KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
12 DECEMBER 2021

CHRISTMAS PARTY CANCELLED

Unfortunately due to the recent additional Covid-19 restrictions being implemented this week, the presidents have decided to make the decision to cancel the Christmas party this year.

Further communication will be released this week about arranging refunds.

Many thanks to Katie Rowland, who went to all the trouble of organising the event. It’s possible that we can enjoy a spring gathering in 2022. 

 At least we still have the South of Thames Senior XC race to look forward to on the afternoon of
 18 December

–

FAST APPROACHING DATE FOR DIARY

By now everyone should have received an email about the Kent County Champs at Brands Hatch on 8 January, where entries have just opened. They close on Friday 17 December, so it’s crucial you contact Cross Country secretaries Dan Pettit or Sarah Hanley to express an interesting in competing. 
Please note that you need EA membership to run these races so do not ask to be entered unless you are an EA member, check the website to find out about joining.
It also seems that the Southern Champs will be hosted at Beckenham on 29 January, and it’s probable that entries will close for that in about two weeks, so contact Dan and Sarah if you would like to be entered for this too.

–

MAKE IT OFFICIAL IN 2022

Your chance to act on your New Year’s Resolution (that one about helping out at your beloved athletics club) before 2022
The club badly needs more officials. In the era of race licences they are needed, even for our club championships.
England Athletics have just released dates next month for starter and track judge courses. Courses take a mere couple of hours. The Club will cover costs and offer other perks for those who qualify.
For more information contact Len Reilly or see here

–

FLYING THE FLAG FOR THE VETS

This weekend saw the Southern Veterans Cross Country event at Lloyd Park in Croydon. It’s a great event and highly recommended for all you veterans out there. Richard Giles was 27th V40 and Tom Sloan was placed a very creditable 23rd in his category. 

–

MORE CROSS COUNTRY 

Cross Country season is in full swing and there are still a few opportunities for you to get involved… 
Reminder: All members are encouraged to come along and run. 
Please keep Sarah and Dan up to date with your availability if anything changes.
Please also remember unused entries cost the club.

Female runners please fill in your availabilities using this link 
Male runners here

SoT Senior XC
Saturday 18 December South of Thames Senior Championship Race, Beckenham Place Park 
Entries have now closed for the race. 
If anyone would be available to volunteer we would very much appreciate some extra help on the day. Please let Sarah or Dan know your availability to help out.

Other upcoming dates for the diary
Saturday 8 January Kent County Champs, Brands Hatch
Saturday 15 January Surrey Cross Country League 3, Mitcham Common
Saturday 29 January Southern Champs,Beckenham 
Saturday 19 February Surrey Cross Country League 4, Effingham Common 
Saturday 26 February The National Championships, Parliament Hill 
Saturday 12 March British Masters Championships, Tonbridge (contact Len Reilly to get involved)
 

–

TRACK, TRACK…

The track at Ladywell remains open for club members during the following times:
Tuesday 17:15 – 20:45
Thursday 18:30 – 20:30
Sunday 09:00 – 11:30
Please note that individuals are permitted to do their own sessions during club opening times, but coached group sessions continue to take priority.

Please make sure you purchasee your new track pass ahead of your chosen sessions here

  December Track Pass – Juniors
Please purchase your December £5 junior monthly track pass in advance here. When purchasing the track pass can parents/guardians please enter the athlete’s name when completing the transaction

Please see a helpful FAQs guide here

Registering for a session
Group spreadsheets to register for sessions (links for payment this month and FAQs also here):

Men’s A Group
Men’s B Group
Women’s Group (PB/EB) 
C Group
Juno Group
Hassan Group

–

JUNIOR PARKRUN

The juniors distance groups are planning to run Hillyfields Junior parkrun on Sunday 19 December. It would be great to have some of the senior athletes present to cheer on our newest members. Why not make the most of a hangover-free Sunday morning and join parkrun. There will be mince pies by the Kent flag. Look out for the Kent AC flag up at the park.
For more junior news please read John Barron’s excellent bulletin, here. 

–

JUNIOR NEWS

A big welcome to all those who have joined Kent AC this week. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Kumiko Wilkinson-Denyer
Tyson Miller
Celia Cook
Goodnews Emmanuel Oluwatusin
Goodnews is our 100th junior member, and we at Kent AC have been averaging one new junior member every two days since 1 June. That’s fantastic news.

–