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
A love of travelling, and a degree in Journalism brought Nicola to Action Challenge back in 2009. Now overseeing the commercial and operational aspects of our Ultra Challenge Series, and the International side of the business. 3 Kilimanjaro summits to her name, looking forward to the 4th in 2023!
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.
Amy Hawser
A recent graduate in Events Management, Amy brings her passion for live events to the Customer Services team. Before joining us Amy has assisted in fundraising events & assisted in a 3 month community project build in Kenya.
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.
Henry Jones
Henry has joined Action Challenge after obtaining his university degree, within our operations team to help plan, prepare & organise our Ultra Challenge Series - looking after the suppliers & bookings to make the events run smoothly on the day!
Jill Fletcher
Jill overseas & manages all of our staff & volunteer recruitment, planning & placing on our UK Ultra Challenge Series. Bringing her own experience& insight as one of our dedicated Site Managers, Jill is already busy planning the staffing for next year's Ultra Challenge season!
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!
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 helping others achieve their goals.
Buddy
4 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. Most recently completed 25km of the Chiltern 50 Challenge!