Member of the Month, June 2026
Mike Murdoch
Some members make a big impression by chasing medals. Others do it by quietly making the club better every time they turn up.
Mike Murdoch is very much in the second group, although his own running history is not exactly short of achievements either. A Harrier since 1991, Mike was nominated for the encouragement, care and consistency he brings to our Wednesday night club runs.
He rarely misses a session, knows more routes and races than most of us could remember, and has a habit of running backwards and forwards through the group to make sure everyone is OK. Fast or slow, experienced or new, Mike is one of those people who helps make the run feel friendly, organised and safe.
That is very much what Maidstone Harriers is about.
Meet Mike
Mike has been part of the Harriers for more than three decades, building up the sort of running knowledge that only comes from years of turning up, racing, helping, volunteering and encouraging others.
He is one of our support runners on Wednesday nights, where he helps keep the group together and makes sure nobody is left behind. It is not the loudest role in the club, but it is one of the most important. A good support runner can make the difference between someone feeling out of place and someone realising they do belong.
Mike does that brilliantly.
A Support Long-Standing Runner
Mike’s nomination says a lot about the kind of clubmate he is. He checks in on people throughout the run, loops back when needed and offers encouragement without making a big song and dance about it.
He is also a fountain of knowledge when it comes to running routes and races. If there is a route to be explained, a race to be remembered or a bit of running history to be pulled out of the archive, there is a decent chance Mike will know something useful about it.
That combination of experience and kindness is valuable. Clubs need people who can run well, but they also need people who help others run well. Mike does both.
Decades of Miles and Milestones
Mike’s own running record is hugely impressive. His Power of 10 profile shows years of performances across distances from 5K to marathon, and his list of personal highlights gives a real sense of his consistency.
He completed his first London Marathon in 1990 in 3:53, achieved his first good-for-age marathon time at the 2011 Edinburgh Marathon Festival in 3:12, and ran a marathon PB at the 2015 London Marathon in 3:09.
He also completed his 100th half marathon at Thanet in 2015 and became the first Harrier to complete 100 Kent Fitness League races in 2023. For someone who says he only does three or four half marathons a year, reaching 100 is a proper long game.
He’s also a parkrunner, from time-to-time, with a persona best of 20:11.
Still Part of the Pack
What stands out most about Mike is not just how long he has been running, but how much he still enjoys being part of a group.
He talks about the sense of achievement that comes from running at any distance or speed, the fresh air, the peace of running alone and the support that comes from running with others. His favourite runs are still the Wednesday night club runs, which says plenty.
For Mike, the Harriers are about friendship, shared challenges, trips, races, social events, marshalling and recognising each other’s achievements. He has seen the club grow into running, track, cycling, swimming, coaching and support running, and he clearly values the fact that there is now something for so many different members.
Q&A with Debbie
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I am originally from Johnstone, Renfrewshire. My family moved to Gillingham in 1980 and have lived in the area ever since. The Hempstead Valley half marathon used to go past the end of our road, that’s partly what got me interested in running. I ran it a few times before joining the Harriers in 1991. For the past 34 years I have lived in Rainham, initially just with my wife and later with our three sons.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
Outside of running I work as a Substation Engineer, specialising in the remote control and monitoring of all the power equipment on a network with over 200 substations. I am happy to discuss my job face to face, especially if anyone has sons, daughters, nephews or nieces who might be interested in engineering as a career.
What do you love most about running?
I enjoy all aspects of running. There is a sense of achievement, regardless of what distance or speed you are trying to run. Getting out in the fresh air and getting your blood pumping is a great feeling, I love it.
I enjoy the peace and quiet of running. If I’m running on my own I don’t listen to music or podcasts. My favourite runs are the Wednesday night club runs. Running with a group gives you support, encouragement, camaraderie, and sometimes stretches you to tackle a new event or activity you hadn’t considered before.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
There are so many good things, it’s hard to pick out which is best. Making lots of friends, going on trips together, races together, challenges together. Recognising each other’s achievements. Enjoying social activities together. Being part of a team marshalling at our races, or helping in some other capacity.
Many of us feel that we are part of a family, and I hope that newer members feel that way too. In recent years the club has branched out into track training, cycling and swimming, so there’s something for everyone nearly every day of the week. We’ve also increased the number of coaches, who all do a great job, and we have introduced support runners, of which I am one. All this for little more than £1 a week is fantastic value. It is great to see the club growing in all these areas and attracting new members.
What’s your best sporting moment?
Being a young spectator in a packed stadium at Celtic v Real Madrid in the European Cup quarter-final in 1980 was special, I have to say. Marshalling at the London Marathon has been a great experience too, especially seeing the great runners like Paula Radcliffe go by.
On a personal level my best moments are completing my 100th half marathon at Thanet in 2015, which was a big achievement considering I only do three or four halves each year, being the first Harrier to complete 100 KFL races in 2023, completing my first London Marathon in 1990 in 3:53, getting my first good-for-age marathon time at Edinburgh in 2011 in 3:12 and getting a marathon PB at London in 2015 in 3:09.
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
Songs to play? On the way to races I typically listen to Queen, Blondie or Led Zeppelin. Yes, I am that old. The fast tempo music stays in my head all through the race.
Sadly my new car that I bought in November doesn’t have a CD player so I tune in to Radio Caroline instead. On 648kHz on the AM band. Yes, I am that old.
What’s your post-race treat?
Post-race treat? For most distances I look forward to a coffee and a flapjack. After a marathon I crave salty stuff like crisps and peanuts, and can’t stand anything sugary after all the gels and energy drinks.
Thank You, Mike
Congratulations to Mike Murdoch, our June 2026 Member of the Month.
Mike’s running history is impressive, but this recognition is really about the support, encouragement and consistency he brings to the club. From Wednesday night runs to Kent Fitness League races, marathon memories and more than three decades as a Harrier, Mike has made a lasting contribution.
Thank you, Mike, for helping make Maidstone Harriers the kind of club where nobody gets left behind.
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