SAY HELLO
MEET THE TEAM
Julian Risley
After a career in the oil & retail industry, Julian joined Action Challenge to grow the UK mass participation side of the business. Over 10 years later The Ultra Challenge Series has seen over 80k challengers, and Julian has directed every event. A keen skier, he most recently submitted Nepal's Mt Mera at over 6,500m.
Stefan Meigh
Stefan founded Action Challenge in 1997 after 11 years working on international challenge and sporting events within the charity sector. Today Stefan manages Action Challenge's international business, working closely with operators, clients & staff. A keen mountaineer, cyclist & traveller having led trips.
Nicola Smith
Nicola has been at Action Challenge since 2009, having developed and grown the Ultra Challenge Series to what it is today, overseeing the day to day management of the team - marketing, communications, operations and commercial aspects of Action Challenge, and in particular the Ultra Challenges.
Jan Smolaga
With a background in the commercial and operational aspects of running challenges across the globe, Jan now oversees our UK Challenge relationships with charities and corporate groups, and introduces clients to what we can offer.
Neil Munro
A highly experienced Events Professional with years of experience within the charity fundraising sector, and mass participation planning field - Neil joins Action Challenge as being our Route & Risk planning manager of the Ultra Challenge Series.
Dan Brooks
Dan joins the Action Challenge team after successfully completing 13 100km Ultra Challenges in 2021, Everest Base Camp in 2022 & a Trek Master! He brings his knowledge of the Ultras & Customer Services experience to the team.
Steve Lynsey
A highly experienced event professional, Steve oversees our warehouse, kit & logistics which makes our UK Ultra Challenge Series work & look great. During the summer season of events you can also find Steve managing our big rest stops on the Ultra Challenge Series!
Cher Dalmage
An experienced qualified accountant, Cher is in charge of all the accounting, and financial processes here at Action Challenge - from paying invoices on time, to ensuring we get paid! Managing and dealing with 000's of participants, suppliers & charities.
Ben Strover
Ben has joined Action Challenge as part of a year's Graduate Traineeship assisting the Ultra Challenge delivery team from both an operational and logistical point of view. Ben also manages all things 'merchandise' keeping our online shop running & operating!
Milly McKay
Milly has joined Action Challenge as part of our International team, managing the communications & customer service for our overseas challenge portfolio. A degree & masters in HR, Milly brings with her a wide experience & expertise!
Amber Aitken
Amber is a recent graduate from Birmingham University, where she earnt a 1st in Business Management, and has also volunteered on many different events. Amber's focus is on the communications & operational aspects of our Ultra Challenge Series.
Rory Hipwell
A recent graduate from Exeter University, Rory has joined us to help manage our Corporate teams & charity clients join and take part in our Ultra Challenge Series - and will be their key point of contact for their participation.
Buddy
5 year old Cavapoo, Buddy primarily oversees alerting the office to deliveries, visitors and pigeons on the roof. An ideal event mascot he enjoys meeting challengers & getting as much attention on events as possible - a keen walker!