XC Marks the Spot
XC Marks the Spot
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 11/01/26–
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KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
11 JANUARY 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
January
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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