Member of the Month: Debbie Addison

Member of the Month, May 2026
Debbie Addison

It’s that time again when we celebrate another inspiring Harrier! For May, we’re delighted to spotlight Debbie Addison.

Her grit, determination and willingness to dig deep earned her this month’s spotlight, after a marathon journey that asked plenty of her and still ended on one of the world’s most famous start lines. Debbie had one of the club places for the 2026 TCS London Marathon and, despite injuries, setbacks, life getting in the way and thoughts of deferral, she made it to the start and ran an incredible race.

She smiled her way round and made the whole club proud. More importantly, she proved to herself that, with the right support, helpful guidance and a club behind her, she could do hard things and come out the other side feeling strong.

Meet Debbie

Reaching the Start Line

Debbie’s London Marathon story is exactly the kind of effort that deserves recognition. Her own words say plenty. Even with a torn bicep tendon, MCL issues and shoulder surgery ahead, she kept going, trusted the process and found a way to make it to the start line.

That is a big part of why she was chosen this month. Not just because she finished, but because of what it took to get there.

A Club Place Well Earned

This was not only a personal challenge, it was something Debbie used to give something back. She had one of the club places for London and made the most of the opportunity, showing what can happen when determination meets support.

Debbie’s London Marathon

Other Running Highlights

Alongside the marathon training, Debbie’s built consistency through regular parkruns (143 to date), with frequent visits to Mote Park and Maidstone River Park. She has also earned 19 volunteer credits, taking on roles such as marshalling, timekeeping, barcode scanning, tail walking and parkwalking.

Then there is the trail running, and the unique challenge of Spartan races, which add obstacles into the mix. It all points to someone who enjoys trying different kinds of running challenge.

Debbie’s parkrun profile

Confidence, Friendship and the Next Challenge

Debbie says running has helped her step outside her comfort zone in all walks of life. She talks about the social side, but also about learning to enjoy the peace of running alone.

That balance comes through in the way she describes the Harriers too, not as a place where you have to be the best, but as a place that helps you become the best version of yourself.

And now that London is done, it sounds like she is not stopping there. More marathons have been mentioned, and even an ultra may be on the horizon.

Q&A with Debbie

Thank You, Debbie

Congratulations to Debbie Addison, our May 2026 Member of the Month. Her London Marathon journey showed exactly what can happen when determination meets the right support. She kept going, kept believing and gave the whole club something to cheer for.