With the grim reckoning of more than 100,000 deaths with Covid 19 across the country, we at Kent AC can take a tiny drop of cheer from the fact that Lewisham’s Covid cases have plummeted by half over the past week. Judging from the numbers of people I see wearing masks while out and about, it feels as if this corner of the city, at least, is obeying lockdown advice and focusing on a possible March respite.
Meanwhile, keep on with the off-track training regimes, keep your distance from other park users and enjoy running in our splashy, waterlogged parks.
I am also pleased to report that the club’s most stalwart supporter, Ron Hale, who ran for the club from 1947 to the present day, is on the mend following his brush from Covid. He is, perhaps, a fine example of how a life of running can keep you fighting fit. I spoke to him on the telephone a couple of days ago and he’s feeling fine, but very bored with his restricted walking regime.
Committee Posts Available
Today is the last day you can register your interest in the two posts we have up for grabs. Any volunteers will be considered tomorrow evening (Monday 1 February) at the online committee meeting. Please take a look at the club rules if you’re thinking about throwing your hat into the ring.
Youth Athlete Representative/Manager The Committee is currently looking to update/develop the job description for this post so the requirements may develop over time; however, generally this role covers overseeing all aspects of youth athletics (training, coordinating with parents, organising travel to races etc). Ken Pike has offered to take on this role; the Committee welcomes his offer.
Aside from the role itself (which is a large undertaking and will require a high level of commitment), the Committee would welcome offers from members who would like to assist in the running of youth athletics at the Club going forward.
Women – Road This role is open due to an administrative error – Sarah Hanley was accidentally nominated and appointed at the AGM. Katie Rowland has offered to take this role back on/continue in this role; the Committee welcomes her offer.
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FIXTURES
Club 5 Mile Handicap Challenge & EA National Relays
Kent AC qualified from the regional round in 5th place overall to the National England Athletics Virtual Relays which take place 10th-15th February. I would encourage you to enter this here – Kent AC can get a National Medal in the competition if we get our best runners out!
To complement the EA relays, we are running a club 5 mile handicap competition with a number of competitions within a competition, all you have to do is enter and then run 5 miles whilst adhering to the rules set out by England Athletics. There is a keen emphasis on team competition, so this is a good chance to work together with runners you don’t know so well within the club.
Team Handicap Performance Team Overall Performance Individual Handicap Individual Age Graded Performance
Notes: EA Rules/Guidance will be used, summarised here.
Open to 2nd claim runners.
If you ran the regional EA Relays your time rounded to the nearest 15 seconds will be used as your handicap
If you didn’t run the regional EA Relays then your time submitted on entry will be considered, but the organisers will adjust accordingly for those who are looking for a soft handicap!
You have until February 5th to enter (Dan’s birthday)
Once entered and allocated into a team from 5th Feb, a DNS/DNF will give you a time of handicap + 2.5 minutes
A team captain will be appointed to help with data entry etc
You don’t need to enter the EA relays, however it would be great to have as many as possible enter this to show just how strong a club Kent AC is
The Big Half 2021
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their interest in The Big Half 2021. 107 applications have been received for 100 places. Ted will be contacting those successful in the next day or so with further details, with the remaining applicants placed on a reserve list. Ted is working hard to get some additional places for the club therefore if you haven’t applied yet and are interested in a place, please register your interest here.
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KENTversation
No new podcasts this weekend, but if you missed our chat with female cross country captain, Sarah Hanley, we would urge you to listen in. Catch Sarah’s episode and previous episodes on Spotify here.
