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.
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.
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 extensive background and history working in the world of Finance & Accountancy, Cher oversees all the money coming into & out of Action Challenge - liaising with our suppliers, clients & participants to ensure seamless processes around all things finance.
Jemima Loydall
After studying for an Events Management degree, Jemima has joined the Action Challenge team to oversee and manage the International departures we have across the globe, looking after the participants and their journey to liaising with our airlines & operators to ensure the trips run smoothly & successfully.
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. Henry oversees and manages our suppliers, bookings and caterers across all fo our events - leading up to & on the day.
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.
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!
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!