Running out of 2025
Running out of 2025
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 28/12/25–
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KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
28 DECEMBER 2025
This past week, if fitness, family and feasting have allowed, has been an eventful one for Kent AC runners. It started on Tuesday, on the track, as all good things do, with the annual pre-Christmas Paarlauf (that’s German for Pair-Run), as organised by the fabulous Adrian. It consists of a series of eye-balls-out efforts, this year it was 400s, in nicely matched pairs. Teams are arranged to include the right balance of speedsters and the more sedate amongst us. Everyone agreed the session was a great success.
‘Let’s get to work’
Thursday was Christmas Day, so Kent AC runners left their chocolate coins half eaten, jammed on a Santa hat (and in some cases the full beard and red coat combo) and dashed to their nearest parkrun. Absolute scenes:
After which, it was back for sprout/spud/stuffing duties and an extra-large refuel in order to get round the Boxing Day walk and the next parkrun on Saturday. Some people chose to seek out a year’s end race in picturesque settings. Some, in fact, chose to run very fast indeed and win their age group. Step up, once again, Victoria Cartwright, who absolutely smashed the Chevin Chase:
The youngsters were also out in force today; scoring loads of PBs and inspired by our very special Kent AC hurdler, Joe Appiah, on starting duties.
Meanwhile, over in Buntingford (Hertfordshire) Sam Wilcock ran ten hilly miles in 65.07 and John Gilbert went north to the Ribble Valley, there to run the 10k in an astonishing 30:17, which takes him to fifth all time on the British V45 10k rankings. Bravo!
Finally cast your mind back to last Sunday (which honestly feels like a century ago) and the many Santa dashes that took place on that day. Dan Lineham certainly won’t forget his unofficial ‘first finisher in a Santa hat’ achievement. We hope he enjoyed his flaming pudding on Thursday:
See you on 10 January 2026, newly resolved to run the next round of Surrey League.
Before that, entries are due in by 6 January for the Southern Cross Country Championships at Beckenham Place Park on 24 January. As in previous years, the club requests a £5 contribution from all senior runners in order to confirm their place. If you’d like to enter please contact Owen Hind or Gen Blanche and pay the contribution at the club store.
Also, make sure to get your entries in for the Surrey League Cross Country races in both January and February.
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
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
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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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