Sunny running, happened so fast
Sunny running, happened so fast
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 06/04/25–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
6 April 2025
The first Thursday in April always takes on a festive air, especially when the sun has been out and the evening sky runs through a series of fine pastels as athletes run through their 5k strategy for the Assembly League season. It all went like a charm last Thursday. Kent AC runners came out to Beckenham Park in force to run in the sunset and have a few beers afterwards. What could be better? And the icing on the cake is that our teams did incredibly well. The women’s A and B teams both finished in first place, with Amelia Pettitt leading them in in 19.29, with Clare Oxlade hot on her heels. The men’s A and B teams were first and second respectively, and they were led in by Matt Speed in 16.27.
Fantastic work team, and thanks, Narciso, for this picture:
Here come the rest of the results: we start with Prague half, which Ivona Gongolova ran in 1:40.01. That was on Saturday 5 April.
All the blue skies, everywhere, for the rest of the results gallery, which comes to you from all over Europe. Here’s Liam Cairns in Milan, celebrating his 3:05:21:
Over to Bratislava, Slovakia, where they lack the blue skies but do appear to have their own version of the Gherkin, and Adrian, who ran 4:00:29:
Resuming the blue-skies theme, in Brighton now and See Philpott was pleased to PB in 4:45:44 (his second marathon)
Back in London, looking absolutely gorgeous as it showed off all its picture postcard charm to half marathon runners, including Charlotte Perfect, whose 86:01 earned her the 19th female place:
In 10K news, Joseph Lee went to Lincoln and ran a splendid 32:59 and Beki Hilton Hans ran hers in Brighton, but didn’t tell us her time, it was undoubtedly fast,
Back to the marathons. There were others at Brighton, namely Robbie Spargo (3:04:28), Paul Mccrone, hitting walls but gritting his teeth and clocking 3:42:11; James Hilton ran 3:43:04; Vince Wakfer ran 4:20:15; Sharon Stanley achieved 4:26:59; Lesley Mentink 4:31:26
Further west, Southampton hosted one (distracting itself from the football team’s relegation) and it was probably sunny there, you’d have to ask James Ewing who ran 2:41:21 and was sixth overall.
Teresa Murphy went to Milan and ran 3:08:18.
Going from the sublime distance to the ridiculous one, Alex Hamlet won the Springtide 50K in Sussex in 3:47:2.
Also this weekend, the Juniors were giving it all on the track at Lee Valley open, more on that below.
Another reminder that we’re introducing social runs, every second Wednesday, meet at 7pm at the track, casual pace, about 7k, then drinks afterwards.
Don’t forget 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.
The juniors had a great day at the Milton Keynes for the SEAA 5K Road Championships last weekend (30 March)
Five runners, all under 15, achieved some terrific times:
Boys team:
George Searle: 17:33, placed 20th
Luke Roderick: 17:35 placed 22nd
Lucas Stickland: 18:29, placed 31st
Girls team:
Tallulah Jones: 20:09, placed 4th
Alice Hales: 21:16, placed 8th
Yesterday (5 April) was the Lee Valley Open, under blue skies with quite a strong breeze, either irritating or most welcome, depending on which direction you were running in. Luckily, it was the wind beneath the wings of:
U20, Alicia 800m:2:44:17
U17G Tess 300hurdles 47:93 (PB) and 80hurdles 11:83 PB
U15G Clausdia 75hurdles 13:13 PB and 300hurdles 51:02 PB
U15Boys Mack 80h 13:69 PB
U13Girls Evie 70hurdles 12:65PB
U17B & U20 Tyler 100m 11:79PB and 300m 24:33PB
Derek 100m 11:69 and 200m 23:72 PB
Jeffery 100m 12:02
Robin 100m 11:93 PB and Andres 100m 11:92PB
Congratulations to everyone!
Tess Hepple and Claudia Rigby
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 .
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.
There are still numbers available for this club fundraiser, it costs £6/month.
if you would like more information, email David at
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
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
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 £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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