From Dulwich to Bermuda
From Dulwich to Bermuda
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 19/01/25–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
19 January 2025
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.
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
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!
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
March
30 – 12/6 Stage Southern Road Relay Championships – Milton Keynes
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
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 and competitive 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
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.
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
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.
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).
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