Member of the Month, April 2026
Michael White
Michael is this month’s choice for many reasons. He is an outstanding ultra runner who takes on huge endurance challenges, most recently the Chester 100, and then often shares the experience afterwards with thoughtful write-ups and brilliant photographs from the trails, mountains and places those races take him.
But when he is not running ultras, he is a brilliant all-round Harrier. Michael is a regular at club champs races, parkrun, club run and Kent Fitness League. He has also been incredibly helpful with bringing and setting up the essential kit and gazebo, and he continues to make a huge contribution to the club by volunteering to club sit and marshal races.
Meet Michael
Endurance, Mountains and Perspective
Running has clearly become a huge part of Michael’s life. In his own words, it is freedom, stress relief and a way to find clarity when life throws up difficult decisions.
That mindset has carried him from his first Great North Run in 2005, when he began running at the age of 41, through to a remarkable ultra running career that now includes 140 marathons, among them 25 fifty milers and 17 one hundred mile ultras. Those numbers come alongside a lasting love of trail running, especially in the mountains, where he is most at home.
A Harrier Through and Through
Michael’s contribution to Maidstone Harriers goes far beyond racing. He has been part of the club for around twenty years and, during that time, has played a significant role in its life and development.
As a Harrier he has completed his first marathon, won the club champs, learnt to swim, completed his first triathlon in 2010 and helped start the tri club. He also spent around seven years managing race entries and timing for the Half Marathon, Turkey Run and Weald 10 Mile, redesigned the club run logo when the shirts changed to the current design, and served as Vice Chairman.
It is a list that says plenty about his commitment to the club and the people in it.
Memorable Moments
Asked to choose his best sporting moment, Michael had no shortage of contenders. He mentions completing the Dragons Back Hatchling over six days, the Cape Wrath Explorer over eight days, and a 100 mile stage race in the Indian Himalayas at around 12,000 feet over five days.
In the end, though, he chooses the 2021 Beacons 100. The course was extended by four miles because of a bridge outage, yet he still finished with a one hour personal best over his previous time. More importantly, he finished feeling strong enough to keep going, even adding an extra mile afterwards to go back and look for a fellow runner. That tells you a lot about Michael as both a racer and a club mate.
Q&A with Michael
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
Born and grew up in East Malling. Have lived in Wouldham, Rochester for the last 39 years.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
I’m retired now but I was in IT a software engineer / systems analyst / systems manager.
I worked for 7 years in the defence industry for Marconi/GEC Avionics writing software for Airborne Displays Division e.g. Head Up Displays for F16 fighters.
Then 34 years for the NHS in Supply Chain managing and developing the primary warehousing and logistics systems and stock replenishment systems for hospitals.
I now volunteer as a Blood Rider for SERV Kent.
What do you love most about running/cycling/swimming?
Running is freedom and the best stress relief.
When I started running at the age of 41, I was 3 stone overweight and friends convinced me to do the Great North Run with them in 2005.
I lost the weight, finished the race (slowly in 2.5 hours) and then joined the Harriers shortly afterwards.
I can’t imagine not being able to run, my main passion being trail and ultras, especially in the mountains.
Whenever I have had a difficult decision to make (like quitting your job 🙂) a long run has always resulted in me returning home with a decision made and it has never been wrong.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
The Harriers have been a BIG part of my life for the last 20 years and I have made many fantastic friends there.
It is an amazing community to be a part of and has led to many of the best experiences of my life.
As a Harrier I have:
– completed my first marathon in 2006
– become a member of the 100 marathon club with 140 marathons (including 25 x 50 mile & 17 x 100 mile ultras)
– won the club champs (a long time ago when I was achieiving all time PB’s)
– learnt to swim, first Triathlon in 2010 with Sharon Barnett and then started our Tri club
– for 7 or so years I managed our race entries and timing for the Half Marathon, Turkey Run & Weald 10 mile
– redesigned our club run logo when we switched shirts from the old double green band to our current design
– been Vice Chairman
What’s your best sporting moment?
There have been quite a few highlights such as completing the Dragons Back Hatchling (over 6 days), Cape Wrath Explorer (over 8 days) and a 100 mile stage race in the Indian Himalayas at an elevation of 12000 feet (over 5 days).
In the end I have to choose the 2021 Beacons 100.
Not only was the course 4 miles longer due to a bridge outage but I finished with an hour PB over my previous time.
Most importantly though, I finished feeling totally invigorated and felt like I could keep going. In fact I did end up doing a mile extra to go back and look for Mel Horley who was struggling to find the finish (& also finished as 3rd lady). I have never finished a 100 mile race feeling so good. After my first 100 in 2015 I recall being absolutely exhausted. I fell asleep immediately I sat down and wouldn’t wake up causing Kathy to call the medics to give me the once over. I also needed help from my sons getting into and out of the car (and into the bath once home!).
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
I used to listen to music when I started but these days I tend not to.
On longer solo training runs or races I will usually listen to audio books and on shorter runs I don’t listen to anything.
Mostly I concentrate on breathing and usually trying to slow it down, which is more efficient than heavy puffing and helps with my asthma.
If I’m with someone I get accused of talking a lot! 😆
What’s your post-race treat?
Coffee and a full English. If it’s a hot day you won’t see me refuse a nice cold beer!
Thank You, Michael
Congratulations to Michael White, our April 2026 Member of the Month. His running achievements are extraordinary, but what stands out just as much is the time, effort and care he gives back to the club. Michael has been a huge part of Maidstone Harriers for many years, and this recognition is richly deserved.
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