Member of the Month, August 2026
Jo Smit
Jo’s our August Member of the Month, nominated after going back to IRONMAN Copenhagen and finishing what she started.
Last year, Jo’s first attempt at the event ended in frustration when a bike incident during the race meant she missed the cut-off. It would have been completely understandable if she had decided that was enough, but Jo went back this year, took on the same course and crossed the finish line.
Jo demonstrates the true Harrier spirit of resilience, commitment and not letting a difficult race have the final word.
Meet Jo
Jo was born in Poland and moved to Maidstone in 2006. Away from the club, she works in the commercial department at Hortifrut.
Her route into endurance sport has been built steadily. Swimming has always felt natural to her, running became a way to spend time with friends, explore new paths and catch the odd sunrise, and cycling took time as she built confidence on the bike. Over the years, that has grown into a mix of social miles, shorter events, longer endurance challenges and the kind of goals that once would have felt a long way off.
Copenhagen Completed
Jo completed this year’s IRONMAN Copenhagen in 15:01:26, in the F45-49 category.
A full Ironman means a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and marathon run in one day. Jo’s race included a 1:29:59 swim, 7:34:41 on the bike and a 5:42:59 marathon.
Jo’s Running & Tri Highlights
Jo’s story also includes a strong mix of running milestones, from social 10Ks to ultra distance.
In 2024, she completed the Brighton to London 100K, an ultramarathon and her first race above 50km.
Earlier this year, Jo also ran the London Winter Run 10K, supporting Cancer Research UK, and the TCS London Marathon, adding shorter and marathon-distance events to a busy year of racing.
| Year | Event | Distance | Jo’s Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | First half-marathon | 21km | – |
| 2024 | Brighton to London ultramarathon | 100km | 17h 47m |
| 2026 | London Winter Run 10K | 10km | 1:04:10 |
| 2026 | TCS London Marathon | 42.2km | 6:08:12 |
| 2026 | Three Castles Ultra | 50km | Retired (32km) |
| 2026 | IRONMAN Copenhagen | 3.8km swim 180km bike 42.2km run | 15:01:26 |
Supported by the Harriers
For Jo, the best part of being a Harrier is the community.
She describes being grateful for the kindness and support she has received, and that fits with the story behind her nomination. Big goals can look very individual from the outside, but the training, encouragement, friendship and shared miles all matter.
Through the club, Jo’s found people around her who help make the journey feel possible.
Q&A with Jo
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
Born in Poland, moved to the UK, Maidstone, in 2006.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
Commercial department at Hortifrut, the biggest blueberry producer in the world.
What do you love most about running, swimming and cycling?
I have loved swimming since I was a child, so being in the water has always felt very natural to me. Even now, swimming, especially open water, feels like an escape. I love finding a rhythm, focusing on breathing and moving.
Running is incredibly satisfying, knowing that in January 2020 I barely could run a mile. Running is more a social thing for me. I like to run with my friends, explore new paths and see a sunrise, as I’m an early bird.
It took a lot of time to build my confidence and trust myself on the bike. Now I love the freedom and adventure it gives me, being outdoors.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
An amazing community. I’m very grateful to everyone that showed me kindness and support.
What’s your best sporting moment?
When I ran my first half marathon in 2020 together with my husband, and our son on the bike.
Completing a 100km self-navigating running race from Brighton to London in 2024, my first ultra race above 50km, and of course Ironman Copenhagen in August.
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
If I listen to music when I run it needs to be something with a good, strong beat.
What’s your post-race treat?
LOVE carbs, usually pizza and cake.
Thank You, Jo
Congratulations to Jo Smit, our August 2026 Member of the Month.
Returning to Copenhagen and completing her first Ironman is a fantastic achievement, but Jo’s story is bigger than one result. From barely running a mile in 2020 to ultra running and Ironman, she’s built towards this one step at a time.
Well done, Jo. We are very proud of you.
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