Springtime for Kent in Kent!
Springtime for Kent in Kent!
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
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
Most of our Cambridge crew
And over in Lisbon, Ivona Gongolova ticked off another of the SuperHalfs series in 1:41:41.
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
.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.
Sign up here
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
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
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
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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 £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.
Please see a helpful FAQs guide here
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.
Session times are:
Monday: 07:00 -15:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 1300 -1700
Friday: 07:00 – 15:00
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00-15:00
Price:
Adult resident: £2.70
Adult non resident: £3.00
Junior (U16): £1.30
The Kent AC track pass continues to be required for training on Tues/Thurs evenings and Sunday mornings.
Track staff have encouraged people to double check the opening hours before their training session, as they may occasionally be closed for school sport days and football friendlies. Hours can be checked here. This will likely suit members who can’t make training sessions but would like to train in the morning/lunchtime/evening.
Pay as you go fees can either be paid via cash to the desk or using the Better app (note: staff are working to add the sessions to the app).
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