If you’re one of the doughty athletes who stayed close to home this weekend to take part in the Southern Cross Country Championships in Beckenham Place Park, good choice. It was a great day. If your participation took the form of volunteering to course-recce, marshal and support the 80 or so members that ran the eight- or 15-km race: thank you, thank you. Read on for more details.
There were other races this weekend. The always-enjoyable Canterbury 10 attracted a lucky seven Kent AC runners, and three real tough nuts (tough nutters?) skidded on treacherous Cornish clifftop mud for 50 and 100 terrifying miles.
Clare Elms stayed indoors. Not in her PJs with a takeaway, of course, but indoors as in the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff, where she smashed the indoor world record for 3000m in 10.37.53. She’d been outdoors earlier this week, though, setting a course record at Veterans AC cross-country championships, despite having suffered concussion while weight lifting a few days earlier. There is no stopping this woman.
Looking ahead, as we anticipate bidding farewell to dear old January, who always outstays her welcome, there are some new and exciting dates for the race diary in May and June. They’ll be upon us before we know it.
Please note that membership renewals are available now, and annual or monthly track passes can be purchased as usual from the sumup store.
Also please note that the club has agreed to take on more track time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1700. The purpose is to expand our junior training capacity owing to high demand, but the track is open to all members at this time.
RESULTS ROUND UP
More on that great day in Beckenham. It was perfect cross country weather on Saturday 24 January. The park had plenty of mud and spike-friendly soft going after a week of rain, but the sun was shining, the team flags fluttered, parakeets swooped and shrieked against the blue sky and Kent AC members turned out in force to volunteer, cheer and run (wonderful work, all).
The day belonged to the Senior Men’s team, and most notably Noah Armitage Hookes, first Kent AC man home and tenth overall after running 15 hilly, gruelling kilometres in 47:10. He was chased by John Gilbert (12th in 47:18, Nick Acfield (47:51) and Nick Torry (48:38). Those efforts, aided and abetted by the rest of the team, earned the men a bronze medal. Fantastic.
In the women’s race, Amy Clements led Kent AC home and was 17th overall in 29:15; Iona Cousland ran an outstanding race and was 38th in 30:43; Katie Good was 51st in 31:24. The Kent AC Women’s were fifth.
Kent AC’s younger athletes performed brilliantly, too. Once again Olly Buck ran a blinder and came in 20th in the U20 category. The U13 boys were represented by Jeremy Sharp, Samuel Mashford Thomasson and Otis Atlee. The U13 girls were Bonnie Gale- Sanders and Georgia Fox, the U15 boys were Ed Pearce and Joel Spencer, Daria Gale ran for the U15 girls. In the U17 category the boys were Bert Royle and George Searle and the girls were Tallulah Jones and Alice Hales.
77 Kent AC finishers in all. What a team.
Canterbury 10-mile runners had a successful Sunday morning:
John Gilchrist: 63:12
Tim Church: 63:41
Teresa Murphy: 67.23
Victoria Buck 68:48
Stephen Scobie:71:59
Wayne Flanagan 79:06
Karen Samuel 91:31
Then there was that adventure in Cornwall. Alex Morales and Gian Valentini ran the 50 miles of the South-West Coast Path from the Minack Theatre to Porthtowan that mostly consisted of slippery mud. They were grateful not to do the 100 miler. Adam did the 100 miler and lived to tell this tale:
‘Absolutely shocking…beyond dangerous along the cliff edges between the wind and poor footing (mud and wet rocks)..other organisers would have paused the event.’
We assume a big disclaimer is involved.
No pictures of the resilient Adam, but here are Gian and Alex:
EVENT CALENDAR
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
May 20 – Beckenham Relays
June
17 – Dulwich Relays
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 17:00 – 20:45
Thursday 17:00 – 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 has been one of those off weekends, with not much happening in between action-packed Saturdays. Many Kent runners took the opportunity to get decent long runs in at the start of their marathon block, in unexpectedly mild conditions.
The next big event is the Southern Cross Country Championships at Beckenham Place Park next Saturday, one of the highlights of the season, not just because of its fearsome reputation – the men’s race is close to 15k – but also because for a few years it’s been on our doorstep. At the moment we’re looking at nearly 100 Kent entries, across seniors and juniors, with strong prospects of team medals.
If you’re not running then do turn up to watch and support, and if you can then please volunteer to marshall – these events only happen through the willingness of people to help out.
Please note that membership renewals are available now, and annual or monthly track passes can be purchased as usual from the sumup store.
Also please note that the club has agreed to take on more track time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1700. The purpose is to expand our junior training capacity due to high demand, but the track is open to all members at this time.
EVENT CALENDAR
January
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 17:00 – 20:45
Thursday 17:00 – 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 were out in full force this weekend as XC season got back underway. The club headed to both the Kent County Championships at Brands Hatch and the Surrey League at Mitcham Common. Both races, delivered a big statement from Kent: depth, consistency and a growing confidence across the squads. With the women now firmly in contention for a Surrey League podium and the men showing they can compete right across both teams, this first club fixture of 2026 sets us up brilliantly for the final few races of the cross country season, with more on both below.
Away from the mud, a number of juniors took to the indoor track at Lee Valley on Saturday for the Southern Indoors. Huge well done to Vwede Fydoro-Okiti who came 5th in the U13B 60m, and Tess Hepple who claimed Bronze in the U17W 60m hurdles. Meanwhile, in considerably sunnier climes, Joe English ran a rapid 29:19 at the Valencia 10K, winning Wave 1. Kurt Wilkinson and Rob Elphick also impressed with strong runs of 30:48 and 32:46 respectively; a huge well done to all.
A few more standout performances deserve a mention: Vic Cartwright placed 4th female and 1st VW40 at the Temple Newsam Ten in absolutely Baltic conditions, while James Bates went one better on the endurance scale by completing the Country to Capital 43-mile ultra today — Wendover to London in 9 hours 10 minutes. Incredible stuff.
For something a bit less gruesome, the next social run will take place on Wednesday evening (14th Jan). Meet at Brockley Brewery (Brockley) just before 7pm. Any belongings can be left there during the run!
Lastly, Caroline Ford won the club draw for January! We still have several numbers available, for £6 per month or £72 per year, for a chance to win £250 each month. Get in touch if you’d like to enter.
BIG GRIT AT BRANDS HATCH
While the bulk of the club headed to Mitcham for the Surrey League, a small but determined Kent contingent took on the notoriously tough Brands Hatch course on the same bitterly cold day. With bitter temperatures, relentless hills and exposed track making it feel even colder, those who toed the line there were nothing short of heroic.
On the men’s side, Kent was represented by a lone warrior, Michael Gibson, who produced a strong and disciplined run to finish an impressive 53rd in a deep field – a very strong performance.
In the women’s race, Vic Buck flew the Kent flag with real distinction, charging home in a superb 12th place against high-quality opposition on one of the regions most demanding courses.
A massive shout out to your junior representatives too. Bravo to Olly Buck on 3rd place at Kent Country Champs in the U20s, and commiserations to Luke Roderick who led U15 to halfway before an ankle injury.
With small numbers but big performances, Kent AC left their mark at Brands Hatch.
FINDING OUR FEET AT MITCHAM COMMON
Mitcham Common greeted us with classic cross-country conditions for our first club fixture of 2026: a crisp, still winter’s day with temperatures peaking at just 4°C. With firm ground in places and plenty of mud and undulation elsewhere, it was a proper test for everyone as both our women and men delivered another hugely positive set of results in the Surrey League.
Women’s race: Seventeen Kent women took to the start line, giving us two complete teams with five to score. Despite a few late withdrawals through illness and injury, the squad produced a superb collective performance, with the A team finishing 4th and the B team 5th – a result that puts us firmly in the hunt for a Surrey League podium overall.
We had five women inside the top 50, narrowly missing out on a sixth, and led once again by the ever-reliable Amy Clements, who was first Kent runner home in an outstanding 11th place. Iona Cousland continues to grow in strength and followed up with a brilliant 26th, while Clare Elms, having sacrificed Kent Counties to support the team here, was rewarded with 36th overall and third Kent scorer. Elinor (Lin) Skinner ran another strong race to finish 48th, with Molly O’Connor rounding out the scoring five in 53rd.
That scoring combination secured fourth place for the A team, while our B team also impressed. Claire Oxlade (72nd) led that group home, backed up by Fran Buss (105th), Genevieve Blanch (108th), Karina Box (114th) and Sally Urquhart (124th). A special mention goes to Sally, who turns up to every race with enthusiasm and energy, ran a fantastic race and was rightly delighted to make the scoring team.
Behind them, Kent’s depth was on show with Suze Spalding, Jo Wint, Johanna Mott, Ronnie Haydon, Sarah Young, Annabelle Hadlow and Zoë Gaffen all battling through the cold and tough conditions to bring home a strong day overall for the team.
Men’s race: Thirty-two Kent men lined up for the later start, with ten to score for each team, and the club delivered a strong Surrey League performance to keep both teams well within podium contention. The A team finished 4th, while the B team produced the club’s highest placing of the day in an outstanding 3rd – a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.
A number of runners were making their first Surrey League appearances of the 2025/26 season, including Rhys Doherty (66th), Ben Clarke (85th), Tom Mower (95th), Neil Phillips (180th), Rob Wells (303rd) and Will Ross (251st), all getting stuck in on a demanding course.
At the sharp end, Owen Hind led Kent home with a superb 9th place, closely followed by a standout run from Nick Acfield, who recorded his highest ever Surrey League finish in an excellent 12th. They were backed up by Nicholas Torry (20th), Isaac Parker (37th), Robert Sesemann (44th) and Max Nicholls (46th), forming a strong front pack that kept Kent in the mix throughout.
There were also some excellent supporting performances further down the field. James Ewing (119th) continues to take brilliantly to cross country, along with Dominic Le Mare (124th). Alex Harris (128th) – fresh from his recent Parkrun PB – and Rob Laing (129th) all showed strong, consistent form over the mud and hills.
With both men’s teams finishing inside the top four, and the B team reaching the podium, it was a hugely encouraging day for Kent.
A day to build on.
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.
We only have two hats left on the online shop – act ASAP if you want to snatch one of these up. Message Sarah Young on the WhatsApp group for collection.
EVENT CALENDAR
January
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 that time of year when the weather puts paid to half-baked new years resolutions, but that didn’t stop over 40 Kent AC members descending on Hilly Fields parkrun on Saturday morning in the frost… that’s true grit for you. With more cold weather due, keep an eye out in WhatsApp groups for updates on track conditions and any closures.
If this weekend is anything to go by, 2026 is already shaping up to be a good one! A huge well done to Iona Cousland for running a lightning fast 1.24.45 at this morning’s Victoria Park half marathon. And congrats to Harry Tivnen for running 15:16 at the NYE podium 5k in Battersea Park a few days ago.
Next week sees a return to regular XC scheduling with the Surrey League at Mitcham Common. Details to be posted later this week, but do check out details below to purchase a bobble hat if you didn’t get one in your stocking this year.
Wishing everyone at Kent AC a very happy, healthy, fast and fun 2026! If you’re looking for new things to try out this year, why not consider volunteering to help with the club? And as ever, if you have a story or success to share, then please do email in – we love to hear from you and celebrate with you.
JOE APPIAH AWARDED MBE IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST!
On behalf of everyone at Kent AC, a tremendous congratulations to our very own Joe Appiah, who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to Sport, to Public Health and Public Service!
You can read more about Joe’s contribution to the Kent AC community, athletics and coaching, and to Prostate Cancer UK here and listen to Joe’s story here. Both are an incredible testament alongside Joe’s World, European and British records for 60m and 100m hurdles.
In Joe’s own words, “I am extremely proud. To be recognised for helping others, is truly overwhelming and humbling. Arriving in the UK from Ghana when l was nearly 15 years old, growing up in a council estate, being bullied at school and in my area for my deepest African accent and the way l looked. I left school with limited qualifications and with over 100 unsuccessful admin/filing job applications as a 17-year-old boy. Nobody gave me a chance. My first job was cleaning my local church floors before working as a post delivery and messenger in the city. Sports gave me confidence and a platform to shine. I am absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for my resilience, determination, consistency and positivity in everything l do. Keep believing, keep working hard, dreams do come true. I am delighted to be recognised for health awareness, sports achievements and 36+ years in the civil service performing various roles.”
Thank you, Joe, for all you do and a very well done indeed!
Joe on starting duties last week at Sutcliffe
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
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.
