Ron Hale’s 70 years in Kent AC
Kent Athletic CLub’s Ron Hale celebrated 70 years as a member of the South London club with teammates on 13th May at a function at the Station Hotel in Hither Green.
Ron joined the club on 12 May 1947 in his early 20s and he went on to represent the club’s senior team in a variety of distances over the country, road and track. Some highlights from Ron’s early career, as the Kentish Mercury from 1953 reports, Ron was winner of a XC match vs Croydon and also competed in a match vs Stock Exchange as well as winning a local South London XC handicap. As he moved into the Masters categories he continued to compete and win medals at county and national level well into his 80s. As a 75 year old he was still running under 55mins for 10000m.
Ron has served as club Secretary and President and has been hugely active in the running of the club over many many years. Never was this more the case than the role he played in keeping the club going in the late 70s when it nearly folded, along with another member Peter Yates, the club, which recently took Gold and Silver Medals in the VMLM England Athletics team race, might not be here today.
Ron’s commitment to the sport goes far beyond the club. He has served the Kent County Athletic Association in numerous positions, including as an official and as a county team selector. Ron continues to be an active member of the club today. He’s a regular face at Ladywell Arena on Tuesday evenings and he still helps marshalling at events. Now in his 90s, Ron remains an inspiration to his teammates as he still continues to get out for a run in Beckenham Place park.
Alf Regan
5th June 2017 @ 6:07 pm
Ron’s contribution to Kent AC has been second to none.I joined the club in 1974 when it was going through an extremely difficult period.Had it not been for Ron.Peter,Dennis and Norman’s wholehearted commitment to ensuring the Club continued to function, I doubt that it would be in existence today.
It was very fitting that members could get together to acknowledge Ron’s magnificent contribution over
some 70 years.One of the best teammates one could have wished for.
David Nash
27th July 2017 @ 5:29 pm
Have just picked up Ron Hales 70 years in Kent AC celebration.
I agree with all that is said of his total dedication to our sport, your club and athletics in general, particularly in The County.
I knew Ron when he showed me the ropes as Kent County Road Running Manager. A job that he excelled at and I, due to personal circumstance, was unable to follow.
I hope that you are able to pass on my feelings of admiration and respect together with my fondest wishes.
If Ron is ‘E-mail inclined perhaps you could pass my e-address on.