The clocks may have turned back, but the club is very much looking forward with a week of national and personal records across many events. Read on for a run down, and keep reading for details on how you can get involved in the upcoming cross country race on our doorstep in Beckenham Place Park. Winter training is in full swing!
A huge congratulations are in order for Emily Murray, who is now the new Scottish Masters record holder in the VW45 Triple Jump! Wow! This is on the back of her brilliant 9.97m jump in the European Masters Champs in Madeira a few weeks back.
Yesterday saw the Marathon Eryri in Snowdonia, which is described as ‘demanding and spectacular’… which feels an understatement for a race that encircles the highest peak in Wales all in the pouring rain. So well done to Joe Vis for coming home in 3:10:39, Ian Ellwood in 3:13:35, Jen Smith in 3:48:38 and as the 2nd VW45, Joe Derrett in 4:11:13, and Zuzana Nemeckova in 4:21:32.
In sunnier and flatter climates, today was the Valencia Half Marathon, completed by Alex Yee in 61:30, Chris Busaileh in 69:53, and Ivona Gongolova in 1:42:23 – and with that completing the Super Halves series.
Nothing is done by halves… except marathons with quite a few today here in London. Jake Herrera came 3rd overall and 1st V40 in the Thames Path Half Marathon in 73:11, with Adrian Dracup in 86:13. Meanwhile in Maidenhead, Alex Gillespie smashed a PB of 87:31.
We love to hear your stories and successes to please let us know what events you’ve been doing! From PBs to unique events, we would love to share your news with the Kent AC community!
FROM TEMPO TO TINSEL – IT’S PARTY TIME!
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
Yes, it’s that time of year already! A highlight on the club calendar✨
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome!🥂
The club are hosting the second Surrey League at Beckenham Place Park on 15th November. As well as having a great turnout from members racing on the day, we also need volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly!
We need at least six more people to help out at the finish from 12pm – 4pm to cover junior and senior races. Jobs include noting down runner numbers at the end of their race and managing the finish line. Whenever you can help, even if it’s for a small part of the day, your help would be much appreciated.
Please contact Phil Marsden if you can help!
AGM NOTICE
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Kent Athletic Club which will take place at 20:30 on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at the Blythe Hill Tavern
The agenda for the meeting will be circulated later.
Please also note that all Committee posts are up for election each year. While we no longer have any unfilled posts, any post can be contested at the AGM if properly nominated. A full list of committee members will be circulated two weeks prior to the AGM along with the agenda.
The meeting will be held in person and via videolink.
Refreshments will be provided.
RUNNING WITH HAT-TITUDE
Tis the (XC) season for BIG bobble hats, the essential piece of kit for all that chilly pre-and post-cross country hanging about when the next cup of tea seems very far away.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
EVENT CALENDAR
November
15 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
18 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
22 – South of Thames 5 Mile XC – Lloyd Park
22 – Kent County Vets XC – Central Park, Dartford
29 – SEAA Masters XC – Horseden Hill, Greenford
December
6 – Kent AC Christmas Party – The Honor Oak
20 – South of Thames Senior Champs 7.5 mile XC (including Club XC Champs) – Wimbledon Common
January
10 – Kent County XC – Brands Hatch
10 – Surrey League XC – Mitcham Common
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
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.
Kent AC athletes took the European Masters Championships by storm this week, coming home from Madeira with a host of medals and UK leading times.
Clare Elms lined up for multiple VW60 distance events, taking the win in 19:37 over 5000m and then in 40:25 for the road 10k. In an uncharacteristically hot and humid 8km XC, she added a bronze to her collection in 36:06.
Emily Murray competed in both the long jump and triple jump, scoring a 9.97m PB for 4th place and the new VW45 UK lead in the TJ.
Joe Appiah sprinted his way to gold in the 100mH in 13.96. He added another as he won the long jump in 6.14m and rounded off with bronze in the VM50 4x100m relay, whilst also officiating on his non-competing days!
Medals galore!
With road race season still in full swing, a big congrats to all of you who crossed a finish line this weekend!
Abingdon Marathon
Arejeet Nag – 2:49:23
Matthew Thomas – 2:51:19
James Royston – 3:13:53
Amsterdam Marathon
Liam James – 3:06:00
Lesley Mentink – 4:00:36
Battersea Park Marathon
Paul McCrone – 3:19:28
Great South Run
Vic Buck – 1:07:29
Ronnie Haydon – 1:27:37
Narciso Guerrero – 1:39:03
Yorkshire Marathon
Karina Box – 3:39:23
Post-race grins
The club are hosting the second Surrey League at Beckenham Place Park on 15th November. As well as having a great turnout from members racing on the day, we also need volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly!
We need at least six more people to help out at the finish from 12pm – 4pm to cover junior and senior races. Jobs include noting down runner numbers at the end of their race and managing the finish line.
If you can only assist with the senior races, your help would still be much appreciated. Please contact Phil Marsden!
FROM TEMPO TO TINSEL – IT’S PARTY TIME!
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
Yes, it’s that time of year already! A highlight on the club calendar✨
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome!🥂
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Kent Athletic Club which will take place at 20:30 on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at the Blythe Hill Tavern
The agenda for the meeting will be circulated later.
Please also note that all Committee posts are up for election each year. While we no longer have any unfilled posts, any post can be contested at the AGM if properly nominated. A full list of committee members will be circulated two weeks prior to the AGM along with the agenda.
The meeting will be held in person and via videolink.
Refreshments will be provided.
CHILLY WEATHER MERCH
Tis the (XC) season for BIG bobble hats, the essential piece of kit for all that chilly pre-and post-cross country hanging about when the next cup of tea seems very far away.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
EVENT CALENDAR
November
15 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
18 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
22 – South of Thames 5 Mile XC – Lloyd Park
22 – Kent County Vets XC – Central Park, Dartford
29 – SEAA Masters XC – Horseden Hill, Greenford
December
6 – Kent AC Christmas Party – The Honor Oak
20 – South of Thames Senior Champs 7.5 mile XC (including Club XC Champs) – Wimbledon Common
January
10 – Kent County XC – Brands Hatch
10 – Surrey League XC – Mitcham Common
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
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.
Before we start, the big announcement is that the Christmas Party will be held on December 6th at the Honor Oak Pub, and tickets are on sale now. See below for details and the link for tickets.
The cross country season opened yesterday with unseasonably warm weather, as it often does, on a flat course with firm footing which led to fast times and hard fought racing. Kent AC performed well, both men’s and women’s teams coming 3rd, and also a good turnout from the juniors, who continue to progress. In total we had 54 seniors and 13 juniors running. Full report below, well done to all the runners and to the team captains for whipping out such strong teams.
We also had runners in action further afield, the furthest being the Chicago Marathon, where Gian Valentini (3:13), Kayode Damali (3:36), Jo Wint (4:31) and Heather Castle (4:46) completed the race. Slightly closer to home, Richard Giles and Caoimhe nic Fhogartaigh ran the Budapest Marathon – Caoimhe came a remarkable 2nd woman in 2:53 with Richard just behind her!
In sunny Madeira they are currently holding the European Masters championships, at which we’ve had plenty of success largely due to our Masters world record holders Joe Appiah and Clare Elms. They’re at it again – Joe has already won a V50 gold in the 100mh and Clare won a silver in the W60 10000m. Joe also reached the semifinals of the M50 100m, and Clare has other events to come. In addition, Emily Murray is entered for the long jump and triple jump later this week.
Elsewhere, Jon Collier and Harry Tivnen ran the Manchester Half in 66:12 and 69:42, Sam Evans ran the Great Eastern Half in Peterborough in 71:29 and Catherine Kandie ran the Ashford 10k in 35:53.
CROSS TRAINING PAYS OFF
Owen Hind writes: The first race of the cross country season was held yesterday at the new venue of Hurst Green. It felt like the whole village had turned out to support the event which led to a carnival atmosphere during the warm-ups and post race decompression.
Kent men came third on the day, helped by a great turnout of 35. The fast, twisting course favoured those who had spent a summer racing on the track rather than those preparing for an autumn marathon. For those out in front it was all over in 25 minutes or so and felt a long way from the upcoming strength based hills of Parliament Hill, Beckenham Place Park and Wimbledon. Making the top 20 yesterday will be a different skill to making the top 20 come January.
Owen was our first runner home, in 6th place behind a high quality field led by UK Champs 5000m silver medallist Jack Kavanagh. Dame Dibaba was our 2nd runner, and Cam Dockerill close behind him – we had 8 men running under 26 minutes for the 4.9 miles. The A team was 3rd overall, and the B team 4th among 2nd teams.
Chris Busaileh commented: ‘a geat result yesterday. We were beaten by two clubs who put real emphasis on today, turning out their absolute best and then some. With 10 to score over four races in five months, every club needs real strength in depth to compete until February. Pretty much all of our scoring 10 train at Ladywell across multiple groups, with more to sub in next race.’
Owen Hind said ‘coming in the top 10 at the Surrey League for the first time in six years feels like a relief. Training in such a strong group right now is moving everyone up a level in strength and fitness.’
Cam our third athlete home said his experience was ‘Worked well through the field with the other boys in blue; Noah, Rob and Nick before a classic sprint finish with Dame.’
Kent’s women also had a good day’s racing, with both A and B teams coming 3rd in their divisions. Amy Clements was 9th and Amelia Pettitt 14th on the 6k course.
Ellie Freeden, Aisling Ahern and Claire Oxlade completed our 1st team, and Nesrin Sabanci, Lin Skinner, Sarah Crichton, Charlotte Perfect and Teresa Murphy our 2nd.
The juniors had a great turnout too – Hugh, one of our juniors coaches, writes:
A fantastic start to the X-Country season for Kent AC juniors with a strong side out including plenty of debutants. Well done to Bonnie and Georgia in the u13 Girls, Mark and Sam in the u13 Boys. 4 brilliant runs to build on for the rest of the season.
Daria ran hard for the u15 girls as did Ed and Joel (another debut) with a special shout out to Luke who placed 7th for the u15 boys.
There was tough luck for Tallulah who was caught up in a tumble early doors, but Alice motored through the crowds for the u17 girls.
We had a great team performance for u17 boys with George, Bert (debut), Lucas and Harry placing well for a team 8th place.
Big credit to them all for running so well, great team spirit and kudos to many of them for cheering the men round with boisterous enthusiasm too!
CHRISTMAS PARTY!
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
Yes, it’s that time of year already! A highlight on the club calendar✨
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome!🥂
.Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Kent Athletic Club which will take place at 20:30 on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at the Blythe Hill Tavern
The Agenda for the meeting will be circulated later.
Please also note that all Committee posts are up for election each year. While we no longer have any unfilled posts, any post can be contested at the AGM if properly nominated. A full list of committee members will be circulated two weeks prior to the AGM along with the agenda.
The meeting will be held in person and via videolink. Refreshments will be provided.
CHILLY WEATHER MERCH
Tis the (XC) season for BIG bobble hats, the essential piece of kit for all that chilly pre-and post-cross country hanging about when the next cup of tea seems very far away.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
EVENT CALENDAR
November
15 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
18 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
22 – South of Thames 5 Mile XC – TBC
22 – Kent County Vets XC – Central Park, Dartford
29 – SEAA Masters XC – Horseden Hill, Greenford
December
20 – South of Thames Senior Champs 7.5 mile XC (including Club XC Champs) – Wimbledon Common
January
10 – Kent County XC – Brands Hatch
10 – Surrey League XC – Mitcham Common
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
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.
This season of mists is proving fruitful for our ever-ready racers, who limbered up this weekend with relays in the Midlands, a swift half in Cardiff and the full monty in Chester. Blustery conditions, particularly up north, meant that all our racers had wind resistance to factor into their results. First, those relays: the ERRA National Autumn Road Relays, to be precise, in Sutton Park, Birmingham. Two women’s teams and the Men’s A runners turned out to represent:
Thanks to coaches Ken and Pete, pictured here with all three teams The women (above) were represented in the A team by Caitlin Bradley, who ran the first lap in 21:11, handing over to Abigail Nolan (20:36), to Aisling Ahern (21:01) and Alexa Parker ran the final leg in 20:54. That total time of 01:23:43 earned them 20th place. The Women’s B team were led round by Victoria Buck (22:15) handing over to Fran Buss (21:50), to Elyse Jenkins (22:07) with Victoria Cartwright finishing strongly in 21:56. The men came 13th in the 6-lap race. First lap was taken on by Cameron Dockerill, (16:35), who handed over to Rob Sesemann (16:41), to Dame Dibaba (17:07), then Nick Ackfield (16:41 then Jonathan Collier ran lap 5 (16:42) with Joe English finishing in 16:58. There was more good news on the Saturday morning, coming from Dulwich parkrun, where the top end of the results was dominated by super swift Kent AC juniors, who earned third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions out of 710 runners. Absolutely stunning results and such good news for the future of this club. Well done to those juniors and their coaches. Today, Sunday 5 October, we also saw some fabulous results over longer distances. Ivona Gongolova ran the Cardiff Half in 1:43. Ben Clarke was also in the Welsh capital, and conquered the distance in 69:11. Rob Elphick, battling the headwind in Chester Marathon, ran a beautiful 2:25:29.
A reminder of the club AGM, taking place at the Blythe Hill Tavern on Tuesday 18th November, after the track session.
Please send any proposed resolutions to the Club Secretary by Wednesday.
The agenda will be distributed two weeks before the meeting.
If you would like to view the newsletter in a separate browser, click the link at the top or go via the website.
SPIKES AT THE READY
The cross-country season kicks off on 11 October for the Surrey League at Hurst Green.
Details will follow for each individual race, but for now please check out the fixtures and start signing up on the spreadsheet. Important note to please make sure that your England Athletics membership is up to date and paid for beforehand.
A reminder also that across the cross country season there are six club championships at stake: male, female, main champs (at South of the Thames on 20th December), Grand Prix and Grand Prix handicap. The Grand Prix and handicap are for the best six performances across the whole 9 races of the XC season. The grand prix rewards the overall best and most loyal performer, whilst the handicap can only be described as a dark art – a handicap using best six performances of the same 9 races.
Last year’s winners were: John Gilbert and Amy Clements for champs, Matt Speed and Aisling Ahern for the Grand Prix, and Calum Fraser and Jo Mott for the handicap. Good luck to all this year!
If you have any questions, please let your XC Captains (Owen, James, Gen, Parris, Jason, Nicky, Jules) know and they’ll gladly help. Spikes at the ready.
AGM NOTICE
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Kent Athletic Club which will take place at 20:30 on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at the Blythe Hill Tavern.
The meeting will be held in person and via videolink. Refreshments will be provided.
The Agenda for the meeting will be circulated later.
Please also note that all Committee posts are up for election each year. While we no longer have any unfilled posts, any post can be contested at the AGM if properly nominated. A full list of committee members will be circulated two weeks prior to the AGM along with the agenda.
CHILLY WEATHER MERCH
Tis the (XC) season for BIG bobble hats, the essential piece of kit for all that chilly pre-and post-cross country hanging about when the next cup of tea seems very far away.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
EVENT CALENDAR
October 11 – Surrey League XC – Hurst Green
November
15 – Surrey League XC – Beckenham Place Park
18 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern
22 – South of Thames 5 Mile XC – TBC
22 – Kent County Vets XC – Central Park, Dartford
29 – SEAA Masters XC – Horseden Hill, Greenford
December
20 – South of Thames Senior Champs 7.5 mile XC (including Club XC Champs) – Wimbledon Common
January
10 – Kent County XC – Brands Hatch
10 – Surrey League XC – Mitcham Common
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
IN IT TO WIN IT
In Kent AC lottery news, the bonus ball, drawn last night, netted Richard Jones a tasty £250. If you’re keen to be in with a chance, there are still some numbers available: email
PARTY SEASON INCOMING
Please save the date
The Kent AC Christmas Party will take place on Saturday 6 December. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the festive season and catch up with your club mates. Details and ticket prices will be available soon.
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.
