Member of the Month, June 2025
Sally Howson
Our MotM for September is the wonderful Sally Howson. This month marks Thirten years as a Harrier, so what better way to acknowledge this commitment than with the Member of the Month title!
She’s previously volunteered as a tri captain and now volunteers as a guide runner. Oh, and is the resident DJ! That’s right, it’s none other than DJ Howson, sometimes also known as Sgt Sally.
She was nominated this month for her commitment to the club in volunteering and representing, as well as her support for fellow Harriers in general.
Sally will always shout out the club whenever possible and made sure to do so on a recent BBC Radio Kent interview about parkrun.
Meet Sally
Volunteering and club leadership
As mentioned, Sally has volunteered in various roles for the club, as a captain for our tri team, and she was encouraging and inspiring for new triathletes with a wealth of information and experience to share.
From Parkrun to track to races, he’s often found quietly helping others push through tough moments. He may not seek the attention, but his contribution is deeply appreciated. That’s why this month, he’s in the spotlight.
Guide running and spin playlists
Sally is now part of our guide running team, supporting our visually impaired club members, and she also puts together playlists for our weekly spin sessions as well as other events. The playlists keep everyone working hard in the spin studio. Her help with this has been a relief for the team, bringing variety when it was needed.
Results that reflect consistency
She has been doing triathlon and multisport for many years, and until recently had never stepped on a podium. She did herself and the club proud at Bewl Water Swim Run this year, coming first female overall. A brilliant achievement.
It shows what consistency in training can do. Sally is very consistent in training, with an unbroken attendance at our track sessions for 16 months, as well as weekly swimming and spin.
The Harriers spirit
On a personal note from her nominator, Sally reached out several times during a recent injury to check in and offer support. That kind of consideration means an enormous amount and was greatly appreciated. It’s what we do as the Harriers family. Thank you, Sal.
Get to know Sally a bit more. Did you know she is also an Ironman?
Learn more below.
Q&A with Sally
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Thanet (Birchington, Westgate, Margate), but I’ve been in Maidstone for the last 20 years.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
I am a former college lecturer and ex-army Royal Signals (reservist), I currently work in a special needs school as a safeguarding lead and the head of technology.
What do you love most about running?
My running journey has meant different things to me over the years.
At the moment, I am particularly enjoying the camaraderie of track and parkrun.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
I am currently really enjoying the ‘energy’ of the club, and that it’s fully embracing its triathlon alter-ego with swimming and cycling/spinning sessions.
What’s your best sporting moment?
Ironman (2018 – Copenhagen) – you cannot comprehend the euphoric feeling of finishing an endurance event like the IM until you’re in that moment, especially when standing on that start line for the 1st time, you have no real idea if you’re going to pull it all together and get to that finish line. Copenhagen really delivered on all levels – an experience I’ll never forget.
London Marathon 2024 (incl. picking up my CLASSICS medal), after many rejects – I was fortunate enough to get a club place and crossed the finish line in 2024. An experience that I will cherish forever.
250+ parkruns; I have been parkrunning for over 10 years, and love everything parkrun.
I have never placed on top of a podium before, but recently finished in 1st place at the Bewl Water swim/run event, so I was obviously very happy with that.
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
My personal bests are probably in the past now! But I have been attending track without missing a session for 16 months as I am targeting a 70% age grade for parkrun, which would be a kind of personal best. As for songs – I cannot specify an actual song – but I love dance/house music, and always have a playlist that I am working on (and sharing at Harriers spin). My friends all seem to be Harriers too!
What’s your post-race treat?
That’s easy – a decent flat white coffee, with friends.
Thank You, Sally
Congratulations to Sally Howson, our September 2025 Member of the Month. Volunteer, teammate and first female at Bewl Water Swim Run, she brings people together and helps them believe they can do more. If you see her at track, parkrun or spin, say hello and thank you, then ask what challenge you should try next.
Stay Connected
Join our newsletter. Get the latest updates, events and training tips.
