All we have to offer is mud, sweat and a podium finish
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 26/01/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 26 January 2025
One of the highlights of the year is the Southern Cross Country Championships, held for the last few years at our local Beckenham Place Park, and yesterday in surprisingly benign weather Kent AC turned up en masse and achieved their third podium result in three years. Full report of the day below.
Sofia and Sarah
A few Kent runners avoided the mud and hills and instead ran a flat 10 miles in Canterbury, Victoria Buck running 68:37, Dan Lineham 68:58 and Karen Samuel 88:33.
Len Reilly sends this race report from the Vets XC last weekend:
“Kent AC again punched above its weight at last Saturday’s Vets AC club cross country championship at Wimbledon common. Our three starters, of a field of about 75 produced an outright winner, two age group winners and an age group second. Clare Elms took overall honours and the wv60 title, Vic Buck the wv50 title and Len Reilly the mv60 runner up. Prizes were awarded in 5 year age groups to mv80 and wv70. Inspiring.”
“The event was ousted from its previous more challenging course by the golfing lobby and last week, its second year of use, was further curtailed by landscape works at Queen’s Mere. It’s an out and back of a long, stony, flat straight, a down and up to and from the pond and another long flat, stony straight, then repeated. If the course is uninspiring, in all other respects the event is a triumph: friendly, low-key, good value, swift results, brisk presentation at Belgrave Hall and free tea and cake. Grass roots athletics at its best.”
“In other domestic competition, the cross country grand prix and handicap has been revived. It’s the best score in six of the nine qualifying races (four Surrey leagues, two south Thames champs, the county, the southern and the national). Handicapping will be based on Run Britain rankings so there’s no scope for corruption. More as it emerges.”
Please note that entries for the National Cross Country, to be held at Parliament Hill Fields on 22nd February, close this Tuesday 28th. See below for how to sign up.
If you’re available on that day and want to watch the event and contribute, the organisers have a call out for marshalls. Please contact Ben Noad at if you’re available to help.
Our treasurer David notes that there are several numbers still available for the monthly sweepstake – it costs £6 a month with the chance to win £250, the surplus going to held fund the club. Please contact David at if you’d like to join in.
Finally, there’s a parkrun social at Catford (Mountsfield Park) on Saturday 1st February. Do come to run, volunteer or just spectate and socialise!
SOUTHERN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
On an unexpectedly perfect day for cross country running, Kent men matched their result from last year with third place, but with a significant improvement in placings, narrowly missing out on silver as several athletes had excellent runs and we closed out our 6 within the top 40. Kent women also improved on last year, finishing in 6th place out of 36 completed teams. The juniors were also well represented, with 5 runners in the boy’s U15 race, and 67 Kent runners in total completed the course.
The men set off with high hopes of matching last year’s bronze, with John Gilbert down from Manchester and in fine form with a 30:11 10k just before New Year, and Owen Hind and Cameron Dockerill also looking strong. All of them pulled off outstanding runs, John coming in 9th – his 7th top 10 finish going back 15 years, but his first since he won the race in 2018. Cam improved from 65th last year to 18th yesterday, and Owen from 83rd to 21st. Nick Acfield (24th), Rob Sesemann (32nd) and Max Nicholls (37th) closed out our 6, 28 places better than in 2024. Our final tally of 141 points was a massive 91 points better than last year, an improvement of an incredible 15 places per runner!
John in full flow [pic credit Mark Hookway]
We briefly thought we’d won silver ahead of Hercules Wimbledon and behind an imperious Highgate, but a revision to the results saw us come 3rd, just 5 points behind Wimbledon. A terrific day for Kent men, which bodes well for the 12 stage relays in the spring. There were excellent runs down the field too, we had 12 runners in the top 100 and 37 finishers overall on the tough 15k course – although it actually measured 1k short, and one 64 year old Kent runner was heard to complain that he still had plenty of energy at the end because of it!
Owen and Cam on the home straight [pic credit Mark Hookway]
Kent women were without several of their top runners, but still put out an impressive 21 runners, their top 4 ranking 6th, a 3 place improvement on last year, Amy Clements was our leading runner again, her 12th place an improvement of one from last year; Katie Good (38th) and Aisling Ahern (52nd) were next for us and Alexa Parker (61st) closed out our team of 4, 21 women completed for Kent, a big increase on 2024, and a tribute to our xc captains in getting so many women enthused about such a hard race!
Kent women (and dog)
We also had a good turnout from our juniors – in the boys’ under 15 we had 5 runners, led home by George Searle in 69th place, with Luke Roderick, Lucas Strickland, Matteo Watson and Ewan Willis also finishing. Rika Gilmore ran in the U13 girls race, and Edward Pearce with the U13 boys. Tallulah Jones and Alice Hales also ran well in the U15 girls race
Congratulations to all runners who attempted the race yesterday, it’s always the most challenging of the year, and the results exceeded expectations.
PARLIAMENT HILL XC ENTRIES
The XC nationals are being held on 22 February at Parliament Hill, London!
After last year’s fiasco of last-minute cancellation, the premier XC race being close to public transport and actual paved car parking means everyone can once again do battle alongside the bravest and best in the country.
The committee has agreed to continue asking athletes for personal contributions to championship races. In the name of openness, entry is £16 (or 45% of your club membership fee) and anyone keen to run is asked to contribute £5 of that cost.
The sum-up link is open until 9pm on Tuesday 28th January.This is to allow any last-minute chats with coaches or captains at training that night to agree racing plans.
Please purchase your place right here.Don’t delay!
EVENT CALENDAR
February
1 – Social parkrun – Mountsfield Park, Catford
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS: RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION AND ETIQUETTE IN THE CLUB!
Manners maketh man, woman and great athletes! As we kick off 2025, a reminder to start as we mean to go on and ensuring a friendly, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome; with mutual respect and positive communication – whether on the track, during training sessions, on WhatsApp or in person. Let’s keep the positive andcompetitive vibes going and make sure our club stays a place which everyone enjoys being part of!
A reminder of the Kent AC code of conduct can be found here.
Welfare Team
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.
Buying your pass in January gives you 11 months for the price of 12.
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 – 19/01/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 19 January 2025
We’re mid-Jan and already, we have some great results to shout out this weekend!
George Searle (U17) had a fantastic run at Dulwich parkrun on Saturday, clocking 17:25 and without a watch! Close by in Sutcliffe Park, Luke Roderick (U15) also had a superb race, crossing the line in 17:54.
Over at Dorney Lake Half Marathon, Gian Valentini claimed a second place finish in 76:28.
The Vets XC took place at Wimbledon Common, where Clare Elms topped the podium, scoring as first place woman and eighth overall in 27:43 over 8km.
Len Reilly crossed the line in eighteenth place in 29:21, followed soon after by Vic Buck in 29:26.
Shiny silverware
Che Compton fancied a more tropical climate this weekend and so travelled to compete in the Bermuda Triangle Challenge. A successful trip, he came first based on his cumulative time over the three races: the mile, 10km and marathon.
Kent AC overseas
It’s official: the dates for SAL, KYAL and Assembly League have all been announced, kicking off in Spring.
You’ll find a full list of dates below.
On Saturday, we head to Beckenham Place Park for the Southern XC which will also be doubling up as our Club XC Championships! The women are starting at 1:30pm and men at 2:35pm. Make sure to get there at least one hour beforehand to warm up and prepare.
Let’s hope those HF reps will do us justice on the line.
If you can’t race but are free to volunteer on the day, please contact Phil Marsden.
Keep your head warm and stay on brand with a big bobble hat, available to purchase online via the club store. Sarah Young can deliver to the track beforehand so make sure to order one before Tuesday!
Read on for a round-up of the latest Surrey League fixture last Saturday from our captains.
SURREY LEAGUE MATCH #3 REPORT
Last weekend on Saturday 11th January, Kent AC took on the picturesque but challenging cross-country course at West Horsley Place in Surrey. Despite the initial challenges in getting to the venue due to some unfortunate train delays, the 43 strong Kent AC team arrived in good spirits and was ready to take on the race.
The weather could not have been more different from our previous race here last November. Instead of the wet and muddy conditions, we were greeted by clear skies, sub-zero temperatures, and a frost-covered estate that looked straight out of a winter wonderland. It was a deceptively tricky course that required constant focus to maintain any sort of rhythm, with every step offering a new test of strength and concentration.
Men’s results:
Despite being without a few of our top runners, the Kent AC men’s team stepped up in a big way. In the results, Cameron Dockerill led the way for Kent AC, finishing in 19th place. Close behind, we had Nick Acfield in 37th and Isaac Parker in 39th, continuing to show their prowess over the old dirt road. Several athletes continue their return to competitive form, including Kurt Wilkinson in 40th and Noah Armitage-Hookes in 44th, while Max Nicholls and Matt Speed showed grit throughout the course, finishing strong in tough conditions, finishing in 45th and 64th respectively. Closing up the 10-to-score were Joe Hartley, Calum Fraser, and Barny Day with both Joe and Barny both making the scoring 10 for the first time this season, chapeau! The mens A and B teams finished in 4th and 3rd respectively.
Photo credit: Laurie Oliver
Women’s results:
For the Kent AC women’s team, it was another fantastic display of commitment and effort. Leading the charge for us was Katie Good, who ran a solid race to finish in 25th place. Claire Elms, another standout performer, was close behind in 46th place. Caitlin Bradley, Ellie Freeden, and Vic Cartwright closed out the 5 to score in 49th, 52nd, and 71st respectively – the team finished in 6th place out of 15 teams. Leading the women’s B team home was Vic Buck in 82nd place. Elinor Skinner, Sally Urquhart, Nicola Cartlidge, and Suze Spalding were the following Kent vests to cross the line, bringing the team home in 8th place in the B division – great work all!
Photo credit: Laurie Oliver
As with the men, we saw great depth across the field, with everyone contributing to the overall team effort, pushing each other, and setting the stage for an even stronger performance in the forthcoming weekends Southern Championships at Beckenham Place Park.
James Boustead XC Captain
ORDERRRR! PARLIAMENT HILL XC ENTRIES
The XC nationals are being held on 22 February at Parliament Hill, London!
After last year’s fiasco of last-minute cancellation, the premier XC race being close to public transport and actual paved car parking means everyone can once again do battle alongside the bravest and best in the country.
The committee has agreed to continue asking athletes for personal contributions to championship races. In the name of openness, entry is £16 (or 45% of your club membership fee) and anyone keen to run is asked to contribute £5 of that cost.
The sum-up link is open until 9pm on Tuesday 28th January.This is to allow any last-minute chats with coaches or captains at training that night to agree racing plans.
Please purchase your place right here.Don’t delay!
NEW RACE DATES ANNOUNCED
January
25 – Southern XC Champs – Beckenham Place Park
February
1 – Social parkrun – Mountsfield Park, Catford
8 – Surrey League XC – Epsom
22 – National XC – Parliament Hill
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS: RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION AND ETIQUETTE IN THE CLUB!
Manners maketh man, woman and great athletes! As we kick off 2025, a reminder to start as we mean to go on and ensuring a friendly, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome; with mutual respect and positive communication – whether on the track, during training sessions, on WhatsApp or in person. Let’s keep the positive andcompetitive vibes going and make sure our club stays a place which everyone enjoys being part of!
A reminder of the Kent AC code of conduct can be found here.
Welfare Team
YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT
Become part of the Kent AC monthly fundraising draw!
Each participant is allocated a number from the lottery for the year and whoever has the bonus ball on the first Saturday of the month wins £250.00.
The annual cost is £72 or it can be paid monthly by a standing order of £6.
A few numbers have become available this year.
If you are interested, email treasurer@kentac.org.uk.
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.
Buying your pass in January gives you 11 months for the price of 12.
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 – 12/01/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 12 January 2025
Read the news and the headlines will be that it’s cold.
Read the Kent AC newsletter and you’ll find that it is in fact hot.
That’s because navy vests were lining up to race and set their PBs alight this weekend, whether at the Surrey League in West Horsley or over in Valencia. Well done to our own Alex Yet for finishing in 28:08, for what is technically his first 10km road race outside of triathlons. Meanwhile, Jonathan Collier finished in 29:27, Owen Hind in 29:57 and Jeremy Kempke in 33:52. Over at the Olympic Park, Robbie Smith also scored a 10km PB in 36:15.
This week’s newsletter has some important information about the upcoming National XC, on home turf at Parliament Hill, with a deadline for action by 28th January. If you need any spurring on, then read the report from yesterday’s XC below.
OUTRUNNING THE CROSS COUNTRY GHOSTS
Yesterday’s baltic Surrey League third fixture at West Horsley Place was riddled by train cancellations, random cars on the course and of course the classic cocktail of ice and mud mixed together.
52 Kent AC runners graced the course, putting those winter training sessions into good use. A full report will follow next week, but for now, it’s suffice to say that pictures speak more than a thousand words. Check out Laurie’s lens of the day here and you’ll see the scenes that unfolded as the men’s A team came 4th, men’s B team came third, women’s A team came 6th, women’s B team came 8th.
ORDERRRR! PARLIAMENT HILL XC ENTRIES
Well done everyone who raced at West Horsley Place. For anyone who thought ‘gosh, 7.8km felt a bit short for a race’ or ‘what I really want is a much bigger hill to run up in the name of an enviable hobby’? Perhaps you are too familiar with competitors in the south London area. Well good news, the XC nationals are being held on 22 February at Parliament Hill, London!
After last year’s fiasco of last-minute cancellation, the premier XC race being close to public transport and actual paved car parking means everyone can once again do battle alongside the bravest and best in the country.
The committee has agreed to continue asking athletes for personal contributions to championship races. In the name of openness, entry is £16 (or 45% of your club membership fee) and anyone keen to run is asked to contribute £5 of that cost.
The sum-up link is open until 9pm on Tuesday 28th January.This is to allow any last-minute chats with coaches or captains at training that night to agree racing plans.
Please purchase your place right here.Don’t delay!
THREE CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
We have not one but two exciting opportunities upcoming to fill your feel-good quota and get some volunteering in. It’ll make dry January fizz by in a flash, I promise.
First up, we have the the Southern Cross Country Championships take place at Beckenham Place Park on 25 January. We need more marshals for this race. If you can spare an hour or two to volunteer and help the club put on a great race, please contact Phil Marsden and the comms team directly here.
Secondly, the club will be organising a social parkrun at Catford on Saturday 1st February. If you would like to volunteer and be the real star of the show, adored and applauded by all, then please drop a line to catford@parkrun.com to offer your services.
A LITTLE COMPETITION…
Winner is the offer closest to the total number of years of Kent AC membership in the above image. Answers on a postcard please.
Len will share the magic number in next week’s newsletter.
YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT
The latest winner of this year’s Club Draw was Dennis Fairbrass, as No. 4 was the bonus ball last Saturday.
This is a monthly fundraising draw.
Each participant is allocated a number from the lottery for the year and whoever has the bonus ball on the first Saturday of the month wins £250.00.
The annual cost is £72 or it can be paid monthly by a standing order of £6.
A few numbers have become available this year, if you are interested, email treasurer@kentac.org.uk
NEW YEAR, SAME RACE CALENDAR
January
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.
Buying your pass in January gives you 11 months for the price of 12.
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 – 05/01/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 5 January 2025
New year, new running pledges; and for many of us, the four (ish)-month training block, ending with a date with a spring marathon, begins tomorrow. The coming weeks bring a few muddy cross-country runs to test endurance, and if careering around freezing suburban parkland doesn’t appeal, there’s a need for big-hearted volunteers to help out at the race in Beckenham on 25 January.
Looking back on the past week, as 2024 gave way to 2025, a merry band of star athletes decided to earn their New Year’s Eve drinks by racing in Battersea.
Then there was the not insignificant matter of the Kent County Cross Country Championships at Brands Hatch (women’s team pictured below). More pictures to come.
For those of you making resolutions to get down to the track more in 2025, one incentive may be that annual track passes are available at a discount until the end of January: 12 months for the price of 11.
RESULTS, RESULTS
Before we head back to a bleak corner of a Kentish Field to salute the boy and girl racers at Brands Hatch, let’s revisit that New Year’s Eve race in Battersea:
It was the Mizuno Podium 5k & 1mile race, and plenty of Kent AC athletes turned up to see out the old year in style:
Pictures telling a thousand words, above, but if it’s words you want, here’s how they all did:
In the elite men’s race, Cam Dockerill ran 14:53 and Kurt Wilkinson ran 15:06.
The elite women’s race saw Katie Good run 18:20.
Noah AH 15:06
Joe English 15:32
Joe Hartley 15:47
Ross Braden 15:56
Rob Laing 15:59
Richard Giles 16:54
Clare Elms 18:50
Lovely picture of Rob and Joe recovering, above.
Racing from Brands Hatch Now to that cross country: it was a cold, raw, January day, so we’re sending thanks to everyone who waited around to support each other, and super grateful to Coach Pete, who is unfailing in his support for all the women. Also, thanks to President Jules for his help in organising runners in this always challenging race and Helen R and Russell H, who helped marshal in the car park. The U15 boys, running 4,400m, had a great day:
Flying! Our lads were led in by George Searle, in seventh place, followed by Luke Roderick, Lucas Stickland and Ewan Willis. Fabulous running! In the Under 13s, running 3050m, Ed Pearce came in 38th.
Representing our U15 girls, running 4,400m, was the redoubtable Alice Hales, who raced in in 23rd place.
In the U20 category, (6,100m) Guy set off at a cracking pace and finished strong, coming in 14th. The senior men, running a 12k course, were led in by Nick Acfield in 41:4, followed by Lyndon Marfell in 43:30 and Luke Rowland in 46:08
It was the women’s day, as Lyndon so generously reports here:
‘Kent AC athletes delivered impressive performances at the Kent County Cross Country Championships held at the Brands Hatch racing circuit. The event, known for its challenging course and competitive field, saw Kent AC athletes rise to the occasion. The Senior Women’s team (whose race was 8k) had a standout performance, securing silver medals in both the 3-person and 6-person team competitions. Leading the team was the impressive Katie Good, who finished 7th, followed closely by Clare Elms in 9th and Claire Oxlade in 13th. The 6-person team also saw strong contributions from Caitlin Bradley, Elyse Jenkins, and Vic Cartwright, whose efforts were crucial in securing the silver medal and showing great depth in the women’s ranks.
Overall, Kent AC’s athletes had another strong Cross Country day out and the club looks forward to building on this success in next weekend’s Surrey League back at West Horsley Place.’
BECKENHAM CALLING
The Southern Cross Country Championships take place at Beckenham Place Park on 25 January.
We need more marshalls for this race. If you can spare an hour or two to volunteer and help the club put on a great race, please contact Phil Marsden and the comms team directly here.
PASTURES NEW
Two of our esteemed members are moving away, and they’ll be sorely missed.
Zuzana Nemeckova is well known as the club’s Ultra Queen. Anyone who follows her on Instagram will know she doesn’t do things by halves (a half is a bit short for her) and she’s happiest racing up hill, down dale and round mountains. Unsurprising, then, that she finds south-east London a little limiting and has upped sticks to the Lake District. We wish her all the best in her new life away from the Smoke and hope she’ll keep representing for Kent AC.
Barny Day writes:
Jonathan ‘Joffa’ Ratcliffe has been a running legend in south London for many years. Unfortunately he has had to leave south London and return up North to be closer to family in Burnley. As a Kent AC second claim member there was never a weekend / week night when you would not see Joffa racing somewhere across south London. Joffa has completed more sub 3 hour marathons than anyone we know. We really want to wish him luck up Norf and look forward to seeing him every London marathon and when ever we get the chance. He will be very much missed by the London running community. Keep running, Joffa
RESOLVE TO RACE
January
11 – Surrey League XC – West Horsley
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.
Buying your pass in January gives you 11 months for the price of 12.
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.
