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The 4x100m sprint is one of the most exciting spectacles an armchair athletics fan can enjoy, as Amy Hunt and her team-mates demonstrated a week ago at the European Championships. This week, it was the turn of the youth talent, and most notably Kent AC’s boys, to get everyone’s heart racing. Our under-16 boys 4×100 team were up there in Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium representing with aplomb in the National Relay Championships. This was a fantastic opportunity for some of the club’s young sprint talent to compete on the national stage. Earlier in the season the talented team, comprising Vwegba, Ola, David and Zy’Shae had run 45.09 to win at the KYAL, and this gave them the team pass they needed to compete in the Nationals this weekend. They did not let us down. Their first task, to put together a good heat and trust the exchanges. This was achieved in short order: they were second in the heats in 44.30 and ready for the final. They duly improved on that time for the final and ran a PB of 44:13, coming in fifth. Absolutely brilliant running, lads!

Meanwhile, in Tonbridge, the KYAL Under-12 boys and girls competition took place. Our bijou team of just seven youngsters (illness and holidays limiting our numbers somewhat) acquitted themselves very well indeed, with our girls winning their heat in the relays. Thanks to all of our volunteers and the parents who came along to support their children. Here are the winning girls:

L to R: Amaya, Jenny, Isla and Lily

Meanwhile, over in Co. Antrim on the same day, Robert Elphick ran 66:44 in the half marathon, coming home in 32nd place.

Also this weekend, and rather closer to home, we had 18 Kent AC in the Peckham Pacers 5000 at Southwark (pictured below).

There’s another date with Peckham’s runners to put in your diary, this time a parkrun social on 5 September.  Later that same month, the next big things: our late Summer meet on 10 September, and a week before that, the last Assembly League of the season.

PECKHAM PACERS RACERS

Those brilliant 5k times from Friday night in Southwark, in full.

Nic Acfield 15:21

Joe Hartley 15:26

Calum Fraser15:36

Dan Pettitt 15:46

Samuel Dames 15:59 (PB)

Matteo Gaia 16:12

Dave Morgan 16:29

Ben Racle 16:29

Jeremias Kempke 17:00

Gian Valentini 17:02

Richard Giles17:03

Philip Woodford Smith 17:38

Caoimhe nic Fhogartaigh 18:45

Jo Wint 21:06 (PB)

Thanks to Owen Hind, who was pacing runners to a sub-15 mins. This event was generally agreed to be fantastic club champs material.

WAKE UP BEFORE SEPTEMBER ENDS

Entries are now open for this season’s last KAC hosted open meet on Thursday 10 September.

If you wish to compete in the 200m, 400m or 5000m, plus the long jump, or 150m and 800m (juniors only) then you can register here.

Additionally, we will need help in organising the event, so if you’re available, or competing and have some extra time, please contact Richard Giles or Dan Ansell.

September
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
5 – Peckham parkrun social

10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
29 – Post-track Social

October

10 – Surrey League xc – Wimbledon

November

14 – Surrey League xc – BPP

17 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern

TBC – South of the Thames Junior xc – TBC

21 – Kent Vets xc – Dartford

28 – SEAA Masters xc – TBC

December

TBC – South of the Thames Senior xc – TBC

January 2027

9 – Kent County xc – Gravesend

16 – Surrey League – Guildford

30 – Southern xc Championhips – BPP

February

13 – Surrey League – TBC

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.

CLUB CONTACTS PAGE

The password for the club contacts page here is kacladywell2022.

View this email in your browser

‘Twas the week in between the Commonwealth Games and the European Athletics Championships, but fear not, sports fans, there’s been plenty of action on the track and field this week to keep us all entertained! A massive well done and thank you to everyone who took part at yesterday’s final SAL fixture in Dartford – a brilliant team effort across events and officiating too.

This weekend also saw the British Transplant Games in Sheffield. The purpose of the Transplant Games is to celebrate life after organ transplantation, demonstrate the physical success of life-saving surgeries, and raise public awareness for organ donation. They bring together recipients, living donors, and donor families to build a supportive community. We had two Kent AC representatives. Vic Cartwright completed the Donor Run with her mum. Meanwhile Tracey Griffiths completed the perfect podium set, with a bronze medal in the shot put, two silver medals in javelin and ball throw, and a gold in the discus! Incredible, both of you.

Vic continued her epic run of form by today placing 2nd female at the Temple Newsman 10k – also bumping into a familiar face to many in Kieran Fitzpatrick. Great Kent AC representation up north!

BULLSEYES AT THE DART-FORD

With huge thanks to Sofia for the following report (and for incredible Captaining!), here’s a summary of all the action in Dartford yesterday. Well done to everyone who showed up and contributed in any way!

We closed out the SAL season on Saturday with some fine performances in the dust and high heat of Dartford. It was especially great to see every training group represented, with everyone bringing their strengths to the squad.

The women’s 3000m saw Kent take the top three spots thanks to Amelia Pettitt (10:38.9), Aisling Ahern (11:13.8) and Teresa Murphy (11:16.5), with Vicky Boyle coming in 6th (11:51.3) on a day when she gamely raced the 400m, 800m and 4×400 too.

Lin Skinner took on the middle distance events with verve and conviction, and had a strong finish to beat her opponent for second place in the women’s 800m race (2:31.3). Shamariah Notice cemented her place as most consistent female sprinter for Kent, and Gabriella Adejumo long jumped to a new PB of 5.34, which gave her silver on the day, before she had to retire due to injury. We wish her a speedy recovery!

Clare Elms continued her dominance of the 1500m (5:04.7), and added a new format to her arsenal: the 1500m (dry) steeplechase, which she won with flair. The steeplechase brought more glory to Kent on the men’s side, with Ian Ellwood and Abdullah Kizito winning A and B strings with ease.

There were strong performances from many in the men’s squad: Theo Gaymes ran a perfectly judged 800m to win in 1:59.3, Bert Royle won the 1500m B string, and Olly Buck ran his heart out in the 1500m, 3000m and 4x400m. Will Pitt made his return to track racing, and Ellis Metzger ran, relayed, hurdled, and pole vaulted, collecting valuable points across technical disciplines.

James Bowler, a pillar of the team who competed in almost every field event, notched PBs in the discus (25.21), hammer (17.75), and shot putt (8.22).

Speaking of PBs and pillars of the team, Derek Olewunne and Robin Clarke, part of the core sprint group that has been at every SAL, both got PBs in the 100m (11.3 and 11.7 respectively), and Robin had a strong run in the 200m B race to finish second.

Our volunteers and officials put in a huge shift out in the scorching sun, huge thanks to them! Beverley and Derwyn Kennedy also had time to hop into several events, including a fab 800m for Beverley and discus for Derwyn, while Jo Cartledge officiated, competed, and team managed all in one day — a new record!

Many thanks also to Ian Ellwood for jumping in to officiate, as well as Phil Marsden, who also kindly led the group and trained everyone on the events!

Thank you to everyone who took part this season. We’re likely going to be heading down to Division 3 next year, which will see more local competitions. We’ve done well to hold our own in Division 2 for several years, and I’m sure we’ll be back up here soon!

WAKE UP BEFORE SEPTEMBER ENDS

Entries are now open for this season’s last KAC hosted open meet on Thursday 10 September!

If you wish to compete in the 200m, 400m or 5000m, plus the long jump, or 150m and 800m (juniors only) then you can register here.

Additionally, we will need help in organising the event, so if you’re available, or competing and have some extra time, please contact Richard Giles or Dan Ansell.

August

12 – Social run
23 – KYAL – U12 – Tonbridge

September
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
29 – Post-track Social

October

10 – Surrey League xc – Wimbledon

November

14 – Surrey League xc – BPP

17 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern

TBC – South of the Thames Junior xc – TBC

21 – Kent Vets xc – Dartford

28 – SEAA Masters xc – TBC

December

TBC – South of the Thames Senior xc – TBC

January 2027

9 – Kent County xc – Gravesend

16 – Surrey League – Guildford

30 – Southern xc Championhips – BPP

February

13 – Surrey League – TBC

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.

CLUB CONTACTS PAGE

The password for the club contacts page here is kacladywell2022.

View this email in your browser

We suspect many of you are deep into your holidays, either trying different challenges (how about running up Mt Ventoux? Or cycling Lejog?) or finding ways to entertain the kids. Meanwhile, many of those still in London went up to Victoria Park on Thursday for the 5th Assembly League race of the season, while others competed for PBs on track and road. Report on the Assembly League below.

Last Wednesday in Battersea a few KAC athletes ran well in the top flight 5k races – Jonathan Collier (15:05), Joe Hartley (15:45), Ian Ellwood (17:24) and James Dowell (17:58)

And on Saturday on the track at Wimbledon we had several good 5000m runs – Kurt WIlkinson (14:32 PB), Joe Hartley (again!) (15:17 PB), Mikhail Krimovazov (15:52), Rob Elphick (15:56), Bert Royle (16:17), Dan Pettitt (16:22), Nick Ostrowski (16:51), Jeremias Kempke (16:56) and Amelia Pettitt (17:48)

Over in Bristol on Sunday there was an inter-area Masters T&F tournament, and several of our stalwarts competed and won medals – Lin Skinner won the VW50 1500m (5:12) and came 2nd in the VW50 3000m (11:21), Joe Appiah competed in 4 events, getting a gold in the 100mh (in which he holds the VM50 WR) in 14.36, a silver in the LJ (5.66m), a bronze in the 100m (12.34) and 4th in the relay. Phew! And Emily Murray won the VW35 TJ in 9.88m, and also competed in the 100m relay.

This Saturday we have the final SAL event of the season. It’s at Dartford, which is considerably easier to get to than Watford or Cambridge. As ever, we’re keen to get a strong team out, and to cover all the track and field events, so if you’d like to come and compete, or alternatively help out with officiating, please contact Sofia Contino or Jo Cartledge.

Also, entries are now open for the last KAC hosted open meet.on Thursday 10 September. If you wish to compete in the 200m, 400m or 5000m, plus the long jump, or 150m and 800m (juniors only) then you can register here. Additionally, we will need help in organising the event, so if you;re available, or competing and have some extra time, please contact Richard Giles or Dan Ansell.

ASSEMBLY LEAGUE #5

The Victoria Park races are always slightly tougher as they’re the ones that Highgate turn up for, and so it proved. While they didn’t have all their best runners out, neither did we, and we ended up with mixed results compared to our usual clean sweep.

The men’s A team, led by James Ewing in 6th in 17:36 over the 3.5 mile course, came 3rd behind Victoria Park Harriers and Highgate, the team completed by Calum Fraser (10th), Dave Morgan (11th) and Mark Hall (12th) The B team (Sean Fitzpatrick, Matt Speed, Che Compton and Rory Knight) won their category ahead of Highgate, showing our strength in depth.

The women’s team, helped by the return of Amy Clements (2nd female finisher) and Catherine Kandie (3rd) won their A category easily, with Katie Good and Vic Buck completing the team, and the B team (Suz Spalding, Jo Wint, Sally Urquhart and Sarah Parry) came 2nd in their category. There were age category wins for Dave Morgan (VM40), Len Reilly (VM60), Catherine Kandie (VW35, Amy Clements (VW40), Vic Buck (VW50) and Miki Jablkowska (VW70)

There was good cheap food and drink, plus catchups afterwards, and we now look forward to the final race of the season (with prizegiving), at Beckenham Place Park on Thursday Sep 3rd. Do come and join the club if you’re available!

August
8 – SAL – Dartford

12 – Social run
23 – KYAL – U12 – Tonbridge

September
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
29 – Post-track Social

October

10 – Surrey League xc – Wimbledon

November

14 – Surrey League xc – BPP

17 – AGM – Blythe Hill Tavern

TBC – South of the Thames Junior xc – TBC

21 – Kent Vets xc – Dartford

28 – SEAA Masters xc – TBC

December

TBC – South of the Thames Senior xc – TBC

January 2027

9 – Kent County xc – Gravesend

16 – Surrey League – Guildford

30 – Southern xc Championhips – BPP

February

13 – Surrey League – TBC

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.

CLUB CONTACTS PAGE

The password for the club contacts page here is kacladywell2022.