Ladywell well well!
Ladywell well well!
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 16/06/24–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
16 June 2024
It’s hard to know who takes the crown for performance of the week. Nick Torry did it again, breaking the British V45 record by 6 seconds in the 3000m at the Hercules Wimbledon meet, running an unbelievable 8:21.75, his fastest time over the distance for 14 years.
Ken and Nick (pic credit Hercules Wimbledon)
Also running at the same event were Ben Clarke (8:51), Rob Sesemann (8:30), Joe English (8:55), Jake Simmonds (8:36) and Owen Hind (8:33) A couple of nights later Cam Dockerill ran 14:56 at the Birmingham Tracksmith 5000m
Closer to home, in fact on paths that we all know very well, Runhead AC organised a backyard Ultra from Ladywell Fields down the Waterlink Way. As with standard rules (devised by the legendary Laz Lake, who created the Barkley Marathons), runners have to complete as many laps of 4.166 miles as possible, each lap starting on the hour every hour. Last runner standing wins. There were a few Kent runners participating, and Arejeet Nag managed to win it with an incredible 12 laps – 50 miles! In fact, he did a little more than that as there were 3 runners remaining after 12 laps, so they ran an extra 2k small lap as a tiebreak, and he came home first. Pretty much a double Ladywell marathon.John Bell also ran the full 12 laps plus the tiebreak lap, so huge respect to both runners.
Clive Harvey managed 7 laps, over 29 miles, as a V60, while John Gilchrist did a few laps while pushing a buggy, and Jo Wint joined in too. Congrats to all, and maybe this is the start of an annual tradition.
While they were running laps of Ladywell, a Kent team was in the depths of Essex participating in the latest Southern Athletics League fixture, with great success. Full report below.
If you have time on Wednesday, pop down to Dulwich Park to watch the relays and support our runners – we have a huge 19 teams entered, it’s a fun and friendly event at which Kent has a good record. Start time is 1930.
Don’t forget the Catford parkrun takeover on 29th June – we need volunteers – sign up here.
And put in your diary the track social on Tuesday 25th June – we’ll be showing the first half of the England match!
For more Kent AC action and love, catch us on Instagram.
KENT ROCK IN THURROCK
Come rain or shine the team showed up in high spirits at this year’s 2nd SAL fixture, which took place at Blackshots Athletics Stadium in Grays, Thurrock. Many athletes competed in more than one event, and we had brilliant officials, volunteers, parents and coaches that helped on the track and supported athletes.
We were tantalisingly in first place based on athletes results, subject to revisions, with 8 points covering the top 4 teams, after two photo finishes, lots of first attempts, PB’s and determination. After the addition of points for officials contributed, we ended up in 3rd place, just one point off 2nd and 8 off 1st, which in no way diminishes the incredible performances from everyone, as we continue to carve out an impressive season.
What a thrilling day it was, with nail-biting finishes and remarkable performances. Dame claimed gold in the 3000m by a mere 0.03 seconds, neck and neck with the Thurrock athlete for the last 100m, while Harry’s fantastic sprint finish in the home stretch of the 1500m race brought everyone to their feet to cheer and earned him first place by 0.01 seconds!
Dame going for gold
Kent athletes showed their grit by competing in brutal headwinds across multiple events. Alexa Parker won the 1500m (4:44.19) and joined our mixed 4x400m relay team that brought home silver; Lara Bromilow also scored max points as first B-string in the 1500m (5:05.61), especially impressive after ‘storming’ through a wild-weathered 5000m in first place (18:07.88). Vic ‘sailed’ in close behind, in 4th place overall. Both women persevered through challenging weather conditions, with Vic saying she couldn’t see the lap counter, clock or watch as the hailstones came in! This wet weather did not stop Vic later splashing through the 1500m steeplechase coming in 3rd followed by our co-captains Sofia and Jo. Jo competed as a non-scorer; this is something you can choose to do to work on your own times, so do not be put off if you feel you might not be a A or B string, it all goes on Power of 10.
We had a really inspiring day of racing from our junior athletes. John Flack won the 400m (51.30) with Harry Forman Wilshaw winning the B-string (54.52). Elena Oliphant came 2nd in both the 200m (28.80) and 400m (59.18). John Flack later came 3rd in the 200m A-string (23.68), and anchored both the men’s 4x100m relay and mixed 4x400m relay, showing really strong dedication to the team. Mei Eden-Green and Eliza Pitt competed brilliantly in four events each, and Ellie Hepple was involved in events throughout the day as she competed in jumps, throws and hurdles.
The women’s 4x100m team of Elena Oliphant, Mei Eden-Green, Eliza Pitt and Smariah Notice
As with the women, the men dominated in the longer distances with Dame winning the 3000m (9:04.41) and Nicholas Chevis winning the B string in 9:16.71. Lyndon Marfell powered through several events to win the 2k steeplechase (6:55.24), with hurdler and jumper Alex Harris winning the B string (7:18.38). Alex continues to show incredible versatility and commitment in taking on a staggering number of events each SAL, and plays a big part in encouraging others to try something new. Harry Forman Wilshaw and Mo Elmi won the A and B 1500m races, and Mykyta Hladylchenko continues to score points galore in the jumps even in challenging weather.
Our relay teams ended the day on a high note. The men’s 4×100 team kept their cool and came second in a chaotic race, the mixed 4×400 B team also won silver, and the mixed 4x400m A team’s outstanding performance impressed everyone in the club. All of us in the stands were on our feet cheering as they came through in 3:50.04, possibly a club record! Cheers to Stanley Forman Wilshaw, Alexa Parker, Elena Oliphant and John Flack.
For those interested in the SAL and joining this group, mark your calendars for the last two events in July and August. There are so many different events — have a look at the Google Sign up sheet to see what you might like to try.
After a day of all weathers everybody was still smiling
A massive thank you to all who participated today, showcasing their skills and versatility, including those who explored new events. Special recognition to Annabel and Ted for their exemplary handling of the hurdles and our amazing officials, two of whom also competed! If becoming an official interests you, please let us know.
Everyone is welcome to join us next time, which is in St Albans on July 14!
Your co-captains Jo and Sofia.
TURNING CATFORD PARKRUN BLUE
On 29th June, we will be taking over Catford parkrun and filling the roster with our good selves. A sure fire way to earn a volunteer credit and a coffee afterwards.
If you’d like to volunteer for any role, please add your name to the spreadsheet below!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HQRAn8U9b9X69fQSbGTFOiMy5GZd4807T-sIHU3lbWE/edit
CHILLY FOR THE TIME OF YEAR
BIG Bobble Hats – just in time for summer! Although judging by the forecast, we might need them!
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
A summary of dates for your diary
June
19 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – KYAL – Medway
25 – Post-track social
29 – Catford Parkrun Kent Takeover
July
14 – Southern Athletics League – St Albans
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
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
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