<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 13/04/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 13 April 2025
We’re well into marathon season now, with a handful of Kent runners completing the distance today, but the highlight of the weekend was the main event of the club running year – the National 12 & 6 stage relays, held yesterday in Birmingham. Kent teams performed admirably – full report below.
Over in Lincoln, Matthew Thomas was on for a sub 3 hour marathon on the flattest course in the country, but a strong headwind on the second half made it a struggle and he came home in 3:05:17 for a 50 minute PB. Jamie Harvie also battled round in 3:13:17, not long after completing an ultra!
Sam Wilcock ran Norfolk half in 97:29, finishing by Cromer pier:
while Karina Box ran Newport marathon in 3:38:44
Most impressively, Phoebe Adorno completed the Chiltern Trail Marathon.
Back home, the first monthly social run was held last Wednesday, and Richard Giles reports that a dozen or so runners had a leisurely scenic saunter around the neighbourhood. Next one is on 14th May, and every second Wednesday over summer.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Beckenham and Dulwich relays, and there’s still an opportunity to run a 10000 on Ladwell track on 10 May. Sign up to run here or if you’re available to volunteer and help out, sign up here.
And track socials are back! First Tuesday of the month from June, after the track session, drinks and nibbles and chat.
NATIONAL 12 & 6 STAGE RELAYS
Kent sent 4 teams (plus a junior) up to Sutton Park in Birmingham for the National Road Relays, the highlight of the running year. The course, which normally has long legs of 8.5k and short legs of 5k for the men’s race this year comprised only short legs, so it was fast and furious.
Our men had qualified 2 teams, despite the B team coming 26th in the Southerns with 25 to qualify, and expectations were that the A team could finish in the top 10, that they’d just missed in 2024.
Chris Busaileh, men’s team captain, writes: the A team’s 7th place put us right back amongst the very best clubs in the UK. After only just scraping through, our B team showcased the club’s depth, finishing 27th and 3rd B team. 63 teams closed out 12 athletes.
There were a number of exceptional individual performances which stood out on the day.
Rob Sesemann continued his excellent run of form to get the A team off to a spectacular start, equalling Ross Braden’s club short leg record (at least on the course that’s been in place since 2017) with a scorching 15.10. That record was clearly on borrowed time as John Gilbert ran a superb 15.05 on leg 2, showing that he’s back to his very best. Special mention also to Felix Delgado who travelled all the way from Bordeaux to experience the race, and add some star quality to the team.
For the B team, leg of the day has to go to Joe Hartley. The results may have him down as 15.50 but he’s clearly been done over by the time keepers as his actual time was 15.45 – quick enough to scalp a number of the A team legs. Shout outs also to Joe Vis (16.31) who bounced back after recent illness and Lyndon Marfell (16.38), another who showed his marathon prep is nicely on course.
Alexa Parker, women;s captain, writes: in a historic turn of events, two complete Kent AC women’s teams travelled to the National 6 Stage relays in Sutton Coldfield for the first time ever! There were some trials and tribulations involved in getting us all there together, with last minute injuries striking once again, but our saviours came in the form of one Vic Cartwright and one Jo Mott who valiantly stepped up with little notice, showing true team commitment!
It was tough competition this year indeed, with Claire Oxlade and Vic Buck facing off against Aldershot’s Philly Bowden to set the A and B teams off to a strong start. Both came home in the 30s out of more than 50 teams on a wickedly quick first leg, which always features some of the fastest women in the field. Stalwart Clare Elms and relative newcomer Flo Ingram took 3 and 6 places respectively in the second leg, with Flo running in her debut relay for Kent AC, and we hope not her last! Alix Fawcett and Vic Cartwright took another 5 and 3 places each, followed by Lin Skinner and Gen Blanch taking a further 5 and 1 places to position the two teams at 20th and 29th respectively.
At this point the field became somewhat spread out and despite strong runs from Molly O’Connor (also in her debut race for Kent!) and Alexa Parker, the A team finished in a very respectable 20th place overall. Sarah Crichton (achieving a post-baby PB!) and Jo Mott finished out the B team just 10 places behind. All in all a solid day’s work which was rewarded by beers and Prosecco on the train home in our time-honoured tradition. A huge thank you to everyone who turned out, including our long-suffering and dedicated coach Pete Boxshall – it was a glorious day and showed the great strength and depth of our ever growing women’s team. See you all in September!
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
14 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
3 – Track social
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
11 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
1 – Track social
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
5 – Track social
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 06/04/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 6 April 2025
The first Thursday in April always takes on a festive air, especially when the sun has been out and the evening sky runs through a series of fine pastels as athletes run through their 5k strategy for the Assembly League season. It all went like a charm last Thursday. Kent AC runners came out to Beckenham Park in force to run in the sunset and have a few beers afterwards. What could be better? And the icing on the cake is that our teams did incredibly well. The women’s A and B teams both finished in first place, with Amelia Pettitt leading them in in 19.29, with Clare Oxlade hot on her heels. The men’s A and B teams were first and second respectively, and they were led in by Matt Speed in 16.27.
Fantastic work team, and thanks, Narciso, for this picture: Here come the rest of the results: we start with Prague half, which Ivona Gongolova ran in 1:40.01. That was on Saturday 5 April.
All the blue skies, everywhere, for the rest of the results gallery, which comes to you from all over Europe. Here’s Liam Cairns in Milan, celebrating his 3:05:21: Over to Bratislava, Slovakia, where they lack the blue skies but do appear to have their own version of the Gherkin, and Adrian, who ran 4:00:29: Resuming the blue-skies theme, in Brighton now and See Philpott was pleased to PB in 4:45:44 (his second marathon) Back in London, looking absolutely gorgeous as it showed off all its picture postcard charm to half marathon runners, including Charlotte Perfect, whose 86:01 earned her the 19th female place:
In 10K news, Joseph Lee went to Lincoln and ran a splendid 32:59 and Beki Hilton Hans ran hers in Brighton, but didn’t tell us her time, it was undoubtedly fast,
Back to the marathons. There were others at Brighton, namely Robbie Spargo (3:04:28), Paul Mccrone, hitting walls but gritting his teeth and clocking 3:42:11; James Hilton ran 3:43:04; Vince Wakfer ran 4:20:15; Sharon Stanley achieved 4:26:59; Lesley Mentink 4:31:26
Further west, Southampton hosted one (distracting itself from the football team’s relegation) and it was probably sunny there, you’d have to ask James Ewing who ran 2:41:21 and was sixth overall.
Teresa Murphy went to Milan and ran 3:08:18.
Going from the sublime distance to the ridiculous one, Alex Hamlet won the Springtide 50K in Sussex in 3:47:2.
Also this weekend, the Juniors were giving it all on the track at Lee Valley open, more on that below.
Another reminder that we’re introducing social runs, every second Wednesday, meet at 7pm at the track, casual pace, about 7k, then drinks afterwards.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Ladywell 10000 on 10 May. There will be multiple seeded races for all paces, food and music. We also need volunteers to help with registration, pacing, officials and on the bar, so please sign up if you can help out.
YOUNG, GIFTED, ON TRACK
In the Southwark Open, on Saturday 29 March, our young athletes opened the outdoor season with some cracking results in the 600m. Cheryl Adjadi, Tiffany Ngando, Zac Murray, Jeremy Sharp (he PBed in 1:57); Otis Atlee (1:51PB) and Flynn Lohan (PB 2:01) gave it their all.
The juniors had a great day at the Milton Keynes for the SEAA 5K Road Championships last weekend (30 March)
Five runners, all under 15, achieved some terrific times:
Boys team:
George Searle: 17:33, placed 20th
Luke Roderick: 17:35 placed 22nd
Lucas Stickland: 18:29, placed 31st
Girls team:
Tallulah Jones: 20:09, placed 4th
Alice Hales: 21:16, placed 8th
Yesterday (5 April) was the Lee Valley Open, under blue skies with quite a strong breeze, either irritating or most welcome, depending on which direction you were running in. Luckily, it was the wind beneath the wings of:
U20, Alicia 800m:2:44:17
U17G Tess 300hurdles 47:93 (PB) and 80hurdles 11:83 PB
U15G Clausdia 75hurdles 13:13 PB and 300hurdles 51:02 PB
U15Boys Mack 80h 13:69 PB
U13Girls Evie 70hurdles 12:65PB
U17B & U20 Tyler 100m 11:79PB and 300m 24:33PB
Derek 100m 11:69 and 200m 23:72 PB
Jeffery 100m 12:02
Robin 100m 11:93 PB and Andres 100m 11:92PB
Congratulations to everyone!
Tess Hepple and Claudia Rigby
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
Kent AC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at .
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
RUN AND TAKE THE MONEY
It was rollover week in the prize draw. The bonus ball this was 18 and the lucky winner was Mark Hall, who is £500 richer today.
There are still numbers available for this club fundraiser, it costs £6/month.
if you would like more information, email David at
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
14 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
11 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 31/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 31 March 2025
Apologies for the day’s delay in publishing this week’s newsletter – the results from yesterday’s Southern 12 & 6 stage relays were a bit messy so we held off until they’d been tidied. Results and reports below.
Clare Elms is at it again – she travelled to Florida last week to take part in the World Indoor Masters Championships, and came back with 6 golds! She won the VW60 Cross Country (definitely not indoors) and the VW55 XC team event for GB, the VW60 10k road race (also not indoors) in 41:19 and the VW55 team event in that, plus golds in the VW60 3000m in 10:49, a full minute ahead of 2nd place, and setting a new Championship record by 44s, and the VW60 1500m in 5:14, also a Championship record, by 10s.
Clare on the podium for the 1500m [pic credit Steve Smythe/Athletics Weekly]
Rounding up other results, John Gilchrist brought the good news from Gent to Kent, running the half in Belgium in 82:09. Daisy Noble ran the Gloucester half in 93:13, James Bates ran the Kew Half in a new PB of 93:53, and Tom Webb ran a 10k PB in Battersea Park in 35:38, winning the V55 category.
Amy Clements posted another top 10 parkrun of the week, at Woolwich in 17:25, while much slower than that, double Olympic champion Alex Yee ran the Bromley parkrun with his 93 year old grandad and 4 generations of Yees!
A reminder that this Thursday the first Assembly League race of the season is at Beckenham Place Park. The race starts at 1910, please assemble in the clubhouse at Beckenham Cricket Club (19 Foxgrove Road) 30 minutes early to collect numbers and register on the spreadsheet. And don’t forget your Kent vest! Drinks after the race back at the clubhouse.
Similarly social are the social runs that we’re introducing from next week, every second Wednesday, meet at 7pm at the track, casual pace, about 7k, then drinks afterwards.
A reminder to sign up for the Ladywell 10000 on 10 May. There will be multiple seeded races for all paces, food and music. We also need volunteers to help with registration, pacing, officials and on the bar, so please sign up if you can help out.
Finally, David our treasurer reminds us that there’s a rollover on the prize draw this month, so the pot is £500. Email if you’d like to buy a number, £6 per month.
RELAY SAYING SOMETHING
Yesterday Kent AC sent up 3 teams of 12 men, plus 10 women and several juniors to the Southern 12 & 6 stage relays in Milton Keynes. A prestigious event in itself, it’s also a qualifier for the National Relays in 2 weeks time.
Our 3 men’s teams came 9th, 26th and 35th out of 47 completed teams, the B team agonisingly close to qualifying for the Nationals, which is open to the top 25 teams.
Chris Busaileh, men’s road captain, commented: it was a fantastic show of depth to get 3 full teams out, there was only one other club that managed it on the day. A massive thanks for all those who turned out. The overall standard was high – our A team was considerably quicker than last year but held the same position. It’s desperately disappointing that we look to have just missed out on getting a B team through to Nationals – again, a sign of the high overall standards. The C team were a very creditable 35th out of 47 overall. There were some very impressive individual results – singling out a few; Joe Hartley bouncing back from a disappointing run at Paddock Wood with the quickest Kent short leg with 15.36. In the B team, Dame Dibaba celebrating Eid and the brilliant news about his asylum case, showed he was back to his very best with a 27.36 long leg. James Boustead also showing a return to form with a 16.23 short leg. In the C team, it was great to see Stuart Beaney back in the fold and young Olly Buck marked his first claim transfer to Kent with a brilliant 15.45 short leg.
For the women’s 6 stage we had one complete team, which came 12th, and a partial team of 4.
Alexa Parker, women’s road captain, said: it was a solid day’s work for the women of Kent AC up in sunny Milton Keynes today, despite being plagued by illness and injury which left them short of a full roster of two teams. Katie Good, Alix Fawcett, Fran Buss and Aisling Ahern all made their road relay debuts for Kent AC in the A team, accompanied by relay veterans Ellie Freeden and Claire Oxlade. Despite Aisling taking a nasty tumble in the final leg, the team showed great strength and depth (and Aisling showing great grit to pick herself back up and carry on running) to come 12th overall. Despite knowing they would have an incomplete team, seasoned relayers Gen Blanch, Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh, Alexa Parker and Vic Buck all put in a shift to finish only 2 minutes behind the A team after 4 legs. A great day was had by all and we very much look forward to the Nationals in two weeks where we hope we’ll have all our runners back at full strength!
For the juniors, the event involved road race championships rather than relays. The standout performance of the day was by Tallulah Jones, who came 4th in the U15 girls race. Alice Hales was 8th. In the U15 boys race, George Searle, Luke Roderick, and Lucas Stickland ran very well to continue on from their great xc seasons.
Lucas, Luke, George, Alice, Tallulah
Well run everybody, and we look forward to the National Relays in 2 weeks time, when our impressive teams should be bolstered by a few who were missing yesterday.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
Kent AC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at .
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
14 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
11 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
9 – Kent AC Wednesday social run
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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 is that time of year already… a reminder that if you renew your membership before 31st March, you will benefit from savings as the fee will increase from 1st April.
Feeling lucky? The bonus ball draw is a rollover this month so there is £500 to be won. The cost of entry is £6 per month. For more information, email here.
Warmer weather means time for more socialising and even better, running whilst doing so! We’ve got plenty of great club races coming up starting with the road relays and then the first assembly league of the year on the 3rd April.
Read on to make a note of all the dates in your diary.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
Kent AC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at .
LET’S GET SOCIAL
Starting Wednesday 9 April, we’re going to have social runs every second Wednesday of the month while the evenings are light.
The plan is to meet at the track at 7pm, organise ourselves into two or three pace groups depending on numbers, then run 7k, after which there’s an option for drinks at the Catford Bridge Tavern. It’s not planned as a coached session, so there’ll be an element of self organisation. All are welcome.
Bear in mind that the track is not open for bag storage or use of toilets on a Wednesday, so, participants will have to come ready to run.
FANCY A RELAY?
Back for another year, the Beckenham and Dulwich relay dates are confirmed. Kicking off on 21st May at Beckenham Place Park, followed by 18th June in Dulwich Park.
A fantastic opportunity to race and socialise across all groups!
Please only register if you’re sure you can attend either event.
Sign up here.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – Kent AC social run takeover
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley)
21 – Beckenham Relays – Beckenham Place Park
29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
18 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 16/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 16 March 2025
The Kent AC runner with the biggest smile (even when racing while fasting…) received wonderful news this week. Dame Dibaba has won his appeal and has been given leave to remain. We’re delighted for him and join him in thanking the wonderful Nick Ostrowski for working so hard on Dame’s behalf. By way of celebration, Dame was first finisher at Hillyfields parkrun yesterday (Saturday) and today took part in the Mace Masters Parkstrong Event: Dame smiles through the miles
In other results, looking back to Thursday, and, confusingly, the Friday Night Under the Lights 5k at Battersea (in Wandsworth they do things rather differently…). Our Kent AC runners had it in their diary: Neil Phillips: 15:50; Sam Dames: 16:19; Kendal Noctor: 16:17; Fran Buss: 18:58. This weekend, we had triumphant podium finishes for young and slightly older athletes at Lee Valley. Seebelow, The Young Ones, for the Junior results, but huge congratulations for our Lin Skinner, who raced down a strong field to win herself a silver medal in the 1500m at Lee Valley. It was a lifetime PB and she was delighted to PB at her third attempt on that distance at Lee Valley: Lin’s grin Meanwhile, over in Fleet, the ever fleet of foot Victoria Buck ran a brilliant 1:27 in the half Marathon; Kate Fawcett ran 1:28, Chris Martin 1:16, David Morgan 1:11 and Katie Good 1:42. All these times are gun times. Alix, Vic and Kate did just great
In Leicester, there was the little matter of the Sportshoes.com Podium Festival, and our A team men made their presence felt in the 5k. Joe English ran 14:45, with Jake Simmonds on his heels with 14:58. Then came Harry Tirnen with a 15:06 PB, Ben Clarke with a 15:07 PB, then Isaac Parjer on 15:25 and Guy Barnett with 17:10. Joe and Jake take a break
From glamorous Leicester to Los Angeles, where James Bates ran a marathon in 3:23:59, just 30 seconds off a PB. You can bet he’ll be planning his next race on the long flight home from LaLa Land.
Looking ahead to those balmy May days, there’s still time to sign up for the definitive track race of the burgeoning summer season. Entries are open for the Ladywell 10000 on the track on 10th May. It’s a big event that we haven’t held for a few years, there will be music, beer and food. Sign up here if you’d like to run, there are several races throughout the day, races seeded from sub 32 mins to sub 55. One last thing…We have a need for another welfare officer, if you think you could do the job, please contact Sarah Young, see job requirements below.
THE YOUNG ONES
Well done to all the juniors who competed over the weekend at the Kent Indoor Champs in Lee Valley and the mini marathon trials at the Alex eYe track.
At the Kent Champs Phoebe Folarin scored a glittering gold in the high jump with a huge PB of 1:60, Tess Hepple won gold in the 60m hurdles, also earning herself a magical PB of 8.89 and Mack Atanda won bronze in the 60m hurdles. Andrew Caiquo’s 60m hurdle 7.58 was also a PB. PhoeBe’s PB Tess is Best Mack’s on track
Mini Marathon The full mini marathon trial results will be published soon. Kent AC first-placing athletes in each category were Eleanor Davidson, Tom Brain, Tallulah Jones, George Searle and Dylan Sandhu.
WELFARE OFFICER REQUIRED
KentAC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV. Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at
.
SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE
Starting Wednesday 9 April we’re going to have social runs every second Wednesday of the month while the evenings are light.
The plan is to meet at the track at 7pm, organise ourselves into two or three pace groups depending on numbers, then run 7k, after which there’s an option for drinks at the Catford Bridge Tavern.
It’s not planned as a coached session, so there’ll be an element of self organisation. All are welcome.
Bear in mind that the track is not open for bag storage or use of toilets on a Wednesday, so, participants will have to come ready to run.
EVENT CALENDAR
(please note that the dates marked tbc are provisional)
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
9 – First Kent AC social run
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 09/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 9 March 2025
Spring is sprung! Today was the warmest day of the year so far, which wasn’t welcomed by the several dozen Kent runners doing half marathons around the country. Reports below.
First up though, entries are open for the Ladywell 10000 on the track on 10th May. It’s a big event that we haven’t held for a few years, there will be music, beer and food. Sign up here if you’d like to run, there are several races throughout the day, races seeded from sub 32 mins to sub 55.
At the Lee Valley indoor stadium, a few of our budding young sprinters were in action today – in the 100m Derek Olewunne (U17) ran 11.64 (PB) and 11.66, Jeffrey Senoo (U20) ran 12.01 (PB by over 1s), 12.05 and Robin Clarke (U20) ran 12.16 and 12.02. In the 200m, Cheryl Adjadi (U15) ran 27.82 (indoor PB), Vinuga Dharmawardene (U15) ran 27.91 (PB) and John Flack (U20) 24.08.
Joe Appiah with some of our quick youngsters
We have a need for another welfare officer, if you think you could do the job, please contact Sarah Young, see job requirements below.
Finally, our treasurer David tells us that nobody had the winning number in last month’s draw, so it rolls over and will be £500 this month. There are several numbers still available, they cost £6 per month, contact David at
HALF MARATHON ROUND-UP
Kent had over 40 runners at Paddock Wood today, in warmer than expected conditions which nobbled at least one runner. It’s too many to list individually, but the highlights are:
Chris Busaileh was 11th overall and 1st V40 in 70:11, his best time in 10 years, last year’s winner Nick Torry 17th in 71:03 (2nd V40), Lyndon Marfell ran a PB by over 11 minutes in 74:15, Robbie Smith by 8 minutes in 76:05, Harry Massingham a PB in 82:40, Ellie Freeden in 84:30, James Royston in 88:50, Phoebe Bright in 1:41:45, Karen Samuel in 1:53:37 and Hugh Stickland in 1:58:59. There were also several runners doing their first halfs, so well done to them and to everyone who ran.
A few of our runners at Paddock Wood
A handful went up to Cambridge to run the half there – Tom O’Neill 72:44 (PB), Philip Woodford Smith 77:40, Chris Mullin 77:45, Matthew Thomas 84:50 and Alex Robins 87:50 (PB)
Most of our Cambridge crew
And over in Lisbon, Ivona Gongolova ticked off another of the SuperHalfs series in 1:41:41.
WELFARE OFFICE REQUIRED
KentAC now has over 700 members. The Welfare team is looking for another Officer to support the ever expanding club.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female welfare officers, we are looking for an additional welfare officer to work alongside the existing team, led by Sarah Young. The welfare officer role involves taking a lead for safeguarding children and adults at risk (though this is everybody’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns. We also have an interest in promoting athletes’ well being more broadly, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit somebody with a children’s services background in education, health or social care though this is not essential. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and also looks good on your CV! Training in the role is offered by England Athletics. If you might interested or would like to find out more please let us know at
.
WE RELAY RELAY RELAY WANT YOU TO SIGN UP
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 02/03/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 2 March 2025
After the trials, tribulations and some quick spike cleaning following the National XC last week, we’ve made the quick pivot to spring and the road races that it brings. The hard graft invested over the XC season has well and truly started to pay off already, with some inspiring runs up and down the country – and even so far as Tokyo!
Read on for a parade of impressive performances as well as details of how you can get involved in next week’s pacing takeover at Dulwich parkrun and the upcoming road relays too.
And many of you will have noticed the WhatsApp streamlining that took place this week, with a new ‘community’ being created as well as a new channel specifically for announcements. We hope that this will make it easier to find the information you need and ensure that key club news reaches everyone.
Let’s rewind to last Sunday, where both Clare and Lin absolutely shone at the British Masters Indoors. Lin Skinner ran 5:18:98 for 1500m to take a bronze in there V45 category – a mere second off her all time PB! Bring on the Kent Counties, where Lin’s impressive form will no doubt continue to bring both smiles and medals.
Fast forward to Thursday, when we had a strong contingent out at the Friday Night Under The Lights x Podium 5km in Battersea Park. With an incredible string of PBs and SBs: Joe English ran in 14:43, Nick Acfield in 14:52, Isaac Parker in 15:09, Simon Vaisey in 15:42, Rob Sesemann in 14:34, and Owen Hind in 14:05. All credit to Ken Pike and the group’s training over the past few months.
Just across the river on Friday lunchtime saw a navy blue peppering throughout the Last Friday of the Month in Hyde Park 5km. Clare Elms set yet another British record with 18:28 – a 101.6% age grade! Samuel Taylor ran in 17:42, Tim Sharp in 18:00, Ed Matthews in 18:14, Christopher Lydon in 20:12, John Barron in 23:01, Karen Samuel in 25:55.
Down in sunny Brighton today, the half marathon saw Nick Acfield race for the second time this week with a 69:20 PB, Ben Clarke in 69:31, Jake Herrera in 71:51, Alex Morales in 86:33, Suzanne Spalding in 1:43:37 and Natalie Cook in 1:58:17. Hope that lots of fish and chips was consumed after.
And across in the Dartford half, Joseph Wilkes finished in 84:59, Beki Hikton Hanns in 1:2:19, Ian Ellwood in 2:17:14, Denuse Cave in 2:20:24, and Lesley Mentink in 1:55:49.
And over in Tokyo, Kate Williams finished in 3:53 – and with that completing the 6 majors. What an inspiration!
Remember to let us know if you have run, jumped or thrown any achievements that you’d love the club to know about. The club is here to celebrate each other!
XC BY NUMBERS
With huge thanks to Len, we can now celebrate the 2024/5 cross country season in style and award our XC club champions. So with this, a huge thank you and well done to our awesome XC captains who have shepherded runners, sorted admin, and rallied teams throughout the winter. And a massive thank you and well done also to every single person who showed up, pinned on a number, spiked up and represented the club this season. Let’s do it all again in the autumn…
This season saw a total of: 91 male and 37 female competitors for Kent AC. Thanks to all 128 of you, this helped us place:
Which gives us our club champs for each category as…
Which gives the grand prix winners as:
IT’S A RUN NOT A RACE…
We’ve offered to takeover the pacing at Dulwich parkrun on 8th March.
They have pacer vests vests for every whole minute from 15 to 40, so a wide range needed!
If you’re keen to get involved put your name down on the sheet here!
WE RELAY RELAY RELAY WANT YOU TO SIGN UP
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – (provisional date, tbc) Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 23/02/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 23 February 2025
This weekend saw the climactic event of the cross country season, the Nationals at Parliament Hill Fields in Hampstead. Kent AC were without most of their best performers in both the men’s and women’s teams, but still sent plenty of runners, including juniors, who battled hard in tough conditions – full report below.
Gen showing how to run on mud
As the cross country season winds down, the road season picks up, and we’ve had several good results this weekend.
Over in Spain, we had 7 runners starting the Seville marathon, of whom 6 finished – Tom Webb (2:55:06 PB) – first time breaking 3 hours, aged 55 – Gian Valentini (2:55:08) and Jim Goldie (2:55:18) in a group, Alex Morales (2:59:16) – his first sub 3 hour marathon for 8 years – David Gilfeder (3:09:11) and Raymond Leemoon (4:42:48)
Alex under the orange trees
One result we missed last weekend was the Village Bakery Wrexham half in which John Gilbert came 5th in 65:43 (1st V40), just a few seconds off his PB – he doesn’t appear to be slowing down!
This morning on the streets of London, Owen Hind came 3rd in the winter 10k in 30:31, and Luis Molina (36:47), Katie Good (39:48), Dominic Wilkins (42:11), Matt Rogers (43:59) and Jules Gevers (45:34) also ran. Particular credit to Katie for running such a good time the day after a brutal cross country!
Over in East London Paul McCrone ran the Olympic Park Half in 94:38 (4th V55) while Ali Abdoulaye completed it in 1:50:59.
Meanwhile, indoors at Lee Valley we had two champions in the British Masters Indoor Championships – Clare Elms won the VW60 1500m gold in 5:11.06 and Emily Murray won the VW45 Triple Jump after only 6 months of training in the event. Emily is now ranked top 3 V45 in the country in TJ, LJ and HJ events!
Emily jumping for gold
MUD, SWEAT AND TEARS
Kent sent up over 50 runners to Hampstead for the southern visit of the National Championships, and despite the absence of many of our top runners, we came a creditable 11th in the men’s race and 21st in the women’s.
As with the Southern Championships, race day had far better weather than the days leading up to it, but unlike the Beckenham race, Hampstead was very very muddy, becoming increasingly so as each of 10 races – and nearly 5000 runners – trampled over it. Add to the hills and the low sun that made it hard in parts to pick out the firm racing line, conditions were, according to one veteran Kent member, the hardest he’d experienced at Hampstead. There were multiple lost shoes and faceplants, but Kent runners were mostly unscathed.
Nicola having type 2 fun
Five of the six scoring Kent men from the Southerns were unavailable yesterday, but those who were there stepped up, particularly Noah Armitage-Hookes, who paced his race exceptionally well and picked off runners in the last lap to come home in 74th. Max Nicholls and Nick Torry, recovering from paternity and injury breaks respectively, both improved on their Southerns runs to finish in 79th and 121st, while Lyndon Marfell, Dame Dibaba and Matt Speed completed our scoring 6.
The women’s team were even more deprived than the men, but 13 of them battled through the 8k course, with Aisling Ahern, Katie Good, Victoria Cartwright and Claire Oxlade providing our scoring 4.
We had several juniors too, particularly in the U15 boys race, where we have a core of good talent. George Searle, Lucas Stickland, Matteo Watson and Luke Roderick provided a scoring 4 that came 24th, with Matteo Mathers also finishing. Daria Gilmore ran well in the U13 girls race, while Thomas Brain’s 32nd place out of 318 runners in the U13 boys race was probably the standout among Kent juniors. Edward Pearce also ran well in that race, as did Alice Hales in the U15 girls race.
Well done to the 53 Kent runners who completed races yesterday, and especially to those who managed to get out for a long run or even a race this morning!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
April
3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield
26 – KYAL – Ashford
27 – London Marathon
May
1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – (provisional date, tbc) Ladywell 10000/100
17 – SAL – Dartford
18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June
5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park
22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July
3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park
5 – KYAL – Medway Park
13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August
7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park
16 – KYAL – Dartford
30 – SAL – Basildon
September
4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park
7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 16/02/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 16 February 2025
This weekend was mud-free for most with all eyes on the National XC at Parliament Hill on Saturday.
Let’s recap on a week of results.
Last Sunday, at the VAC and EMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships held at Lee Valley, Emily Murray won gold in the triple jump as well as the high jump and silver in the long jump. She came home with new PBs of 9.30m in the triple jump and 4.15m in the long jump.
Post PBs
At the Battersea 10k yesterday morning, Owen Hind came fourth in 29:21, followed by Chris Busaileh in 32:16 and Rich Giles in 35:16. Andrea Barber crossed the line in 43:20.
Vic Cartwright fancied another muddy race up north, scoring third woman at the Temple Newsam Ten.
Also at the Momentum Sports Sprints, Zac Murray ran a PB of 8:90 in the 60m.
Meanwhile, a casual Sunday for Clare Elms at Lee Valley, led her to setting a world indoor W60 1500m record of 5:03.1.
Congrats to everyone who raced this weekend!
There are still five numbers available for our monthly club draw. It costs £6 a month (annual cost £72) with the chance to win £250 and the surplus going to help fund the club. Contact David here if you would like to try your luck and take a number.
In preparation for the outdoor season, there will be a FUN tournament for our juniors, taking place on 25th and 27th February. Please support those taking part by either cheering them on or volunteering at the events.
For more information or to put your name down as a volunteer, please contact Jane Treasure here.
Before you read on, save the date for our next pacing takeover at Dulwich parkrun on Saturday 8th March.
More details to follow soon.
RULES OF THE ROAD… AND TRACK
“We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
The Welfare team have received more than one complaint recently regarding track etiquette and poor behaviour on the track. A friendly reminder of running track etiquette – lets be safe and respectful of everyone using it.
A reminder of the guidance is on the website here.
ONE LAST MUDDY HURRAH!
It’s the big one: the National is being held next weekend at Parliament Hill, London. After last year’s fiasco of last-minute cancellation, the premier XC race being close to public transport and actual paved car parking, means everyone can once again do battle alongside the bravest and best in the country.
If you’re available on 22nd February and want to watch the event and contribute, the organisers have a call out for marshalls. Please contact Ben Noad here.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Road Relays Season is on the horizon and we’re so ready for it!
Dates for your diaries are: Sunday 30 March for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and Saturday 12th April for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
April 3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park 12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield 26 – KYAL – Ashford 27 – London Marathon
May 1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – (provisional date, tbc) Ladywell 10000/100 17 – SAL – Dartford 18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June 5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park 22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July 3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park 5 – KYAL – Medway Park 13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August 7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 16 – KYAL – Dartford 30 – SAL – Basildon
September 4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park 7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
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.
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 09/02/25<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 9 February 2025
The days are growing longer, the crocuses are popping and England’s most competitive county cross country league has come to a close. It must be mid February! We’ve had runners competing up and down the country in the England Athletics Indoor Age Group Championships, Farnborough Half Marathon and Epsom’s Surrey League fixture.
Let’s head on over to Sheffield where England’s youngest athletes descended including John Flack, Jack Jones and Tess Hepple.
John competed in the U20M 400m. He did well today in a good quality field with more to give in the bag, plus a great learning experience to compete at these champs. The indoor 400m is a bit of a contact sport, and John is very young in the U20 group, still only 16, but just a couple of days too old for U17.
Tess Hepple ran well to compete in the semi-final for the 60m hurdles too as well as compete in the U17 triple jump.
Jack Jones who is a 2nd claim Kent AC member also competed in the U20 Long jump final, achieving a PB of 6.75m.
Well done to all of our young athletes.
Next up we’re off to the races at Epsom. Place your bets as our runners were chomping at the bit lining up at the gates. Once the race began, they were off like a shot, some taking an early lead while others held their horses to pace themselves. It was neck and neck throughout but every competitor went the distance. Some may have backed the wrong horse with their strategy but all proved they weren’t just one-trick ponies. All showed tremendous horse power on a tough course.
Ok that’s enough with the horse related idioms. See below for the race write up.
Giddy Up – Surrey League Draws to a Close
Surrey League, the Group 1 equivalent of run racing in the region came to an end on Saturday for Season 24-25. 241 senior men and 205 senior women set foot on the historic grounds of Epsom Downs Racecourse for the final match of the Surrey League 24/25 season.
As we traversed to the start line via Tattenham Corner coach Pete Boxhall (fountain of knowledge) pointed out where suffragette Emily Davidson ran out in front of two horses in 1913. The familiar drizzle of the winter cross country season welcomed us. The winds kindly remained calm and we felt just about ok donning only a vest and shorts after a warm up.
Match 4 Team Results
Kent AC Senior Men A 5th
Kent AC Senior Men B 4th (will be revised down as we didn’t have a complete B team)
Kent AC Senior Women A 7th
Kent AC Senior Women B 8th
There were no whips necessary for Amy Clements (16th place) and Cam Dockerill (20th) who stormed home as first runners for Kent AC cementing their strong performances and consistency across the season.
To reach a formidable 5th place the Senior Men point scorers included Noah Armitage-Hookes (23rd), Rob Sesemann (34th), Isaac Parker (43rd), Joe Hartley (49th),Calum Fraser (71st), Barnaby Day (74th), Joe Vis (83rd), Alistair McMaster (94), and Neil Phillips (96th). Noah and Joe were two dark horses of the day improving an impressive 20 places on their previous Surrey League race. The common February cold caused a few drop outs so we didn’t quite manage a complete B team to score but that didn’t stop the rest of the team bringing it home. James Boustead (110th), George Hobhouse (132), George Russell (135), Martin Pollard (145) Fergus Johnson (155), John Gilchrist (157), and Fred U-G (174) gave it their all.
The senior women bolted out of the gates at 3pm, an unusually late start time. Following Amy, Aislin Ahern who only missed one Surrey League this season once again had the blinkers on and finished a strong 38th. Ellie Freedan and Vic Cartwright with a healthy home team rivalry came in 52nd and 53rd respectively with only 4 seconds between them. Always reliable Vic Buck (90) and the ever positive and determined Claire Oxlade (107) completed the scoring team that came in 7th overall. For the B team of scorers, Gen Blanch (111) was closely followed by a team of women who have turned up to almost all races this season come rain hail or shine. This included Nicola Cartlidge (118), Suze Spalding (141). Sarah Young (169), Jo Mott (170), and Jo Wint (172). Special mention to Annabelle Hadlow who finished in a very neat time of 52.52 and Zoë Gaffen who rounded out the team and the season!
Surrey League Season Scores 2024-25
Kent AC Senior Men 4th
Kent AC Senior Women 6th
The Senior men finished in a remarkable 4th place in the Surrey League season club rankings (provisional) and ought to be super proud of themselves. Hercules-Wimbledon came in first, Belgrave second, Thames Hare and Hounds third place.
The Senior Women finished the season in 6th position. The table ended with Belgrave on top, Herne Hill Harriers second and Thames Hare and Hounds third. Individually Annabele Hadlow and Zoë Gaffen were 3rd and 4th fastest women in the 65+ age group, while Clare Elms was the fastest for the 55+ age group. These fantastic results speak to the strength in depth we have at the club.
While the runners put on these outstanding performances, it would be remiss not to thank Pete Boxhall and Ken Pike who sacrificed many Saturdays on top of their weekly track sessions to travel across the region to each race, run around the course to cheer for us and make sure we’ve got pins for our race bibs.
We will see you in a few weeks time when we throw it all out on the line at the final winter mud and hill battle at Nationals Parliament Hill.
By Gen and the XC Captains James, Owen and Parris
All smiles at the start
Raring to go
And they’re off
In full support
Kent Women’s at the races
Kent Men’s after an excellent cross country course
Many thanks to Laurie Oliver and Danny Easton for their photos.
Finally, we go over to Farnborough Half Marathon where Ben Clarke ran 71:10, Dave Morgan raced an astonishing 72.58 PB, Matteo Gala with another excellent PB in 73.09 and rounding out the group was Che Compton with a 75.04 run. Well done all! Winter training looks like it is paying off.
MORE MUD, PLEASE
It’s the big one: the nationals are being held on 22 February at Parliament Hill, London. After last year’s fiasco of last-minute cancellation, the premier XC race being close to public transport and actual paved car parking means everyone can once again do battle alongside the bravest and best in the country. If you’re available on 22 February and want to watch the event and contribute, the organisers have a call out for marshalls. Please contact Ben Noad at .
Look out for details about both upcoming races from your cross country captains this coming week and next.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Road Relays Season is fast approaching
Dates for your diaries are:
*Sunday 30 March* for the Southerns in Milton Keynes and
*Saturday 12th April* for the Nationals in Sutton Coldfield.
If you’re interested in running in either (or both!) please add your name to the sign up sheet linked below or
reach out to Alexa Parker for the women and Chris Busaileh for the men. They’re great events and always a lovely day out, especially the Nationals which is always lovely weather (without fail for the last 10 years).
For the women, teams are of 6 and the legs are about 5k in length. For the men, it’s 12 legs; 6 long of around 8k and 6 short which around 5k.
We’d love to take two teams to each event (at least two to the Southerns). The teams do NOT have to be the same teams at both events, so if you are only available for one date that’s fine.
April 3 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park 12 – 12/6 National Road Relays – Sutton Coldfield 26 – KYAL – Ashford 27 – London Marathon
May 1 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 10 – (provisional date, tbc) Ladywell 10000/100 17 – SAL – Dartford 18 – KYAL – Norman Park (Bromley) 29 – (tbc) Early summer meet
June 5 – Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park 22 – SAL – Woodford Green
July 3 – Assembly League – Sutcliffe Park 5 – KYAL – Medway Park 13 – SAL – Eltham
26 – (tbc) Ron Hale Open
August 7 – Assembly League – Victoria Park 16 – KYAL – Dartford 30 – SAL – Basildon
September 4 – Assembly League – Beckenham Place Park 7 – Big Half – London
11 – (tbc) Late Summer Meet
IT COULD BE YOU
Our treasurer David notes that there are six numbers still available for the monthly sweepstake – it allocates lottery numbers to participants and costs £6 a month (annual cost £72) with the chance to win £250, the surplus going to held fund the club. Please contact David at if you’d like to join in. To whet your appetite: the bonus ball last night was No. 2:
£250 on its way to Brian Sanders
SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
The welfare team work hard to build a friendly, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome; with mutual respect and positive communication – whether on the track, during training sessions, on WhatsApp or in person. Let’s keep the positive andcompetitive vibes going and make sure our club stays a place which everyone enjoys being part of.
A reminder of the Kent AC code of conduct can be found here.
Welfare Team
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 £5 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
Ladywell 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.
Buying your pass in January gives you 11 months for the price of 12.
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.
