Melting moments
Melting moments
Kent AC Newsletter 28 June 2026–
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ –[if (gte mso 9)|(IE)]> [endif]–>View this email in your browser
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[endif]–>–[if (gte mso 9)|(IE)]> [endif]–>KENT AC NEWSLETTER
28 JUNE 2026
Many of the scheduled events that would have been reported here evaporated in this week’s record-breaking heat. Some hardy types turned up at the track/furnace last Tuesday and Thursday, but most preferred to be early-doors shade-seeking missiles in bosky parks.
With the Dulwich relays cancelled, Battersea’s Run Through event cancelled and Saturday’s KYAL also cancelled, it was up to Saturday’s parkrun and Sunday’s much-anticipated North Downs Run to create some hype. The NDR, bucking the trend, was in fact cooler that usual this year than years gone by.
Respect to all those who slogged through a parkrun yesterday, but huge kudos goes to any women (we salute you, Gen), who were carrying a little passenger…here’s our little posse of veteran mums, new mums and mums-to-be-from Dulwich parkrun yesterday:
Then there was the little matter of the North Downs Run the following day (Sun 28 June) and Kent AC, produced a good show-up, albeit a smaller team than usual:
A round of applause for the chap in the red cap on the right – our illustrious president Jules Gevers – who won the BMAF bronze in this gruelling race.
Congratulations, too, to Steve Scobie, who won bronze in his age category at the Marathon Mont Blanc, despite the punishing heat:
In other news, we have our latest SAL report (the competition took place last Sunday but went on too long for our reporter on the ground to verify all the results); a reminder of the Assembly League next Thursday and more details about the Ron Hale Open.
There are still places available for multiple events for the Ron Hale Open on July 5. Do join in, as a competitor, spectator or volunteer.
Please also note that if you have not yet paid for your EA Registration for 2026/7 and take part in races please do so by the end of this weekend (latest Monday) so that it can be processed before the end of the month. This is the end of the EA grace period. You can pay via the Kent AC online store. This mainly applies to those who do not pay annual club fees (life members, honorary members, coaches).
SAL REPORT
Alex Harris writes:
‘At the SAL, the women’s group had some brave performances in the crushing heat the summer solstice. Highlights included an Irish 1,2 in the 3,000m from Teresa Murphy and Aisling Ahern, to win both A and B strings. Ellie Hepple made an elegant debut in her first ever 400m hurdles race. Shamariah put the rest of the field on Notice as she picked up points across multiple sprint events, notably 3rd place in the 200m. Special mention also to Jo and Sofia who kept us organised. There were too many other women to name, smashing a whole cocktail of events – well done to all who donned the singlet and the factor 50 to represent the club.
On the men’s side it was a brave team performance, filling almost all events including a last minute entry from Che Compton in the Steeplechase. The standout event of the day was the 1500m with Theo Gaymes running a fine tactical race to take the overall victory with a strong last lap and Bert Royle close behind to win the B String. Theo also ran an excellent 400m in 51.2 to finish 3rd against strong competition. Elsewhere, we did well in the 3000m with Calum Fraser 2nd A string and Olly Buck winning the B String. A big shout out to all out multi eventers especially James Bowler and Narciso Lopez Guerrero who covered all four throws. James also scored good points in the vertical jumps despite starting the day with a sprained ankle.
Overall, the Kent AC team put in a spirited performance in trying conditions. There is all to play for in the two remaining matches. Club men and women, Kent AC needs YOU at the next SAL on 19th July in Cambridge! Sign up here.
Finally, thanks to our officials for volunteering and helping score valuable points.’
IN RON’S FOOTSTEPS
The annual Ron Hale Open will be held at the Alex Yee Arena on Sunday 5 July. This is our big summer event. Ron Hale was a fine athlete and a member of this club for 70 years before he died in 2023.
Entry costs cover the hire of the track and electronic timing, and refreshments and expenses for volunteers and officials. Please contact Dan if you’d like to compete but cannot afford the entry fee.
We will have 100m, 300m (juniors only), 400m, 3000m and hurdles, plus high jump and long jump. Do enter if you want to compete, try an event, or just set a good time; sign up here
Entries close 30 June
This year there’ll be a 4x100m relay, so if you’d like to compete in that
please express interest here
We will need lots of volunteers to put this on, helping with putting out hurdles, crowd control, registration, lap counting, pit raking, and plenty more. If you’re available on the day, please contact Richard Giles or Dan Ansell to offer your services.
ASSEMBLY LEAGUE THIS THURSDAY
Sutcliffe Park – Thursday 2nd July at 19:30
The fourth Assembly League race of the season is Thursday night in Sutcliffe Park
There is a new Race HQ at the John Roan Sports Club, where there are changing rooms and we can leave bags during the race. Their bar will be open after the race and they’ll be serving pizzas. They are letting the league use the clubhouse for free, so we’re being encouraged to make use of the bar afterwards. The sports club is a 2 – 3 minute jog from the start.
Race HQ address: John Roan School Playing Fields, 50 Kidbrooke Park Rd, London SE3 9NF
The race is a 5km on paths round the park. It’s a slight variation on the Parkrun course.
The club covers everyone’s fees, so all you need to do to run is turn up on the night, collect a number from the Kent envelope and register on the spreadsheet (which will be sent round closer to the time.) Please do not re-use a number from a previous race.
FAQ
What is the Assembly League? A series of 6 races from April to September. The races are usually the first Thursday of the month.
How long are the races? They are all approximately 5km.
Can anyone run? Yes! The Assembly League is open to runners of all abilities.
How much does it cost? The club covers everyone’s entry fees. If you are a Kent AC member you can run for free.
How do I register and get the results? Collect a number from the Kent AC envelope and register on the spreadsheet that is sent out. Please do register on the spreadsheet, it causes a lot of work for the team managers and the person that does the results if you don’t. Results are usually available a couple of days after the race.
What do I need? Your Kent AC vest and pins. There generally isn’t anywhere secure to leave valuables, so best not to bring too many with you.
JUNIOR NEWS
Well done to all the young athletes who competed at the South of England Championships in blistering heat this weekend.
Bert Royle U18B got a PB of 4:15.77 in the 1500m.
Zac Murray U14B got through the 80H heats and came 6th in the final.
Otis Atlee U14B ran a PB of 26.48s in the 200m and made it through the long jump heats to the final with a 6th place PB of 461cm.
Claudia Rigby U16G competed in the 300H.
Vwede Fydoro-Okiti (age 12 – U14 Boys) improved his 100m PB by four tenths of a second, running 13.14.
Vwegba Fydoro-Okiti (age 15 – U16 Boys) recorded a solid 11.99 in the 100m despite a strong headwind.
Shekinah Acheampong (age 14 – U16 Women) jumped a Triple Jump PB of 10.26m, improving by exactly 50cm.
Zoe Folarin (age 13 – U16 Girls) made a promising Triple Jump debut, recording 9.24m.
Thanks so much to coaches for all of their hard work in getting athletes ready to compete.
EVENT CALENDAR
June
30 – Post-track Social
July
2 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – Ron Hale Open – Alex Yee Arena
19 – SAL – Cambridge
15 – Post-track Social
25 – Beckenham parkrun takeover
August
6 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
8 – SAL – Dartford
23 – KYAL – U12 – Tonbridge
Sepember
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
29 – Post-track Social
TRACK! TRACK! TRACK!
Buy your track pass here.
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.
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 INFORMED
You can have your say about what goes in the newsletter and keep us appraised of your results or running adventures by emailing the comms team directly here.
The password for the club contacts page hereis .
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