Kent Vets soar at the MK relays
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
26 September 2021
ARE YOU OUR NEXT CLUB PRESIDENT?
As outgoing President, I’d like to invite you to think about whether you would like to serve as the next President.
Back in 2018/19 members helped us identify what would make us an even more successful club. In response we created a roadmap, which we are partway through it. Our transition from 300 to 500 members has been remarkably smooth, but there is still much to address. A key role for the next President is to take what’s been started and assemble, with the help of the members, the next stage in our journey
As many of you know I have moved to Cumbria, something that I have always intended to do, but had not anticipated to do quite yet. Changes in working patterns caused by the Covid-19 crisis opened up an earlier opportunity. The most difficult part of deciding to go has been moving away from the many friends that I have made through my six years at Kent AC. I intend to remain a member and compete when possible, but the club needs a hands-on President, so I will be relinquishing my post at this year’s AGM (in November). I will miss you all, I will miss the track (not many here!), miss the Surrey League Cross Country, and Assembly League – but I will be enjoying the fells
My two years as President has seen unprecedented challenges facing the club, indeed our survival. The closure of the track threatened our training, the suspension of competition challenged our purpose, Covid-19 disrupted everybody’s lives in a myriad of ways, but the club has not buckled, it has thrived. Many members have contributed to keeping things going, and indeed improved our offer. There has been a huge amount of work to put on virtual events, create Covid-safe plans, run club champs, secure access to the track, create the track pass app, man the gate, run training sessions, expand the junior athletics section, improve communications, etc. My thanks to everyone. It would not have happened without the great energy and (often previously hidden) skill sets of the members.
I’d like to think that the committee is now steering the club to more accurately reflect active members’ interests. We have responded to challenges on diversity and inclusion with the re-invigoration of the junior offering, I am very pleased that we have more young people on the committee, that we are putting more focus on coaching development and capacity, and that the club is expanding
The big challenge going forward is to ensure continued access to the track. The club would like to see the council operate the arena, to continue our access to it, but also allow public access.
Going forward the club needs a President who can represent the club’s views and needs locally and nationally. In many ways it is the most rewarding committee post. The whole committee is there to help run the club – and they do that very effectively – the President helps set direction, guide debate, and keep everyone happy. It could be you – no matter your athletic ability
Best wishes, Alan
President, Kent AC
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VETS SOAR AT MK RELAYS
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KENT AC ON THE BIG STAGE
Alex Yee wins the Super League Triathlon Championship series
In an amazing finish to the last of the exciting four-race championship series Alex took both the race and the overall series win. Yesterday he won the race in Malibu, USA in a dramatic finish edging out second place finisher Belgium’s Marten Van Riel by just 0.2 of a second. This follows last weekends close win over Jonny Brownlee in Jersey, UK, a fifth place finish at the first race in London, and a third place in Munich, Germany
All of these excellent results combined gave him the points to take the overall championship win. Well done Alex – we hope you’re getting at least a bit of a break soon after an amazing year!
Kent Dragon in the Welsh Mountains
Following with the mountain theme, many will be aware that Russell Bentley battled his way to a brilliant 2nd place finish in the gruelling Dragon’s Back Race. The race itself starts at Conwy castle in the North and finishes at Cardiff castle in the South, taking in virtually every mountain of significance along the way during the 380km over six days
For a brilliant account of what is regarded as the ‘World’s Toughest Mountain Race’, make sure you read Russell’s blog, which is fantastically written: https://russellrunner.com/dragons-back-race-2021/
Max Nicholls – British Mountain Running Champion
Despite very little time training in the mountains, second claimer and regular at Ladywell, Max Nicholls, pulled off a fantastic win at the British Mountain Running Championships last Sunday. The race took place in Sedburgh, and after coming fourth in the uphill-only race in Skiddaw on Friday, Max followed up with a win in the ‘up and down’ race to earn himself a GB vest at the World Championships
All the more impressive given that even Max himself admits ‘having done very little on the hills this year my form has come from our Tuesdays and Thursdays on the track!’
Well done Max!
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REMINDER: CROSS COUNTRY IS (ALMOST!) HERE
All first claim members will be automatically entered into the league.
Second claim members who wish to run for Kent in the league, must let the cross country captains know ahead of the first fixture.
John Gilbert – Men’s XC captain
Sarah Hanley – Women’s XC captain
Upcoming fixtures for the diary:
Saturday 9th October National 6 Stage Road Relays Sutton Coldfield
Saturday 16th October Surrey Cross Country League 1 Richmond Park
Saturday 13th November Surrey Cross Country League 2 Wimbledon Common
Sunday 21st November South of Thames Team Race Morden Park
Saturday 18th December South of Thames Championship Race Beckenham Place Park
Saturday 15th January Surrey Cross Country League 3 Mitcham Common
Saturday 19th February Surrey Cross Country League 4 Effingham Common
For more information on the upcoming winter fixture season or click here
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BEANEY NEEDS YOU
A polite reminder to our members that with our new track operating model we require two volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to check track passes. Volunteers have predominantly been from C group, therefore please could we ask for volunteers from other groups.
Please contact Simon Allen and Jacqueline Armit to volunteer.
Thank you to all members who have volunteered already.
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TRACK NEWS
Tuesday 17:45 – 20:45
Thursday 18:30 – 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.
The track pass system remains in place, so please purchase your September track pass here
To make life easier for parents/guardians we have a 2021 track pass option. One single payment for the remainder of the year is now available.
Please purchase your Ladywell 2021 or September £5 junior monthly track pass in advance here. When purchasing the track pass can parents/guardians please enter the athletes name when completing the transaction.
Please see a helpful FAQs guide here
Registering for a session
Group spreadsheets to register for sessions (links for payment this month and FAQs also here):
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NEW MEMBERS
Anna Burke
Annie Gould Magee
Kornelija Suveizdyte
Luke Hack
Michael O’Shea
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ENGLAND ATHLETICS AGM
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