Member of the Month, May 2025
Andrew Burgess
For April, we’re proud to recognise Andrew Burgess – a long-standing Harrier whose quiet determination, knowledge of the club and love of the outdoors have made him a true inspiration.
Among his impressive achievements, Andrew has completed more than 100 marathons! Yet he still finds joy in a simple solo run, taking in the sounds of nature. Whether cheering others on, guiding club routes or taking in the views, he embodies what it means to be a Harrier.
Meet Andrew
A Seasoned Harrier
Andrew has been part of Maidstone Harriers for over two decades. Born in Southend-on-Sea and now living in Chatham, he brings years of experience and an explorer’s mindset to every run.
A Steady Hand and Supportive Spirit
Andrew is a regular at the club, always willing to run with anyone who needs company or support… often taking out the 5k group when Matt is not around. He is a wealth of information and gives so much encouragement to those he’s with.
The Marathon Man
Andrew is known for his insane marathon exploits. He’s regularly completing marathons in all sorts of locations, building up his collection of spectacular medals and very often claiming the title of #OnlyHarrierHome.
His marathon life has spanned decades – from his first in 1984, to his 100th in 2016. And he’s not stopped at 26 miles – he completed his first 100-mile ultra in 2021.
Steady and Supportive
This month, Andrew took part in a race alongside other Harriers (and was therefore not able to use his usual hashtag 😜) at the Kent Spring Marathon. Most of the Harriers were doing the Half Marathon option at this event, with Andrew and Olivia doing the Full Marathon.
The Harrier Spirit in Action
Andrew reminded us of the true Harrier spirit at this race.
When he caught up with Olivia on lap 2 at an aid station, he found that she was struggling. Rather than a quick check-in and heading on his way, he stopped with her for a while at the aid station, and then stuck with her for the rest of the race, giving much-needed support and encouragement all the way to the finish, where they crossed the line together.
This embodies the spirit of the Harriers team and family – looking out for each other, giving encouragement and support, and being willing to give up your race time or target to help a teammate get to the finish.
Thank you, Andrew 😊
You are an inspiration, and it’s a pleasure to call you a teammate and friend!
Here’s the full Q&A.
Q&A with Andrew
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄?
I was born in Southend-on-Sea, but have lived in Chatham for the last 37 years.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
Teacher in a secondary school, but soon to be retired!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴?
It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover an area. Whenever I go somewhere new, I make sure I have an OS map of the area I’m going to, and use it to plan where I’m going to run. If there’s a good view, I stop to admire it; if there isn’t, I just keep on running. It’s also a fantastic way to relieve stress!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀?
The sense of camaraderie. Although I have the #onlyharrierhome tag, which I often use, I still get lots of encouragement from fellow club members via Facebook and on Wednesday evenings. This sense of camaraderie was particularly in evidence after this year’s Kent Spring marathon. Coming into the finish line, we were greeted by no fewer than EIGHT fellow club members, in spite of the fact that some would have finished their half marathons before I even set out on lap 2.
It’s also an opportunity to pay back some of the help I have received over the years, both in terms of what I have learned from experience, and also because I’ve had 20 years to get to know the Wednesday evening routes. I do still take the occasional wrong turn, but at least I know where I am.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Is this an overall moment? If I mention Freddy Eastwood’s winning goal for Southend against Manchester United, does that count? No? So, if it is about running, it would have to be celebrating something I didn’t think I could do – my first marathon (Southend 1984); my 100th marathon (Gravesend Cyclopark, May 2016) or my first 100-mile race (Reculver, May 2021). Beyond that, I don’t think I could choose.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁?
I don’t listen to music when I’m running these days. I like being able to hear what’s around me, and if that’s birdsong, the sound of the sea or even the car coming up behind me, that’s enough for me.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁?
A pint of Rose’s lime juice cordial and a packet of cheese and onion flavour crisps. And beer, but this isn’t always after the finish.
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