FOUNDER

Meet Jacqui Bell, founder of Run Escapes, 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. Present at every retreat, Jacqui pours her heart into it, aiming to instil belief in others to take on more. 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.

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.

When Bec isn’t at a run club or on retreat she is often found dashing across the footy field playing AFL for UQ but here to prove that everyone can join a run retreat and relish it at their own pace! She's not just about the run; hiking, making new friends, and spreading laughter are her game-changers. Bec's the joy-bringer, always up for a good time and ensuring smiles light up the room.

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.

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, she has been in Australia since 2016, achieving remarkable success in the fitness industry, notably with her studio INTRAFlow. With over 10 retreats under her belt, Mimi's vibrant personality and enthusiasm for life shine through in everything she does.

S&C COACH AND HIKING LEAD

Ash centres her life around exploration, self-push, and embracing new experiences. She possesses an innate desire to continuously learn and evolve as an individual. 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. Hiking, experiencing sunrises and sunsets, embarking on solo adventures, camping with friends and like-minded individuals, engaging in deep discussions, and exploring off the beaten path are Ash's inspirations. Beginning as a guest, she now takes on roles as a hike leader, coach, and second-in-command during escapes.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND COOK

Meet Ash Swallow, a passionate cook, photographer and loves travel. Ash finds joy in meeting like-minded individuals and is in her element on retreats.

For Ash, life is about connection and mindfulness in all the small moments - this is the recipe for a fulfilling life.