SAL in a day’s work
SAL in a day’s work
Kent AC Newsletter 09 August 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
9 August 2026
‘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.
EVENT CALENDAR
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.
The password for the club contacts page hereis .
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