Maidstone Harriers Run & Tri Club
By day, I run Breathe Consulting a recruitment business specialising in marketing agencies. Outside of work, one of my biggest passions is running — and I’m proud to be the Chair of Maidstone Harriers Run & Tri Club
I first joined the Harriers around six years ago, looking for a way to meet other runners and improve my training. What started as a personal pursuit quickly became something much bigger. Over time, I got involved in coaching and, in May 2023, stepped into the role of Chair. Today, I’m supported by an incredible committee, coaching team, and network of volunteers who all share the same goal: to create a friendly, inclusive, and motivating club for everyone.
Our vision — One Club for All in the Community — runs through everything we do. We champion the values of being Inclusive, Ambitious, Sociable, and Passionate, offering a wide range of sessions across running, swimming, track, and indoor cycling. With members of all abilities, there’s always great camaraderie — whether it’s cheering on a first-time 5K runner or celebrating a marathon finisher. That’s the true Harriers spirit.
I first met Ed years ago when we worked together to sponsor Maidstone Tag Rugby. More recently, when Trudi joined the Harriers, a conversation during a club run sparked the idea of a partnership between the club and The Golden Boot. It was a perfect fit — both organisations share a strong sense of community and family values. With The Golden Boot’s growing focus on running shoes, the collaboration allows our members to get expert advice on the right footwear, while we help raise awareness of this expanding area of the business.
I’ve always had a personal connection with The Golden Boot — we used to take our children there for school shoes years ago — so it’s been wonderful to see how the business has evolved. Friends had been recommending Hoka shoes for ages, and after chatting with the team in-store about finding the right pair, I finally made the switch. Now I wear the Mach 6 for races and track sessions, Clifton 10s for everyday training, and Challengers for trail runs. They’re incredibly comfortable and provide just the right balance of support and cushioning.
A visit to The Golden Boot is unlike any other retail experience — the service, expertise, and attention to detail are second to none. It’s great to see a local business thriving while staying true to its community roots — something we at Maidstone Harriers really value and relate to.
