Friday more like FriYAY. I’m sure that thought crossed the minds of many a Kent runner at this year’s first edition of the FNUL over in Battersea Park on Friday 27th.
The park was glowing, but our runners were brighter at the latest Friday Night Under the Lights (FNUL) 5k. It turns out that if you put a timing chip on our lot and point them toward a flat path in Battersea, they stop being humans and start being heat-seeking missiles.
A massive shoutout to Owen Hind, who clocked a staggering 13:58.
Breaking the 14-minute barrier is simply staggering. Well done!
The rest of the squad didn’t exactly hang around to admire the scenery either. The sub-15 club is getting suspiciously crowded:
Joe English: 14:10 (Chasing Owen’s shadow), Noah: 14:26, Kurt Wilkinson: 14:38, Harry Tivnen: 14:52, Jake Simmonds: 15:34, Dave Morgan: 16:13, Simon Vaisey: 16:15, Katie Good: 18:51 (Living up to the surname, as always!)
This is what Owen had to say post-race, “When you’re running 20 mile training days – 5k doesn’t seem very far in the end.”
That’s definitely one for the Train Harder mentality.
He also said something much more endearing on one of the many Kent Whatsapp groups, “There was a Sunday a few weeks ago when it was pissing it down with rain and we were running silly mileage and speed. There was no-one else I’d have rather been with than with you lot.”
I love that. So much of modern life can be done in solitude. We work from home, we order food to our home, we communicate with friends and family from home. Also don’t get me started on how expensive trains are. Running is often seen to be one of those other solitary activities. One where if you just put the mileage in then you’ll achieve the results all by yourself. And I call bull on that. Humans are pack animals. We love to be around one another; talking, laughing, eating, exercising. Whatever it is, we enjoy doing it with others and, in the modern world with our busy lives, running is such an excellent way to be those pack animals again. Owen’s results and all the results that we achieve wearing a Kent AC vest are of course incredible achievements as individuals. However, each of our own efforts is one block in the overall foundation that make up our running and lives. This running community that we are all a part of; the newsletter readers, those who proudly slip on the Kent AC tops and even those further afield who are spotted on a random start line somewhere; improves us all. We see one another and motivate one another. At least that’s what I take from Owen’s post-race sign off. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.
But I do think that next time you see a new runner down at the track, hoping to join in with this amazing community. You know the type; the one who’s ran a few good parkruns, they’re known as the ‘really good runner’ by everyone around them, maybe they’ve got a marathon coming up and they want some proper training. They’re intimidated by the number of people, the thought of stepping on the wrong part of the track, tripping over someone else’s foot or simply not being able to keep up. Basically, it’s their first day of school and they’ve just been chucked into PE with all the sporty kids. I know because that’s exactly how I felt first time I made it down to the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena. The next time you see someone like that; make them feel welcome and we’ll all be stronger for it.
Finally please note a Kent AC parkrun takeover at Hilly Fields on 21st March. Come along to run (in your Kent vest), meet other Kent runners, or volunteer by contacting the Hilly Fields team.
Cross Country and National XC
“No-one achieved anything of note so you may as well make it entertaining.” Stated from a Kent AC runner on the coach back.
I like this diagnosis. It’s to the point and frankly I think it can sometimes be a sound philosophy to live by. Why else would a bunch of South Londoners leave their jobs/partners/children/multitude of other duties to get up ludicrously early, hop on a coach/car/tram/train to different parts of the country for a run in some mud with thousands of other runners all doing the same thing? I for one must admit that I often questioned my choices rather severely. However, that feeling swiftly dissipated as soon as the spikes were screwed in and shoes laced up.
There is something about that moment on the start line when thousands of restless legs are in that steady position. Voices hushed, fingers on watches, staring at the patch of grass or the heel of the person in front of you. In that moment, nothing else is more important than the click of the gun at which point carnage will ensue. It’s what I imagine going into battle for some medieval king must have felt like.
Fortunately for us cross country is less about decapitations by mounted knights and more about mud and the odd shove. This year’s XC season was no different. Except actually the mud wasn’t too bad for the most part.
Here’s some of the things that could be overhead this season.
Owen – Jake couldn’t hack it
Jake – Simmonds is back
James – sometimes, Goliath actually does just end up beating David
Matt – form is temporary, class is permanent
Gen – PIES
Joe V – chaffing, pies and merriment
Vic B – molehills
More from Gen – coach travel is the way forward. Pete’s got impressive counting and manoeuvring around a racecourse skills.
Matt – why’s she such a jobsworth?
Anonymous – it’s break up season
Even more from Gen – the true test of nationals is who turns up for the 8am run. Matt and Rob notably didn’t make it to the 8am.
Here are some photos to sum up the Cross Country Season:
Should XC really be considered for the Winter Olympics with days like these in Surrey League Match 1 – Oxted?
Proof that it’s muddier and harder down south
Grit
3 years of 3rd at the Southerns XC
Yes ladies, he is single.
Saving nothing for the sprint finish
A huge thank you goes out to our Cross Country Captains: Gen, James, Owen and Paris. All of our fun in the mud this wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the hard work that you put in to planning, organising, booking, communicating, chasing and then actually racing the events. Well done and thanks again.
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
11 – KYAL – U12 – Dartford
25 – KYAL – U14/U16 – Medway
26 – London Marathon
30 – Open Meet – Alex Yee Arena
May 16 – SAL – Eltham 20 – Beckenham Relays
23 – KYAL – U14/16 – Dartford 29 – Open Meet – Alex Yee Arena
June
21 – SAL – Watford 24 – Dulwich Relays
27 – KYAL – U14/U16 – Dartford
July
5 – ROn Hale Open – Alex Yee Arena
19 – SAL – Cambridge
August
8 – SAL – Dartford
23 – KYAL – U12 – Tonbridge
September
10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
Yesterday saw the climax of the cross country season – the Nationals, this year hosted in Sedgefield, near Durham. Despite the usual stresses of trying to get out full teams for an event that demands a weekend’s commitment, compunded by trouble on the railways necessitating an early start and a 5 hour coach trip, Kent managed to put out 14 men runners, 5 women plus 2 juniors, with highly creditable team results and a few excellent performances. Full report below.
At Lee Valley yesterday, a couple of Kent athletes competed in the British Masters Indoor Championships. Lin Skinner won the W50 800m and 1500m and Amily Murray won the W45 triple jump.
We’re now entering the road season, but also preparing for the track and field season. We have several open meets at the Alex Yee Arena planned for the summer, in addition to the Southern Athletics League (SAL) and Kent Young Athletes League (KYAL) Note that due to England Athletics changing the age categories, the KYAL fixture arrangements are different to previous seasons. All these fixtures have been added to the calendar below.
Notification for the first open meet on 30th April will be sent out shortly – do sign up if you want to take part, but we will also need people to help out, as officials but also for general help. All volunteers appreciated!
As a piece of admin, Jules Gevers notes:
The club is planning to adopt the EA Inclusion policy as a club policy
This will supersede the club’s existing Diversity and Equality policy.
If you have any comments on this please speak to any club committee member. Club Template – Inclusion Policy – England Athletics Club Hub
Finally please note a Kent AC parkrun takeover at Hilly Fields on 21st March. Come along to run (in your Kent vest), meet other Kent runners, or volunteer by contacting the Hilly Fields team.
NATIONAL XC
Kent sent a small squad of runners up to Durham for the weekend, and they performed valiantly in the circumstances, with some individual highlights.
We had two juniors running – Bert Royle completed the U17 boys’ race despite a heavy cold, and Olly Buck came 33rd in the U20 race, a strong finish seeing him pass around 15 runners in the last 1k. As this is his first year in this age category, he has 2 more years to improve on this performance, and this builds on his 3rd place in the Kent County championships which saw him selected for the intercounties next month.
Kent’s small team of women – Aisling Ahern, Gen Blanche, Victoria Buck, Sally Urquhart and Jo Cartledge – fought well and came in 27th overall.
Jo, Aisling, Vic, Sally, Gen
We had 14 men in the senior race, and despite the absence of several of our best runners, KAC managed to finish 12th in the 6 to score competition and 11th in the 9 to score. The outstanding run was by the team captain, Owen Hind. Starting off steadily, he moved up the field and had a storming finish to come in 20th. Getting back to his best.
Noah Armitage Hookes, following up his excellent run in the Southerns, was our second finisher in 65th, and the 6-team was completed by Isaac Parker (141st), Rob Sesemann (146th), Mathew Speed (192nd) and James Boustead (246th) Calum Fraser, Jake Simmonds and Ian Ellwood rounded off the 9-team.
Well done to all who made the trip and ran yesterday, and particular thanks to the cross country captains – Gen Blanche, James Boustead, Parris Williams and Owen Hind – for organising the trip and for their efforts over the whole season.
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
11 – KYAL – U12 – Dartford
25 – KYAL – U14/U16 – Medway
26 – London Marathon
30 – Open Meet – Alex Yee Arena
May 16 – SAL – Eltham 20 – Beckenham Relays
23 – KYAL – U14/16 – Dartford 29 – Open Meet – Alex Yee Arena
June
21 – SAL – Watford 24 – Dulwich Relays
27 – KYAL – U14/U16 – Dartford
July
5 – ROn Hale Open – Alex Yee Arena
19 – SAL – Cambridge
August
8 – SAL – Dartford
23 – KYAL – U12 – Tonbridge
September
10 – Late Summer Meet – Alex Yee Arena
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
It seems too tediously British to open the newsletter with a comment about the weather, but, really! Those in spring marathon training who opted to do their long slow run on Sunday instead of heartwarmingly sunny St Valentine’s Day Saturday are still drying off and cursing displaced jet streams and the Scandinavian ‘Block’ (see Met Office for details).
Some people had the opportunity to run indoors, however:
Joe English won a bronze medal in the 3k at the BUCS (Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships Birmingham 2026 to give it its full title). He ran 8:38 in the first round, which qualified him for the final.
Harry Forman Wilshaw ran in the 800m British Indoor championships: he was up against Ben Pattinson, a world Championship medallist, and ran an excellent 1:53.82.
Back outdoors, Rob Elphick clocked 32:08 at the Battersea 10K.
Ivona Gongolova ran 47:37 at London Winter 10k, where I’m pretty sure she was running as a pacer.
Amy White achieved a superb 2:55:55 in Seville Marathon, where, the Met Office tells me, there was sun, light cloud and 17 degrees of wonderful warmth.
Julian Gevers also ran London Winter 10K and is presumably too busy wringing out his socks to tell us what time he did.
Enough road and track, already. We’re still very much in the midst and mud of the glorious wildy, windy, cross country season, with the Championships taking place next weekend (21 February) in Durham. What is more, one of our most promising young runners, Olly Buck, has been selected for Kent U20s for the inter-counties cross country next month. Go, Olly!
Please do send in your results and photos each week – we love seeing what everyone’s been up to.
EVENT CALENDAR
February
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
May 16 – SAL – Eltham 20 – Beckenham Relays
June
24 – Dulwich Relays
21 – SAL – Watford
July
19 – SAL – Cambridge
August
8 – SAL – Dartford
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
Kent was out in force this weekend, with 43 runners tackling the muddy 8km course at Wimbledon Common. The club put in a superb performance at the final Surrey League fixture of the season, leaving the women sitting 4th overall and the men 5th. More below.
Some more results from the week. On Wednesday, Clare Elms ran 5:25:07 in the Ayo Falola Dream Mile at Lee Valley, reclaiming her VW60 world mark. And at the Farnborough Half, Iona Cousland clocked an excellent 1:23:26.
The next big fixture comes on 21st February, with the Cross Country Championships taking place in Sedgefield, County Durham. It’s shaping up to be a great turnout.
And the next next social run is this coming Wednesday!
– Meet from 6:50pm at the Brockley Brewery (Brockley site) and be ready to run from 7pm
– Run a leisurely route followed by drinks if you fancy
– Any belongings can be left at Brockley Brewery if needed!
Lastly, as always, please do send in your results and photos each week – we love seeing what everyone’s been up to!
SURREY LEAGUE XC
The final Surrey League fixture of the season took place on a very well-trodden Wimbledon Common, which has taken a real battering after the seemingly non-stop rain throughout January. Underfoot conditions were exactly what you’d expect for a proper season finale – muddy, churned up, and energy-sapping – demanding grit and smart racing from start to finish.
Despite the testing course, our teams rose to the occasion.
The senior women delivered a superb performance once again. Finishing 3rd team on the day, they closed the gap dramatically in the overall standings and secured an impressive 4th place overall in the League — only ever so slightly off 3rd after a season of consistently strong results. It’s a fantastic achievement and a testament to the depth and commitment within the squad.
Dogs welcome too!!
The senior men also put together a solid league campaign, finishing 5th overall. Across the season they’ve battled deep fields and tough conditions, and this final result reflects steady, determined team performances throughout the winter.
A huge thank you to everyone who pulled on the Navy vest and represented the club this Surrey League season. Cross country isn’t always glamorous – especially in a January like this one – but the commitment, camaraderie and resilience on display have been brilliant to see.
We should be really proud of these final results and the way our teams have competed all season. On to the next one.
EVENT CALENDAR
February
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
May 16 – SAL – Eltham 20 – Beckenham Relays
June
17 – Dulwich Relays
21 – SAL – Watford
July
19 – SAL – Cambridge
August
8 – SAL – Dartford
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
Another quieter week, in between two big xc weekends, so the action was mostly people finding races to fit into their marathon training plans.
The best result of the weekend was by Joe English at the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) cross country championships. He came 3rd in the Men’s A race – KAC’s 2nd ever podium in the race after Alex Yee’s win in 2018 – and could be selected amongst the GB entries for the World Uni Championships!
On the south coast, a few Kent members ran the Chichester 10k. Jim Allchin ran an impressive 32:07, Jonathan Beatty ran 36:22 just ahead of Joshua Lennard-Jones in 36:25, while Nicola Cartlidge (44:05) and Suzanne Spalding (44:52) also ran well.
Further afield we had two runners in Spain – Narciso Guerrero ran the Torremolinos half, and Martin Morgan completed the Murcia Marathon.
Next Saturday we have the final Surrey League race of the year, in Wimbledon. Kent men are currently 3rd with a prospect of 2nd, but with 4th and 5th close behind; the women are in 4th. Let’s have a strong turnout and see if we can get a double podium!
Note that we have dates and locations for the Southern Athletic League, now entered in the calendar below. KYAL dates are currently provisional, we will update you once we have them.
EVENT CALENDAR
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
May 16 – SAL – Eltham 20 – Beckenham Relays
June
17 – Dulwich Relays
21 – SAL – Watford
July
19 – SAL – Cambridge
August
8 – SAL – Dartford
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
If you’re one of the doughty athletes who stayed close to home this weekend to take part in the Southern Cross Country Championships in Beckenham Place Park, good choice. It was a great day. If your participation took the form of volunteering to course-recce, marshal and support the 80 or so members that ran the eight- or 15-km race: thank you, thank you. Read on for more details.
There were other races this weekend. The always-enjoyable Canterbury 10 attracted a lucky seven Kent AC runners, and three real tough nuts (tough nutters?) skidded on treacherous Cornish clifftop mud for 50 and 100 terrifying miles.
Clare Elms stayed indoors. Not in her PJs with a takeaway, of course, but indoors as in the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff, where she smashed the indoor world record for 3000m in 10.37.53. She’d been outdoors earlier this week, though, setting a course record at Veterans AC cross-country championships, despite having suffered concussion while weight lifting a few days earlier. There is no stopping this woman.
Looking ahead, as we anticipate bidding farewell to dear old January, who always outstays her welcome, there are some new and exciting dates for the race diary in May and June. They’ll be upon us before we know it.
Please note that membership renewals are available now, and annual or monthly track passes can be purchased as usual from the sumup store.
Also please note that the club has agreed to take on more track time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1700. The purpose is to expand our junior training capacity owing to high demand, but the track is open to all members at this time.
RESULTS ROUND UP
More on that great day in Beckenham. It was perfect cross country weather on Saturday 24 January. The park had plenty of mud and spike-friendly soft going after a week of rain, but the sun was shining, the team flags fluttered, parakeets swooped and shrieked against the blue sky and Kent AC members turned out in force to volunteer, cheer and run (wonderful work, all).
The day belonged to the Senior Men’s team, and most notably Noah Armitage Hookes, first Kent AC man home and tenth overall after running 15 hilly, gruelling kilometres in 47:10. He was chased by John Gilbert (12th in 47:18, Nick Acfield (47:51) and Nick Torry (48:38). Those efforts, aided and abetted by the rest of the team, earned the men a bronze medal. Fantastic.
In the women’s race, Amy Clements led Kent AC home and was 17th overall in 29:15; Iona Cousland ran an outstanding race and was 38th in 30:43; Katie Good was 51st in 31:24. The Kent AC Women’s were fifth.
Kent AC’s younger athletes performed brilliantly, too. Once again Olly Buck ran a blinder and came in 20th in the U20 category. The U13 boys were represented by Jeremy Sharp, Samuel Mashford Thomasson and Otis Atlee. The U13 girls were Bonnie Gale- Sanders and Georgia Fox, the U15 boys were Ed Pearce and Joel Spencer, Daria Gale ran for the U15 girls. In the U17 category the boys were Bert Royle and George Searle and the girls were Tallulah Jones and Alice Hales.
77 Kent AC finishers in all. What a team.
Canterbury 10-mile runners had a successful Sunday morning:
John Gilchrist: 63:12
Tim Church: 63:41
Teresa Murphy: 67.23
Victoria Buck 68:48
Stephen Scobie:71:59
Wayne Flanagan 79:06
Karen Samuel 91:31
Then there was that adventure in Cornwall. Alex Morales and Gian Valentini ran the 50 miles of the South-West Coast Path from the Minack Theatre to Porthtowan that mostly consisted of slippery mud. They were grateful not to do the 100 miler. Adam did the 100 miler and lived to tell this tale:
‘Absolutely shocking…beyond dangerous along the cliff edges between the wind and poor footing (mud and wet rocks)..other organisers would have paused the event.’
We assume a big disclaimer is involved.
No pictures of the resilient Adam, but here are Gian and Alex:
EVENT CALENDAR
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
April
11 – National 12 Stage Road Relay – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
26 – London Marathon
May 20 – Beckenham Relays
June
17 – Dulwich Relays
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
This has been one of those off weekends, with not much happening in between action-packed Saturdays. Many Kent runners took the opportunity to get decent long runs in at the start of their marathon block, in unexpectedly mild conditions.
The next big event is the Southern Cross Country Championships at Beckenham Place Park next Saturday, one of the highlights of the season, not just because of its fearsome reputation – the men’s race is close to 15k – but also because for a few years it’s been on our doorstep. At the moment we’re looking at nearly 100 Kent entries, across seniors and juniors, with strong prospects of team medals.
If you’re not running then do turn up to watch and support, and if you can then please volunteer to marshall – these events only happen through the willingness of people to help out.
Please note that membership renewals are available now, and annual or monthly track passes can be purchased as usual from the sumup store.
Also please note that the club has agreed to take on more track time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1700. The purpose is to expand our junior training capacity due to high demand, but the track is open to all members at this time.
EVENT CALENDAR
January
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
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
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
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.
BIG GRIT AT BRANDS HATCH
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.
FINDING OUR FEET AT MITCHAM COMMON
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.
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.
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.
EVENT CALENDAR
January
24 – Southern XC – Beckenham Place Park
February
7 – Surrey League XC – Wimbledon Common
21 – National XC – Sedgefield, County Durham
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
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.
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
This past week, if fitness, family and feasting have allowed, has been an eventful one for Kent AC runners. It started on Tuesday, on the track, as all good things do, with the annual pre-Christmas Paarlauf (that’s German for Pair-Run), as organised by the fabulous Adrian. It consists of a series of eye-balls-out efforts, this year it was 400s, in nicely matched pairs. Teams are arranged to include the right balance of speedsters and the more sedate amongst us. Everyone agreed the session was a great success.
‘Let’s get to work’
Thursday was Christmas Day, so Kent AC runners left their chocolate coins half eaten, jammed on a Santa hat (and in some cases the full beard and red coat combo) and dashed to their nearest parkrun. Absolute scenes:
After which, it was back for sprout/spud/stuffing duties and an extra-large refuel in order to get round the Boxing Day walk and the next parkrun on Saturday. Some people chose to seek out a year’s end race in picturesque settings. Some, in fact, chose to run very fast indeed and win their age group. Step up, once again, Victoria Cartwright, who absolutely smashed the Chevin Chase:
The youngsters were also out in force today; scoring loads of PBs and inspired by our very special Kent AC hurdler, Joe Appiah, on starting duties.
Meanwhile, over in Buntingford (Hertfordshire) Sam Wilcock ran ten hilly miles in 65.07 and John Gilbert went north to the Ribble Valley, there to run the 10k in an astonishing 30:17, which takes him to fifth all time on the British V45 10k rankings. Bravo!
Finally cast your mind back to last Sunday (which honestly feels like a century ago) and the many Santa dashes that took place on that day. Dan Lineham certainly won’t forget his unofficial ‘first finisher in a Santa hat’ achievement. We hope he enjoyed his flaming pudding on Thursday:
NYXC RESOLUTIONS
See you on 10 January 2026, newly resolved to run the next round of Surrey League.
Before that, entries are due in by 6 January for the Southern Cross Country Championships at Beckenham Place Park on 24 January. As in previous years, the club requests a £5 contribution from all senior runners in order to confirm their place. If you’d like to enter please contact Owen Hind or Gen Blanche and pay the contribution at the club store.
Also, make sure to get your entries in for the Surrey League Cross Country races in both January and February.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022.
