<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 24/11/24<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 24 November 2024
A momentous week for Kent AC saw the renaming of Ladywell Arena after the club’s most successful athlete, 4 time Olympic medal winner and World Triathlon Champion Alex Yee. A ceremony involving the Lewisham Mayor, local MP, members of the club and schoolchildren from Alex’s old school. Full report below from club President Len Reilly.
Yesterday two dozen Kent runners went to Guildford to contest the South of the Thames Junior race, in which Kent has a proud history, and which is one of few (along with the corresponding Senior race) to have men and women running together. Despite the challenging conditions of wind and mud, Kent men won the 8-man competition and were second in the 4-man behind Belgrave, who had the first 3 runners home, while we had the next 3. The women came 2nd in the 4 to score – full report below from James Boustead.
Many other races were cancelled due to the weather conditions, including the San Sebastian Marathon, to which Alex Morales had travelled in vain, but Andrea Barber managed a 97 minute half marathon at Battersea in the wind.
Don’t forget the AGM is this Tuesday, at 2030 in the Blythe Hill Tavern, after track. Food will be provided!
And there are still tickets available for the Christmas Party, see below.
Also, in the week that the Good For Age notifications came out, if you didn’t get a London Marathon place, you have another chance in the club ballot. Two places available, and so far not that many names on the list, so your chance is much higher than in the main LM ballot. The draw will be at the Christmas Party, so another reason to go.
LADYWELL STADIUM NAMED IN HONOUR OF ALEX YEE
“This lovely tribute from my local community is the first time I’ve felt this emotional since Paris and realised the significance of what I’ve achieved,” was Alex’s typically modest and touching response at the ceremony renaming Ladywell Arena in his honour held on Friday morning.
Lewisham’s great and good – Mayor Brenda Dacres, Vicky Foxcroft MP and Cllr Edison Huynh, cabinet member for communities and culture, were there along with children from Stillness School and their head Annie Grimes, plus Kent AC members, plenty of council officers and Better/GLL staff, and the media. The entrance and area outside reception had been tastefully decorated with gold balloons and bunting.
It was Alex’s day and he spoke warmly about his roots and early years. “I’m very honoured and it was brilliant to have so many people here, my family, coaches and teacher, who have helped me so much with my career. I hope that many more young people in Lewisham continue to enjoy and use this arena to follow their dreams and become the very best versions of themselves.”
It’s another worthy and permanent local recognition – two place name murals have already been tweaked in his honour. Alex unveiled a tasteful brass plaque with the new name and just to be sure there’s a huge new sign in a font big enough to be read from the train.
Ken Pike, Spenser Lane and Jon Horsman from Crystal Palace Tri Club spoke of Alex’s talent, determination and development and Cllr Dacres and Vicky Foxcroft spoke more widely of what the achievement means locally and to generations to come. In Vicky Foxcroft’s words “grassroots organisations and venues – such as this very arena – have a vital role to play in ensuring every child gets those choices and chances, no matter what their background”. Len did a brief intro to the club.
In case any member is unaware (surely impossible) Alex is current Olympic and world triathlon champion (pause and say that back to yourself) and, with four medals, Olympic triathlon’s most successful athlete; he’s also widely recognized as triathlon’s strongest runner. He has an outstanding (pure) athletics cv: British 10,000m champion in 2018; senior GB/NI vest at European championships; individual 3rd in National Cross country, 3rd fastest British 5k and 3rd fastest parkrun worldwide (if one is allowed to say that). He also won our 5000m champs in 2014. He joined Kent AC as a teenager and was coached by Spenser Lane and Ken Pike and had a fleeting presence in the B group too. And he still occasionally turns out in a navy blue vest.
His Lewisham roots are impeccable: he was born in Lewisham Hospital, grew up in Brockley and attended Stillness primary school
If that wasn’t enough later in the day he was awarded Team GB’s moment of the games award, having also won on Wednesday the Sports Journalists’ Association’s sportsman of the year award.
This makes Ladywell the third London track to have a personal dedication – Linford Christie/West London and David Weir/Sutton being the others. It strengthens our sports and our bond with the local authority is a major landmark in the track’s history (first opened in 1937, despite what the new plaque says) but most importantly is a tremendous honour to a world-famous athlete who is still very much one of us.
As cross-country races go, the weekends South of Thames Junior Race at West Horsley Place wasn’t merely a battle against other runners — it was an elemental war against the wrath of Storm Bert. There was an unspoken camaraderie in the air — this wasn’t just a race; it was survival. The five-mile course had been laid out with optimistic tape that flapped like desperate flags of surrender. The whistle blew — or rather, a shout muffled by the gale — and we were off, slipping and sliding, each runner immediately swallowed by the chaos of the storm.
Owen Hind was our first man across the line – a performance in the Tempest. Just behind him, the mud-loving Cam Dockerill in 5th. Next in was Felix Delgado, who nailed a 6th place finish in his last Kent AC XC race of the season, great to finish with a true taste of British cross country. Mathew Speed, another who knows exactly how to handle adversity, finished closely behind in 10th, with Lyndon Marfell coming home in 12th, after keeping the rest of race honest with his blistering start. Isaac Parker was next through the mud, finishing 15th overall. Calum Fraser came in at 16th overall – continuing his consistently strong 24/25 performances with a no-nonsense performance that every team needs. Finally, rounding out the mens top 8 was Alex Harris, finishing 22nd overall, his great fortitude enough to ensure the mens team took home the Brent shield (top 8 to score) by a near 3 points. The men also finished a commendable 2nd and 3rd in the 4 to score.
Owen and Cam going strong
On the women’s side, it was no less intense. Aisling Ahern was our first finisher, crossing the line as the 4th place woman (57th overall) – strong in the storm and setting the tone for the rest of the team. The 9th woman (79th overall) to cross the line was Victoria Cartwright – she wasn’t going to let the storm dictate the race, she was the storm – showing true determination amongst the downpour. The unyielding spirit of Amy White followed closely as the 12th woman (90th overall) to finish, and it was Elyse Jenkins, portraying calm in the chaos to close the women’s scoring 4 as the 18th woman (111th overall) to finish and securing 2nd place in the women’s team competition!
Storm Bert may have tested us to our limits, but the Kent AC army held strong. We shook hands, caked in mud and grinning like fools. This was cross country at its purest.
It’s going to a dazzling affair and we hope to see many of you there to celebrate 2024!
£20 per person including an arrival drink, a buffet and a dancefloor🥂
Purchase your tickets here – get them before they’re gone!
AGM
This is notice of our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 20:30, upstairs at the Blythe Hill Tavern, 319 Stanstead Rd, SE23 1JB.
Please come along after the track.
Food will be provided.
The AGM is a yearly gathering of the club members, primarily to hear reports from committee members, about the club’s activities and finances; to appoint the committee and vote on any contested positions; to ask questions to the committee, and express your ideas and concerns.
The committee is made up of volunteers and each year every post is up for election.
This year we have the following vacancies:
President: Our co-presidents Victoria Buck and Len Reilly stand down after their three year stint: a three year fixed appointment ensuring good governance, good decision making and that all the club’s members and activities get a fair allocation of resources; chairing committee
Membership co-secretary: a job-share role to assist the current incumbent in processing applications and maintaining the membership database
Track manager: ensuring smooth running of track pass system
Health & safety: ensuring risk assessments both ongoing and for events are appropriate as well as current and risks mitigated
We’re truly grateful to all for their hard work over this and previous years.
Big thanks, too, to those putting their name forward for roles this year.
A full list of committee, juniors – sub committee and non – committee posts can be found on our website.
Thanks Vic and Len
HUBBLE, BUBBLE, BUY YOUR BOBBLE
When you’re waiting around on the cross country field, then layering up after the race, your best friend is your Kent AC bobble hat. If you are still lacking this style essential, you can go to the Kent AC online shop to order and pay. Your ears will thank you for it.
LONDON MARATHON CLUB BALLOT
If you failed to get a London Marathon place, you have a second chance.
The club will have two places and we’ll run a ballot as in previous years. There is one extra criterion, to encourage volunteering at the club – you have to have helped the club out in some way this year.
The criteria are:
1. Be a fully paid up club member. 2. Been rejected in the London Marathon 2025 ballot (need to provide evidence) 3. Have run for the club in 2024 (state which race) 4. Have volunteered for the club in some way in 2024.
This can include manning the gate at the track, marshalling or otherwise helping at an open meet or a race, being a coach or holding a committee post. You still have a chance to do so before the draw.
The draw will take place later this year at the Christmas Party on 14 December.
If you wish to enter the draw, send an email to Phil at , with evidence of your LM rejection, what races you have run, and what volunteering you’ve done.
Deadline: 13th December
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
November
23 – South of Thames Junior XC – West Horsley Place, Guildford
26 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
30 – Kent Vets XC Championships – Central Park, Dartford
December
7 – SEAA Masters XC Championships – Horspath, Oxford (tbc)
14 – Christmas Party – St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground, Catford
21 – South of Thames Senior XC – Somerhill School, Tonbridge
2025
January
4 – Kent County XC Championships – Brands Hatch
11 – Surrey League XC – tbc
25 – Southern XC Champs – Beckenham Place Park
February
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
25 – London Marathon
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
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 17/11/24<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 17 November 2024
A week after Kent’s great showing around the Beckenham Place Park Surrey League, we see a few of the navy blues take to the roads for some late autumn 10ks around Brighton and Fulham.
If you missed out on last week’s Surrey League and you’re interested in getting your feet dirty then head over here to sign up.
We’re just over a month away from one of our favourite events on the Kent AC calendar. Tick it off the to-do list, head to the SumUp store and purchase your ticket for the Christmas party now!
DOUBLE DOUBLE 5K
We’re over to Fulham where Dame, Joe Hartley, John Gilchrist, Adam Paterson, Richard Giles and Bryony Proctor raced. The roads of Fulham were closed off for RunThrough’s WA world rankings competition that saw Omar Ahmed winning the mens in a time of 28.58 and Transfora Mussa the womens in a time 31.53.
Over to our Kent runners with first and foremost Dame Dibaba winning the non-elite category in a fanastic time of 31.35 to knock off an amazing minute from his PB. Next up was Joe Hartley with a strong 32.21 but just missing out on a PB. Adam Paterson earned himself an impressive PB with 33.25. Over to Richard Giles who ran a 35.40 followed by John Gilchrist and Bryony Proctor.
All pinned up
In Brighton we had more of the same from David Morgan, Robert Laing and Che Compton. David Morgan came through in 151st place with a respectable 32.33, followed closely by Robert Laing in PB shape with 32.58 knocking off almost a minute from his previous fastest time. Shortly after was Che Compton in 33.25.
Post race hydration is key
Another notable performance comes from Noah Armitage-Hookes who ran the ever dependable and increasingly popular Dulwich Parkrun in a time of 15.14. Plus, in doing so, achieved the 8th fastest parkrun time this week across the UK!
CHRIMBO AROUND THE CORNER
Kent AC Christmas party tickets are on sale🎄✨
It’s going to a dazzling affair and we hope to see many of you there to celebrate 2024!
£20 per person including an arrival drink, a buffet and a dancefloor🥂
Purchase your tickets here – get them before they’re gone!
LADYWELL ARENA TO BE RENAMED ALEX YEE ARENA
Lewisham Council have just told us that they have agreed to rename our home, Ladywell Arena, the Alex Yee Arena in honour of member and Olympic champion Alex.
This is a huge and well-deserved accolade for Alex, concluding a season that has seen him crowned Olympic and world champion. Not only will it bring Alex the very public and permanent recognition he deserves, it will strengthen the bond between the track, those who manage it and those that use it. A win for everybody.
A renaming ceremony will take place in the near future, which will of course involve the club, plus the council and other dignitaries.
More to follow.
AGM
This is notice of our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 20:30, upstairs at the Blythe Hill Tavern, 319 Stanstead Rd, SE23 1JB.
Please come along after the track.
Food will be provided.
The AGM is a yearly gathering of the club members, primarily to hear reports from committee members, about the club’s activities and finances; to appoint the committee and vote on any contested positions; to ask questions to the committee, and express your ideas and concerns.
The committee is made up of volunteers and each year every post is up for election.
This year we have the following vacancies:
President: Our co-presidents Victoria Buck and Len Reilly stand down after their three year stint: a three year fixed appointment ensuring good governance, good decision making and that all the club’s members and activities get a fair allocation of resources; chairing committee
Membership co-secretary: a job-share role to assist the current incumbent in processing applications and maintaining the membership database
Track manager: ensuring smooth running of track pass system
Health & safety: ensuring risk assessments both ongoing and for events are appropriate as well as current and risks mitigated
We’re truly grateful to all for their hard work over this and previous years.
Big thanks, too, to those putting their name forward for roles this year.
A full list of committee, juniors – sub committee and non – committee posts can be found on our website.
Thanks Vic and Len
HUBBLE, BUBBLE, BUY YOUR BOBBLE
When you’re waiting around on the cross country field, then layering up after the race, your best friend is your Kent AC bobble hat. If you are still lacking this style essential, you can go to the Kent AC online shop to order and pay. Your ears will thank you for it.
LONDON MARATHON CLUB BALLOT
If you failed to get a London Marathon place, you have a second chance.
The club will have two places and we’ll run a ballot as in previous years. There is one extra criterion, to encourage volunteering at the club – you have to have helped the club out in some way this year.
The criteria are:
1. Be a fully paid up club member. 2. Been rejected in the London Marathon 2025 ballot (need to provide evidence) 3. Have run for the club in 2024 (state which race) 4. Have volunteered for the club in some way in 2024.
This can include manning the gate at the track, marshalling or otherwise helping at an open meet or a race, being a coach or holding a committee post. You still have a chance to do so before the draw.
The draw will take place later this year at the Christmas Party on 14 December.
If you wish to enter the draw, send an email to Phil at , with evidence of your LM rejection, what races you have run, and what volunteering you’ve done.
Deadline: 13th December
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
November
23 – South of Thames Junior XC – West Horsley Place, Guildford
26 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
30 – Kent Vets XC Championships – Central Park, Dartford
December
7 – SEAA Masters XC Championships – Horspath, Oxford (tbc)
14 – Christmas Party – St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground, Catford
21 – South of Thames Senior XC – Somerhill School, Tonbridge
2025
January
4 – Kent County XC Championships – Brands Hatch
11 – Surrey League XC – tbc
25 – Southern XC Champs – Beckenham Place Park
February
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
25 – London Marathon
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
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 10/11/24<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 10 November 2024
We’re still on a high from a fantastic day at Beckenham Place Park yesterday afternoon, where Surrey League race #2 took place. Great to see so many navy blue vests scattered across the course, old and new, plus plenty of spikes making a return for a muddy season ahead. You still have a couple of days left to register for the next fixture in Guildford on 23rd November, sign up sheet here.
On Friday, Clare Elms won a well deserved award for the Kent County Female Masters Athlete of the Year. A woman that never fails to amaze us!
Clare looking glam
We’re just over a month away from one of our favourite events on the Kent AC calendar. Tick it off the to-do list, head to the SumUp store and purchase your ticket for the Christmas party now!
Read on for some very exciting news involving our golden boy Alex, a full race report from our XC captains and an important message from our welfare team below!
LADYWELL ARENA TO BE RENAMED ALEX YEE ARENA
Lewisham Council have just told us that they have agreed to rename our home, Ladywell Arena, the Alex Yee Arena in honour of member and Olympic champion Alex.
This is a huge and well-deserved accolade for Alex, concluding a season that has seen him crowned Olympic and world champion. Not only will it bring Alex the very public and permanent recognition he deserves, it will strengthen the bond between the track, those who manage it and those that use it. A win for everybody.
A renaming ceremony will take place in the near future, which will of course involve the club, plus the council and other dignitaries.
More to follow.
BLISSFUL BECKENHAM
57 men and 23 women, not counting marshals, officials or supporters. Crikey, what a turnout from you all making for a great day out for our home match. Results wise there was an uptick from the first match, with men moving fifth to fourth following a 152-point improvement and our women holding steady in sixth but shaving a few places off the total score to 206.
It feels like the SL has been increasing in depth and quality for some time. This year seems no expectation. Pre-covid, being within a minute of the winner would comfortably put you in the top 10, now it’s struggling to make the top 25. Within two minutes would be top 25th but now it’s top 35th. The phrase ‘every second counts’ becomes truer by the year.
The men’s team was a strong mixture of experience, impressive returns from injury and new joiners. Leading us home in 4th was Jonathan Collier, new to the club but extremely experienced and boasting a sub 65-minute half marathon. Next was Owen Hind showing an acceptable return to form in 12th for his second-best SL position since February 2020. Rob Sesemann was comfortably in his favourite position of 20th. Our Bourdeaux loanee Felix Delgado improved from October to finish 24th before a gap to new father showing off his dad strength, Max Nicholls in 36th. Dame was as dependable as ever in 40th, Isaac improved massively thanks to his consistent training this autumn to 41th. Kurt put in possibly the performance of the match after his recent injury struggles in 50th. Matt Speed made a welcome return in 71st and Chris Greenwood passed a late fitness test to close the team out in 78th. Honourable mention to Guy Barnett for travelling back from uni to race for us and to James Steatham for closing out the Kent pack in the 300s.
Nearly all 57 made the shot!
On the women’s side, I say Amy, you say Clements. I say Amy, you say CLEMENTS. Yes, Amy is truly back on form leading the line with verve and strength again; coming home in 11th. Bryony was next home in 35th for her season opener. Aisling Ahern improved on the last match by 10 places for 43rd, ahead of Ellie in 52 continuing her very strong year. And closing the team was Clare (no surname needed), somehow still fresh after her latest award night the night before. Lastly, congrats to Annabelle Hadlow for closing out the very long Kent blue line.
Glowing girls Photos: Kieran Fitzpatrick
The next fixture is the South of the Thames Junior in two weeks’ time. There are still a few days to sign-up via the spreadsheet, so get that admin done nice and early.
Thank you
XC captains
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK: CHOOSE RESPECT.
Anti-Bullying Week (11-15 Nov) is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness of bullying and promote ways to prevent it, and aligns with Kent AC and England Athletics Anti-Bullying policy.
Its primary objectives are to empower children and young people to take action against bullying, to promote respect and kindness, and to encourage a positive culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and included.
Kent AC is committed to providing a caring, friendly, and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in an inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish.
Bullying can be defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically and is often aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, or any other aspect such as appearance or disability.
This statement relates to both online and face to face bullying. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. Bullying takes many forms but ultimately it is the perception of the victim that determines whether or not they are being bullied rather than the intention of the bully. We expect that all volunteers and staff will work together to prevent and reduce bullying.
If bullying does occur, everyone should be able to speak up and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the club welfare officer, committee member, competition provider or England Athletics.
CHRIMBO AROUND THE CORNER
Kent AC Christmas party tickets are on sale🎄✨
It’s going to a dazzling affair and we hope to see many of you there to celebrate 2024!
£20 per person including an arrival drink, a buffet and a dancefloor🥂
Purchase your tickets here – get them before they’re gone!
AGM
This is notice of our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 20:30, upstairs at the Blythe Hill Tavern, 319 Stanstead Rd, SE23 1JB.
Please come along after the track.
Food will be provided.
The AGM is a yearly gathering of the club members, primarily to hear reports from committee members, about the club’s activities and finances; to appoint the committee and vote on any contested positions; to ask questions to the committee, and express your ideas and concerns.
The committee is made up of volunteers and each year every post is up for election.
This year we have the following vacancies:
President: Our co-presidents Victoria Buck and Len Reilly stand down after their three year stint: a three year fixed appointment ensuring good governance, good decision making and that all the club’s members and activities get a fair allocation of resources; chairing committee
Membership co-secretary: a job-share role to assist the current incumbent in processing applications and maintaining the membership database
Track manager: ensuring smooth running of track pass system
Health & safety: ensuring risk assessments both ongoing and for events are appropriate as well as current and risks mitigated
We’re truly grateful to all for their hard work over this and previous years.
Big thanks, too, to those putting their name forward for roles this year.
A full list of committee, juniors – sub committee and non – committee posts can be found on our website.
Thanks Vic and Len
HUBBLE, BUBBLE, BUY YOUR BOBBLE
When you’re waiting around on the cross country field, then layering up after the race, your best friend is your Kent AC bobble hat. If you are still lacking this style essential, you can go to the Kent AC online shop to order and pay. Your ears will thank you for it.
LONDON MARATHON CLUB BALLOT
If you failed to get a London Marathon place, you have a second chance.
The club will have two places and we’ll run a ballot as in previous years. There is one extra criterion, to encourage volunteering at the club – you have to have helped the club out in some way this year.
The criteria are:
1. Be a fully paid up club member. 2. Been rejected in the London Marathon 2025 ballot (need to provide evidence) 3. Have run for the club in 2024 (state which race) 4. Have volunteered for the club in some way in 2024.
This can include manning the gate at the track, marshalling or otherwise helping at an open meet or a race, being a coach or holding a committee post. You still have a chance to do so before the draw.
The draw will take place later this year at the Christmas Party on 14 December.
If you wish to enter the draw, send an email to Phil at , with evidence of your LM rejection, what races you have run, and what volunteering you’ve done.
Deadline: 13th December
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
November
23 – South of Thames Junior XC – West Horsley Place, Guildford
26 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
30 – Kent Vets XC Championships – Central Park, Dartford
December
7 – SEAA Masters XC Championships – Horspath, Oxford (tbc)
14 – Christmas Party – St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground, Catford
21 – South of Thames Senior XC – Somerhill School, Tonbridge
2025
January
4 – Kent County XC Championships – Brands Hatch
11 – Surrey League XC – tbc
25 – Southern XC Champs – Beckenham Place Park
February
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
25 – London Marathon
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
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 03/11/24<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 3 November 2024
As the pumpkins moulder on doorsteps, and thoughts turn to the real potential horror show on Wednesday, our attention is grabbed to a truly big-ticket race across the pond, where James Bates was representing the club. Other globetrotters this weekend were Adrian Young in Istanbul and Ralph Weir in Elgon, Uganda.
Much closer to home, Teresa Murphy smashed the Greenwich 10K – first woman home – and Clare Elms would appreciate your vote. Also on the November agenda: cross country races to sign up for, The AGM, The Great Kent AC Crimbo Beano and those BIG bobbles…ready for the temperature plummet that’s surely on its way.
First, let’s head to Turkey, where things came together Adrian Young (below). He had a great run in Istanbul, scoring a 10-minute PB: 3:48:21
Today was also a big day in New York City, where the residents surely need the distraction. Our James Bates ran an impressive 3:32:01. Not a PB, he tells us, but that’s a great time, in any case.
Next, our Ralph Weir was running with the Ugandans this weekend. He finished the Elgon Half Marathon in 1:38:38. His half marathon times are usually way faster than that, but he reports he was happy to be the first muzungu, despite the race being inundated with the exhaust fumes of many motorbikes, and being sent the wrong way a couple of times. The race was started by Joshua Cheptegei, to promote his campaign against gender-based violence: the horrific case of Rebecca Cheptegei is still foremost in people’s minds in Uganda’s running community.
Ain other news, a reminder that Christmas Party tickets are on sale, see below. And the London Marathon ballot draw will be at the Christmas Party, so if you want to run and have a rejection from the ballot, have run and volunteered for the club, then you can enter the draw. There aren’t many on the list as yet, so a great chance of snagging a place.
A couple of November dates: Next Saturday, 9 November is a cross country day. It’s in Beckenham, so you’ll be home in time for tea.
Don’t forget the AGM at the end of the month – 26th November.
MEANWHILE, UP IN MANSFIELD
…Our only Kent AC team was the Under 20s. They represented strongly, each member of the team giving it their all on a windy 3k course. The team were placed 40th out of 83. Joe English on the first leg ran a fantastic 9:17. Theo Gaymes ran the second leg in 10:21. Guy Barnett kept up the pressure, finishing the third leg in 9:36. Excellent work, team.
VOTE ELMS
Clare Elms is much too modest to blow her own trumpet, but readers may be aware that she has smashed a good number of athletics world records this year. Fortunately, her daughter Lucy has proudly alerted us to the fact that her mother is a nominee for Athletics Weekly Masters Athlete of the Year. If, like us, you think should be garlanded, once more, with this latest honour, you can cast your vote here
A MESSAGE FROM OUR WELFARE TEAM
The clocks have gone back, the evenings are darker, and we still want to run, right?
Some timely advice to ensure we all stay safe, as well as some considerations to bear in mind from a woman’s perspective, in the link below.
Smart Safety Strategies:
• Plan your route in advance and stick to well-lit, populated areas
• Run against traffic so you can see approaching vehicles
• Share your location and expected return time with a friend or family member
• Keep one earbud out or volume low to stay aware of your surroundings
• Vary your routine – avoid running the same route at the same time every day
Essential Gear:
• Wear reflective clothing or a high-visibility vest
• Carry a charged phone
• Use a running light or headlamp
Trust Your Instincts:
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t worry about appearing rude – cross the street, change direction, or enter a busy shop if you feel uncomfortable.
£20 per person including an arrival drink, a buffet and a dancefloor🥂
Purchase your tickets here – get them before they’re gone!
RUN IN THE DARK
If you are looking for a race to sign up to in November, look no further than Southwark Athletics Club, who are hosting 1200m and 1 mile races on Thursday 7th November.
AGM
This is notice of our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 20:30, upstairs at the Blythe Hill Tavern, 319 Stanstead Rd, SE23 1JB.
Please come along after the track.
Food will be provided.
The AGM is a yearly gathering of the club members, primarily to hear reports from committee members, about the club’s activities and finances; to appoint the committee and vote on any contested positions; to ask questions to the committee, and express your ideas and concerns.
The committee is made up of volunteers and each year every post is up for election.
This year we have the following vacancies:
President: Our co-presidents Victoria Buck and Len Reilly stand down after their three year stint: a three year fixed appointment ensuring good governance, good decision making and that all the club’s members and activities get a fair allocation of resources; chairing committee Membership co-secretary: a job-share role to assist the current incumbent in processing applications and maintaining the membership database Track manager: ensuring smooth running of track pass system Health & safety: ensuring risk assessments both ongoing and for events are appropriate as well as current and risks mitigated
We’re truly grateful to all for their hard work over this and previous years.
Big thanks, too, to those putting their name forward for roles this year.
A full list of committee, juniors – sub committee and non – committee posts can be found on our website.
Thanks Vic and Len
HUBBLE, BUBBLE, BUY YOUR BOBBLE
When you’re waiting around on the cross country field, then layering up after the race, your best friend is your Kent AC bobble hat. If you are still lacking this style essential, you can go to the Kent AC online shop to order and pay. Your ears will thank you for it.
LONDON MARATHON CLUB BALLOT
If you failed to get a London Marathon place, you have a second chance.
The club will have two places and we’ll run a ballot as in previous years. There is one extra criterion, to encourage volunteering at the club – you have to have helped the club out in some way this year.
The criteria are:
1. Be a fully paid up club member. 2. Been rejected in the London Marathon 2025 ballot (need to provide evidence) 3. Have run for the club in 2024 (state which race) 4. Have volunteered for the club in some way in 2024.
This can include manning the gate at the track, marshalling or otherwise helping at an open meet or a race, being a coach or holding a committee post. You still have a chance to do so before the draw.
The draw will take place later this year at the Christmas Party on 14 December.
If you wish to enter the draw, send an email to Phil at , with evidence of your LM rejection, what races you have run, and what volunteering you’ve done.
Deadline: 13th December
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
November
9 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
23 – South of Thames Junior XC – West Horsley Place, Guildford
26 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
30 – Kent Vets XC Championships – Central Park, Dartford
December
7 – SEAA Masters XC Championships – Horspath, Oxford (tbc)
14 – Christmas Party – St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground, Catford
21 – South of Thames Senior XC – Somerhill School, Tonbridge
2025
January
4 – Kent County XC Championships – Brands Hatch
11 – Surrey League XC – tbc
25 – Southern XC Champs – Beckenham Place Park
February
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
25 – London Marathon
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
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.