London Calling! (v2)
London Calling! (v2)
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 27/04/25–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
27 April 2025
Today we had 67 starters and 62 finishers, one of the largest club representations in the race, which shows how far we’ve come as a club. And despite the unwelcome heat, which made the job harder than expected, we had some fine results, including first place in the mass event for John Gilbert, and even a few PBs. Full report below.
Ross Braden and John Gilbert
The London Marathon wasn’t the only event this weekend. We also had the Mini Marathon – much talked about as the foundation for many future champions, including Alex Yee – in which we had several Kent AC juniors – full report below.
We also had our first KYAL event of the year, in Ashford, shorn of some talent taking mart in the mini marathon, but nevertheless our juniors did well. Full results aren’t yet available, there will be a report next week.
There was also a marathon in Manchester, and some Kent runners who couldn’t get a London place ran there instead. Well done to Richard Giles (2:44:30 4th M45), Arejeet Nag (2:50:58 PB), Luis Molina (2:51:56 PB), Caoimhe nic Fhogartaigh (2:57:49 2nd W45), Joseph Wilkes (3:04:32) and coach Ted Aston (5:11:29)
Richard and Caoimhe
Arejeet, Luis and Joe
There were a couple of non-marathon results this week – Jake Simmonds (14:55) and George Copping (16:03) in the Friday Night Under the Lights 5k race in Battersea. And Pierre Flasse ran the Magna Carta half in 1:40:20.
Don’t forget the Assembly League in Victoria Park this Thursday, mails will be sent out about the race. No need to sign up in advance, turn up, grab a number and put name and number on the spreadsheet (link will be provided by mail and whatsapp), run then drink!
How hard was that?
Apart from Alex, unarguably the Kent performance of the day was by John Gilbert. Continuing his phenomenal 2025, when he’s run a 30:16 10k, a near PB 65:21 in the HM, and a top 10 finish in the Southern XC, he came first in the mass (ie non-elite) start, was 24th overall including elites, and was 2nd VM40, only behind somebody called Kipchoge. It was only 37s short of his PB set 11 years ago in Berlin, and his best time and result in London – he’s twice come 2nd in the mass event.
John Gilbert in full flow
The first Kent woman home was Jennifer Walrod, in 2:58:48, but special mention goes to Victoria Buck, who ran 3:03:15 and was 6th VW50.
There were a few PBs – Matteo Gala in 2:35, Robbie Smith, by 16 minutes, in 2:41, Simon Vaisey in 2:42, Kendal Noctor in 2:43, Gavin Orr in 2:45, Fran Buss in 3:06 and Beth Shakespeare in 3:29.
As ever there were injuries and accidents – Daisy Noble was heading for a good time of around 3:20 when she tripped on a water bottle and banged her head! After an hour or so getting medical attention she got back to the race and completed it!
And a special mention to friend of the club and erstwhile second claimer Jonathan Ratcliffe – he ran Boston marathon last Monday, then London today in 3:02:02 – not bad for a 57 year old!
Full results below:
Congratulations to everybody who ran!
There was a superb Kent AC Turnout yesterday for the London Mini Marathon, which was of the usual incredibly high standard. Well done to all our competitors! This 2.62 km race came with the highs and lows we’ve come to expect: punishingly early start, free merch (who doesn’t love a Lewisham hoody), and an incredible atmosphere. And plenty of injuries at the starting line, some nastier than others. Competition can indeed be fierce! That didn’t stop any of our winners completing the course.
Extra credit to Martha Parry, who ran in the U17 category despite being only 13, due to an administrative error, and to George, Tom and Dylan, who got great results despite falls.
Boys under 17
17th London/52nd overall Olly Buck 07:52
54th/116th Dylan Sandhu 08:25
72nd/136th Louis Holley 08:39
Girls under 17
84th/149th Lauren Jefferson 11:17
85th/150th Martha Parry 11:19
101st/166th Abigail Wrake 12:32
Boys under 15
41st/103rd Luke Roderick 08:40
45th/108th George Searle 08:44
86th/151st Matteo Watson 09:15
89th/154th Lucas Stickland 09:18
Girls under 15
34th/93rd Tallulah Jones 09:55
47th/109th Alice Hales 10:10
112th/177th Alexandra Walker 11:17
Boys under 13
33rd/85th Tom Brain 09:16
77th/135th Joel Spencer 09:47
90th/149th Edward Pearce 09:57
Girls under 13
17th/64th Eleanor Davidson 10:00
63rd/120th Daria Gilmore 10:45
Tremendously well done to all our juniors who took part!
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000
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
3 – Track social
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
11 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
1 – Track social
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
5 – Track social
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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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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