Vamos Amigos
Vamos Amigos
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 07/12/25–
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KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
7 DECEMBER 2025
On top of that, we have news on our lucky winners for the club draw and the balloted London Marathon places which could be revealed now but will instead be left tantalisingly out of reach until the end of this segment in the Newsletter. A bit like one of those pesky clickbait links you see on naff websites.
Valencia soleada where the beer is always cold, the streets are lined with orange trees, the air has a warmth into the winter months, the sun doesn’t set until 5.40 on the winter solstice and the birthplace of paella. Forget all that as it’s also host to what must be the fastest and deepest in quality marathon in the world. 14 Kentiards made their pilgrimage to the Valencia Marathon this year. Remember for every time and PB there are hours upon hours over many weeks, months and even years that build up towards these fast times. These months of stacked training are often done alongside juggling jobs, families and the demands of every day life. It’s genuinely incredible the dedication, consistency and love that our runners and community members have for the sport. From internationally acclaimed athletes to those who get out a few times per week, you’re all fantastic.
Without further ado let’s get into the results. Coming in at 7th place (yes that’s right) and firmly placing himself amongst Britain’s greatest ever athletes is our very own golden Alex Yee! Perhaps you’ve heard of him? He’s the guy that our running track is named after. Alex ran a blazing fast PB of 2:06:38 placing him 2nd in Britain’s mens all time fastest marathons. Coming in hot was previous 2nd claimer Phil Sesemann in a new PB of 2:07:11 who jumps ahead of Steve Jones’s 40 year old run of 2:07:13 in the Britain’s rankings to continue being 5th fastest man over the distance. Next up was Ladywell, Dulwich Park and Waterlink Way regular Ben Clarke in a blazing fast 2:23:51. New to the club and exciting prospect Rhys Doherty arrived next with 2:27:16. Double Threshold setter and Dulwich Local Legend Chris Busaileh came in with a new PB of 2:27:44. South London’s most popular man Harry Tivnen paced himself to 2:40:22. Giving it his all was Philip Woodford-Smith in 2:44:19. Cycle touring star Joseph Yee debuted with 2:44:34. Joseph Wilkes ran a great 3:04:05 and Alex Robbins pushed the himself with a PB of 3:09:42. Ed Osbourne hit 3:26:40 with Beki Hilton Hannis 3:28:15, James Hilton 3:38:25 and John Bell coming in at 4:20:10.
Flying south west, Santa Vic Cartwright holidaying in Lanzarote decided that the barraquitos (I don’t know, Google said it’s popular in the Canary Islands) and the papas arrugadas (again Google) weren’t enough so she made a late entrance to the Lanzarote Half Marathon all Santa’d up. She came 2nd lady and 1st with a Santa beard intact at the end in a time of 1:40:18. Well done!
Flying significantly further south west we had Cam Dockerill representing all of us Kentalians down under in the Warringal Parklands Parkrun, Australia with a speedy 15:38 fresh off the plane. What a way to check the legs still work after 22 hours of flight time.
Now it”s the time that you’ve all been waiting for; the results for the club draw and London Marathon ballot.
Well done Ian Ellwood on winning the club draw.
I hope you’re not on Santa’s naughty list and that he answers your letters for carbon plated shoes James Streatham and Rob Laing because you’re both going to be running the London Marathon as our club place winners!
The hat, and other essential Kent AC merch, is available via the online shop. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
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
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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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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