New year, new MBE!!!

Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 04/01/26–

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KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
 4 JANUARY 2026

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

March
29 – Southern 12 Stage Road Relay – Milton Keynes

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

TRACK, TRACK, TRACK

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).

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.

The password for the club contacts page here is .

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