Our Team
At the heart of everything we do is a remarkable team. The Run Weekends team is a collective of passionate, talented, and hard-working individuals who bring our vision to life every single day. From our senior leadership and core team to our delivery crew and operations personnel, each person plays a vital role in driving excellence across every part of the business. We are a proud bunch of runner who love what we do. But we believe in building a professional, sound business to be proud of. The team have set the standard for what we achieve together, and their shared spirit of care and collaboration makes every retreat feel purposeful. Founder Nick says "Working alongside such dedicated, kind, and inspiring people is one of the greatest privileges of my life, My team are the daily reminder that great things happen when good people move in the same direction, thank you team".
Founder & CEO
Nick Butter
Experience: 20 years
Countries Travelled: 196/196
Book: A Shepherd's Life, by James Rebanks
​
Nick created Run Weekends to fill the gap for those that want to run, travel, but enjoy the camaraderie of running together rather than the pressure of racing official events for time.
Partner & COO
Alex Nixon
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 40/196
Book: Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
​
Alex has extensive expertise in the international sports and events industry, specialising in
complex multi-site operations, venue development, and large-scale project delivery.
Partner & CFO
Bob Thomas
Experience: 6 years
Countries Travelled: 21/196
Book: Run Britain (Because Nick told me it is)
​
Bob brings two excellent skills to the table. One, his business mind and finance experience, and two, his ability to run anywhere carrying a huge camera and heavy bag. He's a top bloke.
Partner & Business Development
Kate Thomas
Experience: 15 years
Countries Travelled: 34/196
Book: Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
​
With a genuine passion for both people and progress, she works tirelessly behind the scenes to drive the business forward, combining creativity, strategy, and commitment.
Marketing & CCO
Lynsey Sweales
Experience: 20 years
Countries Travelled: 40/196
Book: The Lore of Running by Tim Noakes
​
Lynsey brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the marketing and commercial space. Having had a successful business building growth, she's ideal for Run Weekends.
Product Manager & Retreat Host
Michael Iveson
Experience: 5 years
Countries Travelled: 27/196
Book: The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara
​
An explorer at heart, he sees running not just as a sport, but as a way to experience culture, meet new people, and share stories. He's smart, and is always keen to help others. The prefect trip host.
Product Manager & Retreat Host
Andy Pennock
Experience: 12 years
Countries Travelled: 52/196
Book: Into thin air - Jon Krakauer
​
Andy has always loved giving friends travel recommendations, whether they asked for them or not. Combining this with running and adventure was a perfect match at run weekends
Trip Lead & Internal Support
Matt Wright
Experience: 11 years
Countries Travelled: 27/196
Book: Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart
​
Running coach, shoe geek, and master of luggage Tetris. Matt joined Run Weekends to recapture the spirit of adventure, having left an engineering job to pursue a life in sport.
Product Manager & Retreat Host
Laura Whyms
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 83/196
Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
​
From jungle trails and volcanic summits to deserts and mountains, running has become her favourite way to explore the world. Run Weekends combines everything she loves most.
Product Manager & Retreat Host
Henry James
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 20/196
Book: Sophie's world by Jostein Gaardner
​
Henry has come from the world of triathlon, but was always a runner at heart. His attention to detail, good humour and overall kindness means he's a great asset as a Manager and Host.
PR & Media Relationship Manager
Ali Ball
Experience: 8 years
Countries Travelled: 25/196
Book: Shoe Dog
​
Ali is a communications specialist with a passion for storytelling. A journalist for over eight years, she puts her love of running (and growing shoe collection) to good use with Run Weekends.
Retreat Host
Alice Bugeja
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 35/196
Book: Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
​
Alice brings great knowledge of the industry and a genuine care and compassion to hosting events. Check out her excellent female focused performance clothing brand MileOff.
Retreat Support
Heidi Rogers
Experience: 5 years
Countries Travelled: 13/196
Book: Running The World by Nick (The Founder)
​
Heidi is gaining much attention in the running world. From frequent podium places in big ultras to completing the Bob Graham round. Heidi is an exceptional runner.
Retreat Host
Mark Maughan
Experience: 21 years
Countries Travelled: 39/196
Book: The Hobbit by JR Tolkien
​
Mark brings a wealth of experience within the travel, charity, and event leadership space. Working with the charity Street Child Mark is well versed at hosting in extreme locations.
Retreat Host
Natalie Beadle
Experience: 11 years
Countries Travelled: 32/196
Book: The Way of the Runner by A Finn
​
Born in the Lake District Natalie has the fells in her blood. Not only is she an exceptional runner, but her general kindness and care shines through.
Corporate Partnerships & Trip Lead
Veton Kasapolli
Experience: 19 years
Countries Travelled: 19/196
Book: Free, by Lea Ypi
​​
Veton has a wealth of experience in comms, logistics, and partnerships and has worked in some far flung places. He's happiest with his family in the mountains, or hosting events.
Retreat Host
Molly Pace
Experience: 9 years
Countries Travelled: 19/196
Book: Running Free by Richard Askwith
​
Molly is a great fell runner. Frequently competing in outrageous events. Always with the biggest smile and warm attitude, Molly is the perfect event host.
Guest Communications
Michelle Thompson
Experience: 14 years
Countries Travelled: 38/196
Book: Around the World in Eighty Days
​
Michelle has worked in comms for various organisations. She's highly organised and is always attached to the laptop. It's a privilege to work along side such a modest hard worker.
Retreat Host
Nick Kershaw
Experience: 11 years
Countries Travelled: 43/196
Book: Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
​
Nick has his own successful business hosting events around the world. Checkout Impact. He is one of the best human-beings we know. We're lucky to have him part of the team.
Retreat Host
Lorenzo Afarno
Experience: 5 years
Countries Travelled: 22/196
Book: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
​
Lorenzo and Nick met on the Camino de Santiago - a long distance hike and now host events together. He has the best heart of any Italian we know. You're in great hands.
Ambassador Lead & Retreat Support
Jess Harker
Experience: 5 years
Countries Travelled: 20/196
Book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
​
Originally a guest on Run Weekends in the Dolomites, Jess has a brilliant energy, is a very competent runner on all terrain, and brings a general glow of positivity to supporting events.
Retreat Host
Zoe Stephens
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 95/196
Book: The Sewing Circles of Herat
​
Zoe has worked in the travel industry for over a decade. She's been a tour leader in some of the most remote and hard to access places. She brings a brilliant energy to our trips.
Retreat Host
Daisy Tudor
Experience: 10 years
Countries Travelled: 25/196
Book: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
​
Daisy is exceptionally talented. A yoga teacher, ski instructor, and our retreat host. She finds joy in thinking about the finer details like making sure there's flowers on your bedside table.
Retreat Host
Poppy de Vere Green
Experience: 8 years
Countries Travelled: 26/196
Book: Miles from Nowhere by Barbara Savage
​
Driven by a love for sport, adventure, and the great outdoors, Poppy is happiest when exploring mountain trails. Naturally organised and full of energy, she brings joy to the party.
Want to join our team?
We are expanding fast. If you're a runner, enjoy your travel, have skills we may find useful, or are connected to a venue or location worthy of a retreat please drop us an email to arrange a chat. Thank you