About
Michelle Bates is the founder and editor, and self identified average athlete. She ran a PR agency in Australia for 15 years, before transitioning to the media side and building new media brands under Bango Group Pty Ltd for industries she is passionate about. Please enjoy this picture of her using poles for the first time, and know she is laughing wishing you knew how much she is puffing in that seemingly calm photo. NZ elevation hits different to Australia. Happy trails.
Why trail running?
I was never a runner. I used to joke that if you see me running, you should run too, because something is coming. Then one day, I realised a day would come when I wish I could run and move my body, and I won’t be able to. Being able to run is such a privilege that I stopped taking for granted.
I have worked as a sports publicist for many years, surrounded by elite athletes. The running joke is that I am an average athlete, a badge I wear proudly. I worked with Athletics Australia for 7 years, and have worked with many running events and brands, even the world cross country championships.
The transition from road running to trail running happened because I saw someone else do it. I didn’t know there was such a thing. I didn’t realise trails existed everywhere.
Creating a space to empower more people to get out in nature is something I feel very passionate about. I have so many people slide into my DMs asking things I take for granted knowing now.
Knowledge sharing, mixed with empowering and connecting, is my mission for this space.