km ultra-marathon at 18, unaware of what an ultra was. At 22, feeling adrift, she embraced multi-stage ultras, running 250km or more self-supported across every continent, including Antarctica. In 2019, Jacqui's resilience and contagious energy shone through as she became the youngest person to run an ultra on every continent.

    Between hosting retreats, Jacqui Bell takes on the role of a captivating keynote speaker, sharing her remarkable journey from a novice runner to a record-breaking ultra marathoner. Her story isn't just about physical endurance—it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

    Jacqui's infectious energy and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual radiate through every word she speaks and actions she makes. Whether she's sharing anecdotes from her epic ultra-marathon adventures or offering heartfelt advice on overcoming obstacles, her presence leaves a lasting impact on all around her. Every guest at Run Escapes becomes part of her extended family.

  • MINDFULNESS GUIDE

    Meet Mon, your down-to-earth meditation teacher and journaling junkie. For Mon, life is about feeling, exploring, speaking your truth and following your curiosities. It’s about living intentionally and expressing yourself fully.

    After experiencing her own mental struggles, driven by the need to hustle, grind, and prove her worth in the world, she realised the missing ingredient to the life she envisioned was through BEING.

    “We are human BEINGS after all, not human DOINGS.”

    Through her warm, calming presence and gentle guidance, Mon now dedicates her life to holding space for others to just BE - to relax, be still and deepen your awareness through mindfulness practices. With sessions seamlessly woven into the retreat, Mon has a gift for anchoring you back to the present moment, allowing you to feel clearer, calmer and deeply connected with yourself and the beauty that surrounds you.

    Whether it's on the peak of a mountain as the sun meets the horizon or while running through the hidden trails along your side, Mon opens up your eyes to the fullness of life.

  • YOGA TEACHER

    Meet Saffron, your friendly and always down for a laugh, yoga instructor. Saffron has a love for experiencing everything that life has to offer, whether that be friends, fitness, food and of course yoga, she believes you should dive in head first.

    Saffron found yoga for the first time during 2020. Through consistent practice she began to feel the effects yoga had not just physically but mentally, for the first time in her life, her mind stilled, she was able to sit with nothing but herself. Falling in love with the benefits such as reducing stress, improving balance, strength and increased flexibility and mobility.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB

    Maddie, known for her boundless creativity, fun spirit, and unwavering professionalism, joined Run Escapes in late 2023 and has been a game-changer ever since. Passionate about female success and empowerment, Maddie brings her magic touch to everything from website design and marketing to social media campaigns and stunning photography.

    Starting as a guest in June 2023, Maddie quickly became an integral part of our team. As a keen runner and a natural at anticipating people's needs, she seamlessly blends her roles as a friend and a professional. Maddie's ability to transform ideas into beautiful realities is matched only by her dedication and genuine passion for her work.

    Whether she's capturing the breathtaking beauty of our retreats, making all our website updates, or forging connections with our guests, Maddie truly cares about making your experience unforgettable.

  • OPERATIONS

    Meet Bec, she brings nothing but the best vibes and is as reliable as you can get! Bec our spirited (self appointed beginner) runner but here at Run Escapes anyone with 2 legs is a runner! Bec’s distance of choice is anything under 10km’s and never fails to bring good vibes to the outdoor hikes.

    Her organisational and leadership prowess within the team? Next level! She helps Jacqui and the team orchestrates seamless retreats, ensuring every guest and team member has a blast, forms lasting connections, and leaves with fantastic memories.

  • MR SMILES

    Meet Will, the head coach of our mixed retreats! Whether it's designing challenging workouts, leading run groups, or seamlessly assisting in various roles throughout the four days – he's your go-to guy.

    Known as Jacqui Bell's right-hand person, Will is not only a fitness expert but also epic human, effortlessly connecting with guests while contributing to the retreat's success. Will is a seasoned retreat lead having been an integral part of the past 5 Run Escapes.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY

    Meet Scout, our visionary photographer who not only excels in scenic and adventure photography but also oozes creativity in every frame she captures. As an endurance athlete, with a lot of trail running experience under her belt Scout brings a dynamic energy to her work, blending athleticism with an artistic eye.

    Having attended a few Run Escapes retreats, Scout adds a touch of creative flair to our adventures, freezing not just moments but emotions. Her knack for capturing the perfect candid in-between moments truly sets her apart, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

  • DIETITIAN

    Alice is a Dietitian who takes on the role of both cook and recipe creator at the retreat. With a passion for creating nourishing meals, she brings her expertise to the kitchen, ensuring a delightful and health-conscious culinary experience for all.Her vibrant energy and genuine warmth create an atmosphere where mealtime isn't just about nourishment—it's about forging connections and making memories.

  • S&C COACH AND HIKING LEAD

    Ash centres her life around exploration, self-push, and embracing new experiences. Her profound understanding of hiking is acquired through solo explorations. Initially unaware that her endeavours could serve as a catalyst for others, Ash finds increased motivation when she hears stories of women pursuing their dreams. Beginning as a guest, she now takes on roles as a hike leader.

  • YOGA TEACHER

    Mimi, a sports science graduate with over 10 years of personal training experience, specializes in mobility and stability. With a love for running, cycling, yoga, strength training, and boxing, achieving remarkable success in the fitness industry, notably with her studio INTRAFlow. Mimi's vibrant personality and enthusiasm for life shine through in everything she does especially as an instructor at our retreats.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY AND COOK

    Meet Ash Swallow, a multifaceted individual whose passions for cooking, photography, and travel intertwine seamlessly. With a knack for capturing the beauty of both cuisine and landscapes through her lens, Ash brings a unique perspective to every retreat she attends. But Ash is more than just a talented photographer and cook; she's a connector at heart.

We can’t wait to meet you.