<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 31/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 31 March 2025
Apologies for the day’s delay in publishing this week’s newsletter – the results from yesterday’s Southern 12 & 6 stage relays were a bit messy so we held off until they’d been tidied. Results and reports below.
Clare Elms is at it again – she travelled to Florida last week to take part in the World Indoor Masters Championships, and came back with 6 golds! She won the VW60 Cross Country (definitely not indoors) and the VW55 XC team event for GB, the VW60 10k road race (also not indoors) in 41:19 and the VW55 team event in that, plus golds in the VW60 3000m in 10:49, a full minute ahead of 2nd place, and setting a new Championship record by 44s, and the VW60 1500m in 5:14, also a Championship record, by 10s.
Clare on the podium for the 1500m [pic credit Steve Smythe/Athletics Weekly]
Rounding up other results, John Gilchrist brought the good news from Gent to Kent, running the half in Belgium in 82:09. Daisy Noble ran the Gloucester half in 93:13, James Bates ran the Kew Half in a new PB of 93:53, and Tom Webb ran a 10k PB in Battersea Park in 35:38, winning the V55 category.
Amy Clements posted another top 10 parkrun of the week, at Woolwich in 17:25, while much slower than that, double Olympic champion Alex Yee ran the Bromley parkrun with his 93 year old grandad and 4 generations of Yees!
A reminder that this Thursday the first Assembly League race of the season is at Beckenham Place Park. The race starts at 1910, please assemble in the clubhouse at Beckenham Cricket Club (19 Foxgrove Road) 30 minutes early to collect numbers and register on the spreadsheet. And don’t forget your Kent vest! Drinks after the race back at the clubhouse.
Similarly social are the social runs that we’re introducing from next week, every second Wednesday, meet at 7pm at the track, casual pace, about 7k, then drinks afterwards.
A reminder to sign up for the Ladywell 10000 on 10 May. There will be multiple seeded races for all paces, food and music. We also need volunteers to help with registration, pacing, officials and on the bar, so please sign up if you can help out.
Finally, David our treasurer reminds us that there’s a rollover on the prize draw this month, so the pot is £500. Email if you’d like to buy a number, £6 per month.
RELAY SAYING SOMETHING
Yesterday Kent AC sent up 3 teams of 12 men, plus 10 women and several juniors to the Southern 12 & 6 stage relays in Milton Keynes. A prestigious event in itself, it’s also a qualifier for the National Relays in 2 weeks time.
Our 3 men’s teams came 9th, 26th and 35th out of 47 completed teams, the B team agonisingly close to qualifying for the Nationals, which is open to the top 25 teams.
Chris Busaileh, men’s road captain, commented: it was a fantastic show of depth to get 3 full teams out, there was only one other club that managed it on the day. A massive thanks for all those who turned out. The overall standard was high – our A team was considerably quicker than last year but held the same position. It’s desperately disappointing that we look to have just missed out on getting a B team through to Nationals – again, a sign of the high overall standards. The C team were a very creditable 35th out of 47 overall. There were some very impressive individual results – singling out a few; Joe Hartley bouncing back from a disappointing run at Paddock Wood with the quickest Kent short leg with 15.36. In the B team, Dame Dibaba celebrating Eid and the brilliant news about his asylum case, showed he was back to his very best with a 27.36 long leg. James Boustead also showing a return to form with a 16.23 short leg. In the C team, it was great to see Stuart Beaney back in the fold and young Olly Buck marked his first claim transfer to Kent with a brilliant 15.45 short leg.
For the women’s 6 stage we had one complete team, which came 12th, and a partial team of 4.
Alexa Parker, women’s road captain, said: it was a solid day’s work for the women of Kent AC up in sunny Milton Keynes today, despite being plagued by illness and injury which left them short of a full roster of two teams. Katie Good, Alix Fawcett, Fran Buss and Aisling Ahern all made their road relay debuts for Kent AC in the A team, accompanied by relay veterans Ellie Freeden and Claire Oxlade. Despite Aisling taking a nasty tumble in the final leg, the team showed great strength and depth (and Aisling showing great grit to pick herself back up and carry on running) to come 12th overall. Despite knowing they would have an incomplete team, seasoned relayers Gen Blanch, Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh, Alexa Parker and Vic Buck all put in a shift to finish only 2 minutes behind the A team after 4 legs. A great day was had by all and we very much look forward to the Nationals in two weeks where we hope we’ll have all our runners back at full strength!
For the juniors, the event involved road race championships rather than relays. The standout performance of the day was by Tallulah Jones, who came 4th in the U15 girls race. Alice Hales was 8th. In the U15 boys race, George Searle, Luke Roderick, and Lucas Stickland ran very well to continue on from their great xc seasons.
Lucas, Luke, George, Alice, Tallulah
Well run everybody, and we look forward to the National Relays in 2 weeks time, when our impressive teams should be bolstered by a few who were missing yesterday.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
Kent AC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at .
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
14 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
11 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 £6.50 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.
The Alex Yee 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.
It is that time of year already… a reminder that if you renew your membership before 31st March, you will benefit from savings as the fee will increase from 1st April.
Feeling lucky? The bonus ball draw is a rollover this month so there is £500 to be won. The cost of entry is £6 per month. For more information, email here.
Warmer weather means time for more socialising and even better, running whilst doing so! We’ve got plenty of great club races coming up starting with the road relays and then the first assembly league of the year on the 3rd April.
Read on to make a note of all the dates in your diary.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
Kent AC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at .
LET’S GET SOCIAL
Starting Wednesday 9 April, we’re going to have social runs every second Wednesday of the month while the evenings are light.
The plan is to meet at the track at 7pm, organise ourselves into two or three pace groups depending on numbers, then run 7k, after which there’s an option for drinks at the Catford Bridge Tavern. It’s not planned as a coached session, so there’ll be an element of self organisation. All are welcome.
Bear in mind that the track is not open for bag storage or use of toilets on a Wednesday, so, participants will have to come ready to run.
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – Kent AC social run takeover
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 £6.50 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.
The Alex Yee 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 – 16/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 16 March 2025
The Kent AC runner with the biggest smile (even when racing while fasting…) received wonderful news this week. Dame Dibaba has won his appeal and has been given leave to remain. We’re delighted for him and join him in thanking the wonderful Nick Ostrowski for working so hard on Dame’s behalf. By way of celebration, Dame was first finisher at Hillyfields parkrun yesterday (Saturday) and today took part in the Mace Masters Parkstrong Event: Dame smiles through the miles
In other results, looking back to Thursday, and, confusingly, the Friday Night Under the Lights 5k at Battersea (in Wandsworth they do things rather differently…). Our Kent AC runners had it in their diary: Neil Phillips: 15:50; Sam Dames: 16:19; Kendal Noctor: 16:17; Fran Buss: 18:58. This weekend, we had triumphant podium finishes for young and slightly older athletes at Lee Valley. Seebelow, The Young Ones, for the Junior results, but huge congratulations for our Lin Skinner, who raced down a strong field to win herself a silver medal in the 1500m at Lee Valley. It was a lifetime PB and she was delighted to PB at her third attempt on that distance at Lee Valley: Lin’s grin Meanwhile, over in Fleet, the ever fleet of foot Victoria Buck ran a brilliant 1:27 in the half Marathon; Kate Fawcett ran 1:28, Chris Martin 1:16, David Morgan 1:11 and Katie Good 1:42. All these times are gun times. Alix, Vic and Kate did just great
In Leicester, there was the little matter of the Sportshoes.com Podium Festival, and our A team men made their presence felt in the 5k. Joe English ran 14:45, with Jake Simmonds on his heels with 14:58. Then came Harry Tirnen with a 15:06 PB, Ben Clarke with a 15:07 PB, then Isaac Parjer on 15:25 and Guy Barnett with 17:10. Joe and Jake take a break
From glamorous Leicester to Los Angeles, where James Bates ran a marathon in 3:23:59, just 30 seconds off a PB. You can bet he’ll be planning his next race on the long flight home from LaLa Land.
Looking ahead to those balmy May days, there’s still time to sign up for the definitive track race of the burgeoning summer season. Entries are open for the Ladywell 10000 on the track on 10th May. It’s a big event that we haven’t held for a few years, there will be music, beer and food. Sign up here if you’d like to run, there are several races throughout the day, races seeded from sub 32 mins to sub 55. One last thing…We have a need for another welfare officer, if you think you could do the job, please contact Sarah Young, see job requirements below.
THE YOUNG ONES
Well done to all the juniors who competed over the weekend at the Kent Indoor Champs in Lee Valley and the mini marathon trials at the Alex eYe track.
At the Kent Champs Phoebe Folarin scored a glittering gold in the high jump with a huge PB of 1:60, Tess Hepple won gold in the 60m hurdles, also earning herself a magical PB of 8.89 and Mack Atanda won bronze in the 60m hurdles. Andrew Caiquo’s 60m hurdle 7.58 was also a PB. PhoeBe’s PB Tess is Best Mack’s on track
Mini Marathon The full mini marathon trial results will be published soon. Kent AC first-placing athletes in each category were Eleanor Davidson, Tom Brain, Tallulah Jones, George Searle and Dylan Sandhu.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
KentAC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at
.
SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE
Starting Wednesday 9 April we’re going to have social runs every second Wednesday of the month while the evenings are light.
The plan is to meet at the track at 7pm, organise ourselves into two or three pace groups depending on numbers, then run 7k, after which there’s an option for drinks at the Catford Bridge Tavern.
It’s not planned as a coached session, so there’ll be an element of self organisation. All are welcome.
Bear in mind that the track is not open for bag storage or use of toilets on a Wednesday, so, participants will have to come ready to run.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – First Kent AC social run
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 £6.50 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.
The Alex Yee 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 – 09/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 9 March 2025
Spring is sprung! Today was the warmest day of the year so far, which wasn’t welcomed by the several dozen Kent runners doing half marathons around the country. Reports below.
First up though, entries are open for the Ladywell 10000 on the track on 10th May. It’s a big event that we haven’t held for a few years, there will be music, beer and food. Sign up here if you’d like to run, there are several races throughout the day, races seeded from sub 32 mins to sub 55.
At the Lee Valley indoor stadium, a few of our budding young sprinters were in action today – in the 100m Derek Olewunne (U17) ran 11.64 (PB) and 11.66, Jeffrey Senoo (U20) ran 12.01 (PB by over 1s), 12.05 and Robin Clarke (U20) ran 12.16 and 12.02. In the 200m, Cheryl Adjadi (U15) ran 27.82 (indoor PB), Vinuga Dharmawardene (U15) ran 27.91 (PB) and John Flack (U20) 24.08.
Joe Appiah with some of our quick youngsters
We have a need for another welfare officer, if you think you could do the job, please contact Sarah Young, see job requirements below.
Finally, our treasurer David tells us that nobody had the winning number in last month’s draw, so it rolls over and will be £500 this month. There are several numbers still available, they cost £6 per month, contact David at
HALF MARATHON ROUND-UP
Kent had over 40 runners at Paddock Wood today, in warmer than expected conditions which nobbled at least one runner. It’s too many to list individually, but the highlights are:
Chris Busaileh was 11th overall and 1st V40 in 70:11, his best time in 10 years, last year’s winner Nick Torry 17th in 71:03 (2nd V40), Lyndon Marfell ran a PB by over 11 minutes in 74:15, Robbie Smith by 8 minutes in 76:05, Harry Massingham a PB in 82:40, Ellie Freeden in 84:30, James Royston in 88:50, Phoebe Bright in 1:41:45, Karen Samuel in 1:53:37 and Hugh Stickland in 1:58:59. There were also several runners doing their first halfs, so well done to them and to everyone who ran.
A few of our runners at Paddock Wood
A handful went up to Cambridge to run the half there – Tom O’Neill 72:44 (PB), Philip Woodford Smith 77:40, Chris Mullin 77:45, Matthew Thomas 84:50 and Alex Robins 87:50 (PB)
Most of our Cambridge crew
And over in Lisbon, Ivona Gongolova ticked off another of the SuperHalfs series in 1:41:41.
WELFARE OFFICE REQUIRED
KentAC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV! Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at
.
WE RELAY RELAY RELAY WANT YOU TO SIGN UP
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
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 10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 £6.50 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.
The Alex Yee 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 – 02/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 2 March 2025
After the trials, tribulations and some quick spike cleaning following the National XC last week, we’ve made the quick pivot to spring and the road races that it brings. The hard graft invested over the XC season has well and truly started to pay off already, with some inspiring runs up and down the country – and even so far as Tokyo!
Read on for a parade of impressive performances as well as details of how you can get involved in next week’s pacing takeover at Dulwich parkrun and the upcoming road relays too.
And many of you will have noticed the WhatsApp streamlining that took place this week, with a new ‘community’ being created as well as a new channel specifically for announcements. We hope that this will make it easier to find the information you need and ensure that key club news reaches everyone.
Let’s rewind to last Sunday, where both Clare and Lin absolutely shone at the British Masters Indoors. Lin Skinner ran 5:18:98 for 1500m to take a bronze in there V45 category – a mere second off her all time PB! Bring on the Kent Counties, where Lin’s impressive form will no doubt continue to bring both smiles and medals.
Fast forward to Thursday, when we had a strong contingent out at the Friday Night Under The Lights x Podium 5km in Battersea Park. With an incredible string of PBs and SBs: Joe English ran in 14:43, Nick Acfield in 14:52, Isaac Parker in 15:09, Simon Vaisey in 15:42, Rob Sesemann in 14:34, and Owen Hind in 14:05. All credit to Ken Pike and the group’s training over the past few months.
Just across the river on Friday lunchtime saw a navy blue peppering throughout the Last Friday of the Month in Hyde Park 5km. Clare Elms set yet another British record with 18:28 – a 101.6% age grade! Samuel Taylor ran in 17:42, Tim Sharp in 18:00, Ed Matthews in 18:14, Christopher Lydon in 20:12, John Barron in 23:01, Karen Samuel in 25:55.
Down in sunny Brighton today, the half marathon saw Nick Acfield race for the second time this week with a 69:20 PB, Ben Clarke in 69:31, Jake Herrera in 71:51, Alex Morales in 86:33, Suzanne Spalding in 1:43:37 and Natalie Cook in 1:58:17. Hope that lots of fish and chips was consumed after.
And across in the Dartford half, Joseph Wilkes finished in 84:59, Beki Hikton Hanns in 1:2:19, Ian Ellwood in 2:17:14, Denuse Cave in 2:20:24, and Lesley Mentink in 1:55:49.
And over in Tokyo, Kate Williams finished in 3:53 – and with that completing the 6 majors. What an inspiration!
Remember to let us know if you have run, jumped or thrown any achievements that you’d love the club to know about. The club is here to celebrate each other!
XC BY NUMBERS
With huge thanks to Len, we can now celebrate the 2024/5 cross country season in style and award our XC club champions. So with this, a huge thank you and well done to our awesome XC captains who have shepherded runners, sorted admin, and rallied teams throughout the winter. And a massive thank you and well done also to every single person who showed up, pinned on a number, spiked up and represented the club this season. Let’s do it all again in the autumn…
This season saw a total of: 91 male and 37 female competitors for Kent AC. Thanks to all 128 of you, this helped us place:
Which gives us our club champs for each category as…
Which gives the grand prix winners as:
IT’S A RUN NOT A RACE…
We’ve offered to takeover the pacing at Dulwich parkrun on 8th March.
They have pacer vests vests for every whole minute from 15 to 40, so a wide range needed!
If you’re keen to get involved put your name down on the sheet here!
WE RELAY RELAY RELAY WANT YOU TO SIGN UP
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
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 10 – (provisional date, tbc) Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 £6.50 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.
The Alex Yee 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.
