Spikes out in full force
Spikes out in full force
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 23/11/25–
View this email in your browser
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
23 November 2025
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.
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.
Full results here.
Lin, Nicky and Jules
Vets XC Captains
🎄*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.🥂
Purchase your tickets below ⬇️
https://kentac.sumupstore.com
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
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
March
29 – Southern 12 Stage Road Relay – Milton Keynes
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
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).
–
–>
