Meet The Team
Our incredible team is made up of dedicated individuals and a massive crew of volunteers, who are the true backbone of the Ring O' Fire. They ensure the event runs smoothly and support our runners from start to finish, driving the community spirit that makes this race so special.

Their dedication and hard work are the essence of what makes the Ring O' Fire a memorable and successful event each year. From organising logistics to providing on-the-day support, our team is always there to ensure every participant has the best possible experience. Whether it’s cheering on runners at the finish line or helping out with pre-race preparations, their passion and commitment truly shine through.

James Bingham

'Bing'

Race Director
Bing, who grew up in Rhosneigr on the southwest coast of Anglesey, has always been deeply connected to the island. His adventurous spirit has taken him across the globe, including summiting Mt Everest in 2007 and Afghanistan’s highest peak, Mt Noshaq, in 2010. In 2015, he co-founded the first marathon in Afghanistan's history, serving as Race Director for five years. The Marathon of Afghanistan, the only mixed-gender sporting event in the country, has brought positive changes to this often-misunderstood region. In 2020, Bing established the Afghan Sports Trust, a UK-registered charity that supports grassroots sports organizations in Afghanistan.

"Ring O' Fire has been part of our lives since 2012 and has grown into much more than just a race. It's a deeply personal event, woven with the threads of friendship, family, and the spirit of our incredible runners. This race is a testament to the bonds we've built and the memories we've created together. As long as the runners keep coming, we'll keep the fire burning. With the approach of our fourteenth edition and a brand-new race format, I'm excited to see the fire burning brighter than ever.

We couldn't achieve this without our amazing marshal team, who give so much to support us. Their dedication and enthusiasm ensure that every runner has a safe and memorable experience. They are the heart and soul of our event." James Bingham

Quentin Brooksbank

'Q'

Race Director
Quentin, from Holyhead on Anglesey's west coast, has a profound passion for the island and its rugged coastline. An enthusiast of windsurfing, mountain biking, long-distance stand-up paddleboarding, climbing, and mountaineering, Quentin has ventured into some of the world's most remote regions.

His desire to give back to his home island inspired him to help organize this challenging ultra marathon event.

Oliver Bingham

Race Director
Oliver spent his childhood exploring the coves, headlands, and beaches of the coastal path, with Snowdonia as his playground. His love for climbing and mountaineering, often alongside James and Quentin, has taken him around the world. Oliver’s first marathon was on Anglesey, and he has since completed rigorous military selection courses.

In his free time, he continues to enjoy the mountains on foot, two wheels, or skis.

Tom Baker

Race Manager
A marshal from the very beginning, our newest team member, Tom, is not originally from Anglesey but shares our passion for the outdoors and the island. He loves mountain biking, climbing, and water sports, and brings a fresh perspective and energy to the Ring O' Fire team.

Supported by a massive crew of volunteers and marshals from all walks of life, our team’s intimate local knowledge and boundless enthusiasm will help guide you from checkpoint to checkpoint and cheer you across the finish line!

Ambassador Programme
We have also started an ambassador programme, where some of our most inspiring runners step up to act as role models and coaches. These ambassadors help with recce training runs around the island, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm to motivate and guide new participants. Their leadership and support are invaluable in fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment for all.

Amber Marriott

Ambassador
I first discovered the Ring O' Fire race in 2014 when my partner completed the 135-mile coastal ultramarathon. Inspired by that experience, I returned the following year as a volunteer marshal. At that point, having never run farther than a 10k, I became fascinated by the concept of multi-day ultra running.

As I progressed in my own running distances, I continued to marshal every year, drawn back by the incredible event team who quickly felt like family, and the stunning scenery of the Ynys Môn coastline. By 2019, I entered the 35.7-mile Firelighter race, and returned in 2021 for another Firelighter finish. By 2022, eight years after discovering the race, it felt time to take on the full Ring O' Fire, and it has drawn me back every year since.

I’m thrilled to see the evolution of the races for 2025, especially the single-stage format for the full 135-mile Ring O' Fire. I can’t wait to embrace this new challenge with you all!

Mark Dibb

Ambassador
I ventured into the world of ultra marathons after participating in numerous triathlons, 10ks, half marathons, and full marathons. The Ring O' Fire, combined with the stunning Anglesey Coastal Path, was the perfect recipe for an amazing challenge that has drawn me back every year since 2016. I’m thrilled to be part of the new race format in 2025.

Living and working locally, I spend my spare time running this route. As an active army reservist, the camaraderie I experience from both my military service and the race is unparalleled. I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you all on the start line.

Further Reading
Some further reading and links if you would like to read more:
The Marathon of Afghanistan The Marathon of Afghanistan takes place in Bamian province, a magical mountainous hidden valley suspended in the midst of the Hindu Kush in central Afghanistan. Read more
BBC News Ascent of Afghanistan's highest mountain, Mt Noshaq (7492m). The first British team to summit since the Soviet invasion 40 years ago Read more
The Wakhan 400 First 400 kilometre unsupported run through the Wakhan corridor, north east Afghanistan. Read more
Run Ultra Q&A with James at Run Ultra. Read more
The Nome Nugget Alaskan newspaper article covering an attempt at crossing the Bering Strait. Read more
Ultra Runner Mag The Fire behind the Ring O' Fire 135 Mile, Creating the Marathon of Afghanistan - James Bingham Read more
Daily Mail Online An extraordinary account of how a Welsh and American team conquered Afghanistan's highest peak Read more
American Alpine Club Publications Mir Samir (5,809m) - attempted first winter ascent Read more


Contact Us
For any questions about the race that you can't find an answer to in our Frequently Asked Questions, then please drop us an email to team@ringofire.co.uk and we'll come back to you as soon as possible.


What do people say about us?



"A huge thank you to all involved from Bing and Q, all the check point teams and crew, and all fellow runners, it was a epic weekend, one that will live long in the memory, there were huge high points, many surprises, some quite spectacular lows, tears, laughs, and bonds that have become all the more stronger through the shared experience."
Past Ring O' Fire finisher

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