Hills pay the bills

Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 30/06/24–

KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
 30 June 2024

No ‘monster on the hill’ in Kent AC, or anti-heroes for that fact either, just lots of hi-vis heroes – Kent AC’s hill training has reaped benefits this week – we had the Kent AC takeover at Catford parkrun yesterday morning which saw over 28 Kent ACers run through Mountsfield Park and many volunteers too. Bravo!

Down in Kent today, we had 13 intrepid finishers of the brutal but beautiful North Downs run, taking in 30km of the undulating Kentish ridge through poppy fields and vineyards. Kudos to all who ensured we had a great Kent AC turnout and especially to Amy Clements for finishing 3rd lady, Jules Gevers for 2nd BMAF V55, and Bic Cartwright for 3rd BMAF V40. Our ladies team won gold too! Matt Thomas was the first Kent AC man home, knocking 30 minutes of his time from last year – epic! Our finishers report that whilst the weather was mercifully cooler than last year, the course was not as forgiving and ‘equally as hard’. Which made the cake buffet worth it!

And if those hills weren’t already enough, Rob Sesemann ran the Mont Blanc 10km yesterday, showing that London-based clubs can more than stand their own against those from less flat areas in the UK and abroad.

If you’re looking to channel your inner vert with some steeplechase or jumps, or whether your’re looking some relief from the hills with some flat track races or throws, we have got you covered either way! The next SAL is on 14 July in St Albans, which you can sign up for here.

If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, then you’ll love our Instagram. Go give it a follow!

FROM THE HILLS TO THE (SUT)CLIFFE

A reminder that the fourth Assembly League will take place in Sutcliffe Park this Thursday 4th July at 19:30. What better way to celebrate Election Day! 

More details will be shared this week on WhatsApp groups so please do keep an eye out!

NOW I’M PACING BACK AND FORTH

With the endorphins of yesterday’s parkrun takeover still high and fresh, fear not, because it’s only two weeks until our next group parkrun trip – this time to Dulwich for a pacing special on 13 July!

We will be pacing all times and all pacers are very very welcome! If you’d like to giver it a go, please sign up below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R-FjldTvfJtGYi2IVTNagDd4RwwjOk_B9FarQygYt_E/edit

FOREVER WINTER (TAYLOR’S VERSION)

It’s June, a heatwave, the summer of sport is a go. So, no better time to start thinking about cross country as the fixture dates for the next season have now dropped! Add them to your diary now to start the build up!
 

September

Saturday 14th – Rescheduled National XC – Weston Park, Telford
Keep an eye out for a form soon to register interest

 

October

Saturday 12th – Surrey League Fixture 1 – Wimbledon Common

 

November

Saturday 9th – Surrey League Fixture 2 – Venue tbc

Saturday 23rd – South of Thames Junior – West Horsley Place, Guildford

 

December

Saturday 14th or 21st – South of Thames Senior – Somerhill School, Tonbridge

 

January

Saturday 11th – Surrey League Fixture 3 – Venue tbc

 

February

Saturday 8th – Surrey League Fixture 4 – Epsom

 

Other fixtures we’re still awaiting date confirmation for:

Mansfield Relays, November

Kent County Championships, Brands Hatch, January

Southern XC Championships, January

National XC, February

British Masters XC Champs, March

SNOW ON THE BEACH (AND TRACK)

BIG Bobble Hats – just in time for summer! 

For those members who ordered a BIG bobble hat at the end of 2023, they are now delivered and ready for collection. Payment to be made via https://membermojo.co.uk/kentac/store. 
Please WhatsApp Sarah Young to arrange collection. 

Future orders will be announced in your favourite newsletter. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

June
25 – Post-track social
29 – Catford Parkrun Kent Takeover

July
14 – Southern Athletics League – St Albans
17 – Brighton Phoenix 10K – Brighton
28 – KYAL – Norman Park
30 – Post-track social

August
3 – 10k Sri Chimnoy Battersea Park (club champs)
10 – KYAL – Dartford
17 – Southern Athletics League – Ware
27 – Post-track social

September
1 – Big Half (club champs)

October
13 – Petts Wood 10K

EASYFUNDRAISING

Please remember to use easyfundraising every time you shop online.
Over 7,000 brands pay easyfundraising a commission when you start your shop through their platform, so you can raise FREE donations for us no matter what you’re buying. These donations really help us out, so please sign up if you haven’t yet. It’s easy and FREE! You can get started at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kentac

You can also install a helpful Chrome extension, which prompts you to donate whenever doing any online shopping – really handy

 

TRACK, TRACK, TRACK

Buy your track pass here.

The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:45
Thursday 18:00 – 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.

Track Pass – Juniors
Please purchase your £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

Ladywell Arena has opening hours dedicated to the public. While during these times the Kent AC track pass is not valid, members can pay for an individual session.

Session times are: 
Monday: 07:00 -15:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 1300 -1700
Friday: 07:00 – 15:00
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00-15:00

Price:
Adult resident: £2.70
Adult non resident: £3.00
Junior (U16): £1.30

The Kent AC track pass continues to be required for training on Tues/Thurs evenings and Sunday mornings.

Track staff have encouraged people to double check the opening hours before their training session, as they may occasionally be closed for school sport days and football friendlies. Hours can be checked here. This will likely suit members who can’t make training sessions but would like to train in the morning/lunchtime/evening.

Pay as you go fees can either be paid via cash to the desk or using the Better app (note: staff are working to add the sessions to the app).

KEEP US UPDATED

You can have your say about what goes in the newsletter and keep us apprised of your results or running adventures by emailing the comms team directly here.

The password for the club contacts page  is .

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