Member of the Month, October 2026
Terry Crittenden
Terry’s our October Member of the Month, chosen for his dedication to the Harriers through years of coaching, committee work and encouraging members to give triathlon a go.
Known for his calm approach and wealth of knowledge, Terry’s someone members can turn to for advice, reassurance and encouragement to take on events. He enjoys seeing people achieve things they weren’t sure they could do, and has helped plenty of Harriers get there.
As his nomination put it:
“Every club needs a Terry”
Meet Terry
Terry was born in Maidstone and moved to Portsmouth for university, later spending time in the East Midlands before returning to the area. Now retired, he worked as a chartered civil engineer on large infrastructure projects.
Sport has remained an important part of his life, particularly swimming, cycling and triathlon. His appreciation of running is characteristically practical: when you’re a triathlete, reaching the run means you’re nearly finished!
Helping Harriers Into Triathlon
Terry served as the Harriers’ Tri Captain until stepping down earlier this year. Alongside his committee work, he has coached beginner sessions and encouraged members to take on triathlons.
He’s prominently involved in the club’s weekly training sessions for swimming and cycling.
His contribution to spin classes includes both planning the sessions, with such daunting titles a Terry’s Hills and Norwegian 4×4, and being there as an instructor to lead members through them.
At the pool, Terry provides swim coaching for the club’s Monday evening swim classes, another way he shares his experience with fellow Harriers.
His nomination also recognises the part he has played in the triathlon team’s progress in the Triathlon England South East Senior Series, known as TESESS. For Terry, the enjoyment comes from helping members achieve goals they weren’t sure were possible.
Representing Great Britain
Terry brings considerable experience to his coaching. His World Triathlon record includes representing Great Britain at the 2003 Age-Group World Championships in Queenstown and the European Championships in Autun in 2006 and Copenhagen in 2007.
This July, he was back in GBR colours at the Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships in Banyoles, finishing 13th in the 65–69 Open age group. That adds a recent international appearance to a racing history stretching back more than two decades.
Terry’s Recent Sporting Highlights
Alongside those championship appearances, Terry has taken on sprint triathlons, aquabike events and running races. Here are some of his recorded performances:
| Year | Event | Format | Terry’s Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | East Grinstead Triathlon | Sprint triathlon | 1:50:34 |
| 2023 | Midnight Man | Quarter-distance aquabike | 2:33:33 |
| 2024 | East Grinstead Triathlon | Sprint triathlon | 1:38:46 |
| 2024 | Dartford White Oak Triathlon | Sprint triathlon | 1:29:00 |
| 2025 | Cotswold 113 | Middle-distance triathlon | 6:54:57 |
| 2026 | East Grinstead Triathlon | Sprint triathlon | 1:38:50 |
| 2026 | Europe Triathlon Championships, Banyoles | Middle-distance triathlon, representing GBR | 6:21:00 |
| 2026 | Southwater Team Sprint Triathlon | Team sprint triathlon | 1:14:23 |
| 2026 | Bath & Bristol Autumn Half Marathon | Half marathon | 3:05:25 |
The Southwater result is Terry’s individual time, rather than the combined team time.
At Cotswold 113 in June 2025, Terry finished fifth in his 65–69 age group, joining the Harriers for a weekend of triathlon and aquabike racing.
His 2026 season included another appearance at East Grinstead in May, followed by the European Championships in July. In September, he teamed up with Darryn and Lizzie Ashford for the Southwater Team Sprint Triathlon, representing Maidstone Harriers.
A Finish Line Shared With Family
Ask Terry for his best sporting moment and he chooses crossing the finish line at London Triathlon with his two daughters.
Supporting them through the event and then reaching the finish together made it a particularly special family achievement, and one that reflects how much Terry enjoys helping other people reach their own goals.
Terry’s parkrun Highlights
Away from triathlon, Terry also makes time for parkrun. His parkrun journey began at Mote Park in June 2022, with Mote Park and Maidstone River Park accounting for most of his Saturday outings.
| Highlight | Terry’s Record |
|---|---|
| First parkrun | Mote Park, 11 June 2022 |
| parkruns completed | 146, as at 7 November 2026 |
| Overall PB | 25:11 at Cyclopark, 23 March 2024 |
| Best age grading | 67.24%, achieved at Cyclopark in March 2024 |
| Most visited parkruns | Mote Park: 69 appearances; Maidstone River Park: 66 |
| Different parkrun venues | 8 |
Q&A with Terry
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I was born in Maidstone and lived around the area in various places until I moved to Portsmouth for university. Then for a while in the East Midlands and back to Maidstone.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
I am a chartered civil engineer, now retired. I worked mainly for major contractors on large infrastructure projects which I like to think have generally improved life and well-being for those affected.
What do you love most about running, cycling or swimming?
Well, I am a triathlete so the great thing about running is that I am nearly finished. I also enjoy swimming and cycling.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
I enjoy supporting members to achieve their goals, where I can. It is great to see people succeeding where they sometimes didn’t believe it was possible.
What’s your best sporting moment?
Probably crossing the finish line at London Triathlon with my two daughters. It was great to support them to achieve their goals and was a real ‘lump in throat moment’.
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
I don’t use headphones when running (or swimming or cycling) so I don’t have a PB playlist, ironic when you consider one of my daughters is a radio presenter on Absolute.
What’s your post-race treat?
Got to be fluid and am really happy to rehydrate with a beer or two, assuming I haven’t got to drive. I then eat whatever (junk) food is available locally with no great discrimination.
Thank You, Terry
Congratulations to Terry Crittenden, our October 2026 Member of the Month.
Thank you for the time you’ve given as Tri Captain, coach and committee member, and for helping so many Harriers feel ready to try something new. Your knowledge, patience and encouragement are much appreciated.
Well done, Terry!
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