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The Team |
James, Quentin and Oliver all grew up together on the Isle of Anglesey.
From their early adventures on the shores of Anglesey and high up on Snowdonia's rugged slopes they ventured
out to climb and explore the greater mountain ranges around the world from the German, Austrian and French
Alps to the Andes, Himalayas and the Hindu Kush.
The Ring O' Fire is supported by family and friends who come from all walks of life. Being past Ring O' Fire
runners, members of the local hiking club or ex-military they all have the intimate local knowledge and
enthusiasm to drive you from check point to check point and across the finish line!
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James Bingham 'Bing' Race Director |
Bing grew up in Rhosneigr on the south west coast of Anglesey and loves the island which will always be home. Over the years
he's been on many adventures around the world, including the summit of Mt Everest in 2007 and Afghanistan’s highest peak,
Mt Noshaq, in 2010.
In 2015 he helped set up the first marathon in Afghanistan's history and was Race Director for five years. The
Marathon of Afghanistan is the only mixed gender
sporting event in Afghanistan and has brought some very positive changes to this often misunderstood part of the world.
Bing established the Afghan Sports Trust in 2020. This UK registered charity helps fund grassroots sports organisations
in Afghanistan, and provides opportunity through sport.
"The Ring O' Fire has been going for almost 13 years now and is more than just a race. With so many friends, family and returning
runners involved it is a very personal event for all concerned. I've always said so long as the runners keep coming we'll keep
the fire burning. I'm pleased to say that as we approach the thirteenth edition of the race the fire is burning stronger than ever."
James Bingham
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Quentin Brooksbank 'Q' Race Director |
Quentin from Holyhead, on Anglesey's west coast, has a huge passion for the Island and its rugged coastline. Q loves
windsurfing, hard mountain biking, long distance stand up paddle boarding, climbing and mountaineering in the
remote regions of the world.
Giving something exciting back to his home Island spurred Q's interest in organising this tough ultra marathon event.
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Oliver Bingham Race Director |
As a young lad, Oliver spent lots of time exploring the coves, headlands and beaches of the coastal path. Snowdonia
was his playground and his love of climbing and mountaineering has taken him all over the world, mostly with
James and Q!
Oliver's first marathon was on Anglesey and arduous selection courses in the military followed. Free
time is now still spent in the mountains, either on foot, two wheels or skis!
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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
What do people say about us?
"All in all, I wake up this morning nursing some very sore feet and heavy legs but feel amazing, I am definitely in for next years race. I am sure this will become one of our nations greatest races very soon. I sincerely hope you manage to keep its rawness when that happens."
Past Ring O' Fire finisher