Trustees

James established the Afghan Sports Trust in 2020. Before this he helped set up the Marathon of Afghanistan and was Race Director from 2015 to 2019. He has also been responsible for introducing stand-up paddleboards to Afghanistan for use by local organisations. A keen adventurer, he first traveled to the country in 2010 to climb Noshaq, Afghanistan’s highest mountain. In future years he returned many times, making many friends in a country he had grown to love. At home, he is Race Director of one of the UK’s toughest ultramarathons, the Ring O’ Fire.  

Ian is a Chartered Certified Accountant and has worked in finance for 13 years. He currently lives in Cheshire, having previously lived in London and Geneva. Ian likes to travel as often as possible and has been fortunate enough to visit many interesting places. In his spare time he also enjoys hiking and spends many weekends walking in the Peak District. 

Zeinab is a Fulbright Scholar, currently pursuing a Masters program in Impact MBA with Social Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University. She was the president of the female running club at the American University of Afghanistan and has run three marathons, as well as a 250km ultramarathon across the Gobi Desert. She made history as the first Afghan female to complete an IRONMAN triathlon. Zeinab has been nominated for the Rumi Awards, recognising the Most Influential Afghan Women. She would like to represent her country and the women of her country in other international races. She believes in the power of sport for social change.

Juliane is a development expert and policy advisor with 10 years of experience, much of it spent in developing countries around the globe. She enjoys running at all the different places worldwide and is amazed to always find the same magic and spirit around sport. She has been serving as co-race director of the Marathon of Liberia for several years. Juliane proudly finished the Marathon of Afghanistan in 2019 and felt a strong connection with the country.

Keith is a business consultant, UK Athletics coach and travel photographer, based in London and Chamonix. After winning the first Marathon of Afghanistan in 2015, he has stayed involved with the event and also provides Afghanaid with pro bono coaching for their marathon runners. Keith is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and part of their Younger Members’ Committee.