There was no big club fixture this weekend, but Kent runners found many races to compete in, mostly on the roads, but also with some xc success.
Kent men (and one woman) sent a strong crew up to Leeds for the Abbey Dash 10k, and came back with a couple of top 10 finishes and several PBs. Noah Armitage-Hookes knocked 2 minutes off his PB to come 8th in 30:16, while Cam Dockerill sliced 16s off his for 9th in 30:23. Nick Acfield was 12th, 4 minutes under his previous time in 30:29. Other finishers included Owen Hind (30:49), Kurt Wilkinson (31.01 PB), Isaac Parker (31:16 PB), Matt Speed (32:12 PB), Kieran Fitzpatrick (37:57) and Molly O’Connor (39:10 PB)
Also on the roads, but closer to home, several runners completed the BMAF 5k championships, with the women doing particularly well – Clare Elms was 1st VW60, Lin Skinner was 3rd VW50 and Karen Samuel was 2nd VW65 in the Southern Counties region. The three of them combined to get a silver in the VW45 category, despite the fact that two of them are over 60!
Over at Horsenden in West London there were the SEAA Masters Cross Country championships – Nicky Hayes and Ronnie Haydon were 2nd and 3rd in the VW60 category while Vic Cartwright was 4th in the VW40 event.
And furthest afield was Pete Lighting, running the Elche/Alicante marathon in 2:46.
Closest of all was the newest addition to the SE London parkrun list – Greenwich Peninsula, on the Thames Path that most of us know very well. 925 runners turned up to the inaugural run yesterday, a dozen of them from Kent (including the first finisher Alex Hamlet) We would suggest waiting a few weeks before trying this one out, until the numbers settle down a bit.
A final reminder that tickets for the Christmas Party next Saturday are still for sale – there will be food, drink, music and fun and games, including the draw for the club’s London Marathon places.
XMAS PARTY TICKETS!
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
We’re only a few weeks away from one of the highlights of the Kent AC calendar.
Get your tickets now for the season’s finest soiree!
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome.🥂
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
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 were double booked this weekend, with two XC races taking place within a hour of one another. The Kent Vets XC Championships was held in Dartford with fantastic results for us across the board. Read on for a full race report.
Meanwhile, at the South of the Thames Junior race in Lloyd Park, Olly Buck took one for the team as our solo representative for the senior men, battling over the hills and mud to score fourth place overall and first U20 male. Well done Olly!
The women’s team also had a successful day, with our cross country queen, Aisling Ahern, crossing the line fourth in the women’s race. Ellie Freeden, Claire Oxlade and Elyse Jenkins made up the scoring team to bring home a silver medal. Gen Blanch, Sally Urquhart, Jo Wint and Anna Delis finished close behind with post-race grins!
We’re hoping for more silverware at the senior race in Wimbledon next month, so make sure to sign up if you can run.
The Croydon crew
Earlier this week at the annual AGM, Amy Clements, Clare Elms and Nick Ostrowski were announced as our newest honorary members. Congratulations to you all, very well deserved!
Before you read on…
We’re looking for an additional editor to join our team for a monthly newsletter write-up. No skills required, just someone who would enjoy writing once a month on a Sunday afternoon. Drop us an email at commsmgr@kentac.org.uk.
Also, a reminder of the Christmas party in two weeks at The Honor Oak. A perfect opportunity to swap the lycra for something more sparkly, so don’t miss out! If you are planning to attend, please book your tickets as soon as possible.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO DARTFORD
Well this year the powers that be decided that the race would be two weeks earlier than normal, perhaps chasing better weather? However on the day we had the traditional cross country cold windy drizzle that we have come to associate with this fixture. No spirits were dampened though and our vets showed up for our grand day out (all be it wearing rather a lot of layers)!
We endeavoured to cover all age categories (despite the SoT clash) and also to fulfill our marshalling and volunteer duties. It is that time of year where bugs are going around and we enjoyed the traditional saturday morning team shuffle that we have become so adept at during the year.
First race Mens V50, unfortunately we were unable to complete a team and defend our title due to injuries and colds. However, there were great runs from Che C (5th), Steve McGrory (21st) and Paul McCrone (30th). Steve had flown in from Ireland to make sure he could make Dartford.
In the second race, we had the men’s 60-69, 70+ and the womens 65+. Our M60 team scooped bronze with Roger B (5th), Len (21st), Luke (22nd) and Stephen Scobie (22nd).
The M70s went one better, picking up team silver John Barron (7th), Julian (8th), Andy G (12th). In the women’s race, we had our stalwarts Zoe and Annabelle doing us proud with 9th and 10th place finishes. No team prize as you need 3 to score, but next year we know we will have another in that age category and we expect to win our first team prize for the 65+ women. How exciting!
The third race of the day was all the remaining women’s categories and a very strong field – V35-44, V45-54, V55-64. After a skillful reshuffle, we had exactly 3 runners in each category enabling us to win team GOLD in all 3 categories. V35 – Lin, 2 (V50), Vic C, 3 (V40), Nesrin 5 (V40), V45 – Vic Buck 4 (V50), Teresa 5, Suze 17 (V50), V55, Clare1 (V60), Nicky 7(V60), Ronnie 10th (V60) (not last by any stretch!).
Fourth Race Mens V40, Kent AC were 3rd team behind very strong Blackheath & Bromley and Cambridge Harriers teams. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get back to our winning ways next year. Barny (4th), Rob L (10th), Jonathon T (13th), Alex H (14th), Pete L (15th), Jonathon B (22nd), Michael G (35th), Samuel W (36th), Tim S (41st), Stephen J (48th), Khawaja (57th).
The day then ended brilliantly with us doing our part in the clear up and then moving past the rest of the field to the malt and shovel pub where we enjoyed post match glory, refreshments and rather lovely food.
Well done to all who ran and thank you to all who pitched in any way – Kent Vets Rule.
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
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.
Some really important notices, announcements, celebrations and successes this week, so please grab your drink of choice and read closely!
This week sees our Annual General Meeting – Tuesday, 20:30, Blythe Hill Tavern. More details below, but the most important request to each and every person reading this is to please join, whether in person or virtually. Your voices, votes and quorate attendance really matter.
We normally spend our weekends painting various towns navy…. but it’s that time of year to paint the town red! Our Christmas party is only three weeks away, so if you’re thinking about coming, now is the time to get your ticket and start getting festive! Don’t miss out!
If you read on, you’ll read all about this week’s Surrey League match, which Kent AC hosted. None of this would have been possible without the incredible organisation and hard work of none other than Ken Pike. Which is fitting, because earlier this week, the inaugural Track and Field Inclusion Awards, backed by UK Athletics, recognised Ken Pike’s leadership and contribution to the sport, so often behind the scenes, by awarding him the Unsung Hero Award. You can read more about the award ceremony here. Thank you, Ken, for all you do for Kent AC and for our sport!
There were a handful of athletes who didn’t make it to Beckenham yesterday, who did our vest proud in a host of other ways this weekend! A huge well done to:
– Lin Skinner for running a 10km PB of 38:27 in Brighton, and a possible England qualification to boot! Wow!
– Clare Elms for coming 1st V60 at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International in Leeds – incredible, as ever!
– Adam Paterson for coming 4th overall and 1st V40 at the Tweed Valley 65km Ultra…brilliant!
– The Brampton Carlisle 10 miler representatives, who collectively came 2nd team. Awesome running by Nick Acfield in 50:30, Rob Sesemann in 50:31, Ben Clarke in 51:20, James Boustead in 58:15, and Alex Clarkson in 58:59. Smashed it!
Same time next week for a recap of South of the Thames XC and the AGM?
AGM – THIS TUESDAY
A big reminder that the club’s Annual General Meeting will take place this week – starting at 20:30 on Tuesday 18th November at the Blythe Hill Tavern.
It’s important that as many people turn out as possible, so come along after training for a drink and refreshments (which will be provided). You can also join virtually through a link which will be sent out this week.
20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
🎄*Kent AC’s Christmas Party*🎄
What are you waiting for? XC season is well underway, Mariah is crooning, the John Lewis advert is streaming, the mince pies have been on shop shelves for at least 6 weeks already… whether you’re already in full tinsel and glitter, or whether you’re bah humbugging your way until 1st December… don’t hang around because our annual Christmas Party is now just a few weeks away. Get your tickers now so as not to miss out on the season’s finest soiree!
Tickets are £15 including an arrival drink and buffet. Plus-ones very welcome.🥂
On Saturday the 15th of November it was Kent AC’s home winter cross country race at Beckenham Place Park. Perhaps the combination of short commute, home turf, and time of year meant a huge turn out of runners from the Club. The senior women had 33 runners – possibly a record turn out for Surrey League? While the senior men had 66. Huge thank you to everyone for sporting the navy vest to front the hills and represent. The race is well summed up by Joe English who said; “The first lap felt a bit too good, the second lap felt a bit too bad.”
So how did we do?! Honestly, we smashed it! The senior women A team finished 5th place with Herne Hill Harriers, Belgrave and G&G taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd rank. The B team finished 3rd behind Belgrave and Herne Hill Harriers. Amy Clements proved her strong form remains consistent being first Kent runner home in an impressive 8th position. Amelia Pettitt wasn’t far behind in 12th. Aisling Ahern, Iona Cousland and Molly O’Connor powered through the course as a team, finishing a close 42nd, 45th, and 49th. Special mention to Iona Cousland whose performances get better every week. Completing the B team to score we had Ellie Freeden (57th), Hayley Cherry (62nd), Claire Oxlade (70th), Lara Bromilow (77th) and Elyse Jenkins (78th). The women’s team included a strong line up of new mums (I can count 7) showing us that we can both set the foundation for the next generation of Kent runners while bringing out some stellar performances! There are many on this results board we haven’t mentioned who respectively ran incredible races so bravo to all runners. Reaching a number of 33 runners really speaks to the culture of ‘having a go’ in our club. A culture to be celebrated.
The senior men A team (first 10 to score) finished 2nd place overall behind Belgrave and ahead of Thames Hare and Hounds. While the B team finished 3rd only 12 points behind Herne Hill Harriers (Belgrave 1st). This is an outstanding result considering the men’s individual winner Jake Kavanagh of Holland AC is competing regularly with the likes of Olympian Josh Kerr. Jonathan Collier was first Kent runner home in 6th position only two places ahead of Joe English in 8th. Two in the top 10 is outstanding. Joe came all the way from Bristol and set the bar very high for himself with this race being his Senior debut! Next up was Nick Torry (22nd), Cam Dockerill (26th), Dame Dibaba (27th), Isaac Parker (33rd), Max Nicholls (45th), Matt Speed living up to his name (48th), Olly Buck (62nd) and Robert Elphick 68th completing the 10 to score in 68th position. Calum Fraser, who almost never misses a XC race, led the B team scorers in 92nd position. Barnie Day (93rd), Rob Laing (99th), James Ewing (123), Alex Harris (124), Dominic Le Mare (126), Ian Ellwood (127), Phil Sanders (130), Samuel Dames (131) and Ian Cooper (140). As Ian Elwood put it, “it was fast, it was muddy, it was horrible, and really good fun.”
There are quite a few people behind the scenes who put many volunteer hours into making this race day happen. From the runners point of view the day ran brilliantly and we want to give a huge thanks to all the organisers, time keepers, marshalls, and many more who helped to make it happen.
Thanks as ever to the XC Captains:
Gen Blanch, Parris Williams, James Boustead and Owen Hind
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
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.
It’s all about Beckenham Place Park today, and next week for that matter, when there’s a pleasingly local cross-country race to consider.
Today, however, was Remembrance Sunday, and a fine, crisp autumnal day for Beckenham Running Club’s Charity Trail 10K. All proceeds went to St Christopher’s Hospice and the Royal British Legion. Kent AC runners acquitted themselves well, not least Dame Dibaba, who came in first (having done the same a a matter of routine at Hillyfields parkrun yesterday. Dame’s time today was 36.35). Iona Kane was first woman in 42.14; second woman was Victoria Cartwright in 43.54. Other Kent AC participants included Rebecca Applewhite (59.03) and Sarah Maris-Shaw (1:11.49), with Sarah Young and Sally Urquhart were voluble bystanders supporting their team. Well done, everyone.
Kent & Lewisham women: Rebecca, Victoria, Jane and Sarah
First woman Iona First man Dame
We love to hear your stories and successes to please let us know what races (and runs not races, of course) you’ve participated in. Share your PBs, PTAs (Personal Triumphs against Adversity) and everything in between with the Kent AC community
A BIT OF A KNEES UP
🎄*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.
