Member of the Month, September 2026
Tony Potter
Tony’s our September Member of the Month, nominated for his selfless contribution to visually impaired guide running, which has grown steadily at the club thanks to the efforts of people like him.
If you’ve ever shared a club run, a race or even a conversation with Tony Potter, there’s a good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of one of his dad jokes. Tony’s quick wit, endless supply of puns and sense of humour are what we love about him!
He’s regularly alongside Roger or Barry at races, parkruns and Wednesday club runs. Guide running takes trust, communication and plenty of practice, and Tony has become an important part of the team helping VI runners enjoy their running and take on new challenges.
And, knowing Tony, there’s probably a joke waiting somewhere along the route too.
Meet Tony
Tony was born and raised in Maidstone and now lives in Kings Hill. Away from running, he runs his own property maintenance business, although his description of himself as a “self-unemployed comedian” probably sounds more familiar to his clubmates.
Running gives Tony the chance to switch off, de-stress and clear his head. It’s also an opportunity to work on the next batch of jokes to inflict on unsuspecting Harriers, something he seems to take just as seriously as his training.
He’s an experienced runner with an impressive history of parkruns, road races, cycling sportives and sporting achievements stretching back to his younger years.
A Familiar Face in Guide Running
Tony is one of the club’s regular VI guides, frequently supporting visually impaired runners at Wednesday club nights, parkruns and races. He’s often seen guiding Roger Hyland or Barry Ginley at parkrun and other running events.
The partnership between a VI runner and their guide is built on communication, confidence and trust. From navigating uneven ground and busy courses to adjusting pace and preparing for race day, there’s plenty involved in running well together.
Tony’s commitment is part of a wider effort by the Harriers’ guide-running team. As the group has grown, so have the opportunities for visually impaired runners to train regularly, enjoy parkruns and take part in races.
For Tony, being involved is rewarding in its own right. He enjoys the friendships, the shared achievements and being part of a group where everyone can have fun along the way.
You can read more about the club’s VI running community in Barry Ginley’s story about returning to running with Maidstone Harriers, and Roger’s Guided running experience.
A Dedicated parkrun Regular – Nearly at 500!
Tony’s been taking part in parkrun since March 2014, when he completed his first event at Maidstone River Park in 27:52.
More than a decade later, he’s running faster than ever. In March 2025, Tony achieved his overall parkrun PB of 20:18 at Pegwell Bay, together with his highest age grading of 73.81%.
His attendance is equally remarkable. Tony completed 54 parkruns in 2024 and matched that in 2025, without missing a single Saturday in either year. He’s on target to hit the 500 milestone this month – that’s a seriously impressive parkrun commitment.
But Tony’s not all about times. These days, the majaority of his Saturdays are spent guiding visually imparied runners (with a handful of banter thrown in). He also volunteers as a parkrun pacer, putting his experience to good use to help others reach their goals.
Some of Tony’s parkrun highlights:
| Highlight | Tony’s Record |
|---|---|
| First parkrun | Maidstone River Park, 15 March 2014, 27:52 |
| Overall PB | 20:18 at Pegwell Bay, 1 March 2025 |
| Best age grading | 73.81% in 2025 |
| Most parkruns in a year | 54 in both 2024 and 2025 |
| Mote Park appearances | 154, including 42 in 2025 |
| Mote Park PB | 22:03, February 2024 |
| Different parkrun venues | 41 |
| Total parkruns | 498 as of October 2026 |
A Selection of Tony’s Running Highlights
Tony’s race history covers plenty of familiar Kent events alongside longer-distance challenges, including the London Marathon, Hastings Half Marathon and Folkestone 10 Mile.
He’s also competed in club events such as the Turkey Run and David Thornby 10K.
Some of his recorded race results include:
| Year | Event | Distance | Tony’s Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Virgin London Marathon | 42.195km | 4:50:49 |
| 2023 | Hastings Half Marathon | 21.1km | 1:43:27 |
| 2023 | Folkestone 10 Mile | 10 miles | 1:14:17 |
| 2024 | Folkestone 10 Mile | 10 miles | 1:14:30 |
| 2025 | TCS London Marathon | 42.195km | 4:27:45 |
| 2025 | Folkestone Coastal 10K | 10km | 45:26 |
| 2025 | Hastings Half Marathon | 21.1km | 1:51:06 |
| 2026 | Hastings Half Marathon (VI Guide) | 21.1km | 2:08:01 |
| 2026 | Folkestone 10 Mile (VI Guide) | 10 miles | 1:28:29 |
| 2026 | David Thornby 10K (VI Guide) | 10km | — |
| 2026 | Mid Kent 5-Miler (VI Guide) | 5 miles | 41:17 |
Tony’s 2026 results at Hastings, Folkestone, the David Thornby 10K and Mid Kent 5-Miler are particularly meaningful, as he ran each event alongside Roger Hyland as his VI guide.
And there’s another side to Tony’s racing that deserves a mention. He’s even taken on the Harriers’ Turkey Run canicross event with his dog, dressed in a Spider-Man outfit and club vest.
If ever there was a race photo that summed up Tony’s willingness to have a laugh while enjoying his running, that might be it.
Friendship, Support and Plenty of Laughs
Ask Tony what he values about the Harriers and he’ll tell you it’s the friendships, encouragement and sense of belonging.
That comes through in his involvement with the VI running group, his regular attendance at club runs and parkruns and the friendships he’s built along the way.
He’s also someone who brings plenty of humour to club life. Whether it’s a quick remark during a run, a particularly questionable dad joke or another contribution to the general chat, Tony rarely misses an opportunity to make someone laugh.
It’s all part of what makes him such a familiar character around the club.
Q&A with Tony
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I was born and grew up in Maidstone. Now living not a million miles away in Kingshill.
What’s your occupation outside of the club?
I’m a self-unemployed comedian running my own property maintenance business.
What do you love most about running?
The thing I love most about running is being able to switch off, de-stress and use that time to refocus.
Running gives me that headspace where, amongst other things, I can perfect my comedy puns and dad jokes ready to inflict on my unsuspecting clubmates!
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Harriers?
The best part about being a Harrier is the like-minded friendship group you find yourself in. Great support, great encouragement and a great sense of belonging.
What’s your best sporting moment?
I can’t pinpoint my best sporting moment. From recent running events and past cycling sportives to football and athletic achievements way back as a youth and from my teenage years, they have all been memorable.
More recently, being able to experience a real sense of reward and achievement from guide running at the club has its moments too.
It’s a great feeling being part of an amazing VI group. Being able to help others, give a little back and have fun at the same time is a big bonus.
What song do you play when going for a personal best?
I don’t tend to listen to music when I run, apart from the rhythmic sound of my tinnitus.
However, any soundtrack from ‘DJ Sally’s’ playlist would definitely put me in that PB-achieving mood!
What’s your post-race treat?
My post, pre and during race treat most definitely has to be Anthony’s legendary chorizo sausage rolls.
Coupled with a slice or two of Gemma’s Victoria sponge cake for dessert, washed down with a flat white coffee, really hits the spot!
Thank You, Tony
Congratulations to Tony Potter, our September 2026 Member of the Month.
Tony’s running achievements speak for themselves, but his contribution to guide running, the friendships he’s built and the humour he brings to the club are what make him such a valued Harrier.
Thank you, Tony, and to everyone involved in the club’s VI guide-running team, for the time, encouragement and commitment you give.
Well done, Tony. Keep the dad jokes coming!
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