XC is back!
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
17 October 2021
A STRONG START TO THE SURREY LEAGUE
Cross country kicked off this week after a hiatus last year due to Covid-19. It was great to be back and to see so many old and new faces at the matches. In a change to the Surrey League this year all races will be held at the same location meaning that the season kicked off for all at Richmond Park (where we hear some of the famous deer also wanted to be part of the action!) We hope those who ran enjoyed the day and looking forward to seeing a strong showing for the rest of the season!
On the men’s side it was a very competitive fixture and our men’s team narrowly missed out on second place behind a very strong Hercules Wimbledon side. Nick Torry and Max Nicholls were our highest scorers in 8th and 11th place respectively, with the first 10 closing out in 66 and a special mention to Michael O’Shea for making the scoring 10 in his first run in the Surrey League. The B team also placed third overall setting us up well for a competitive season ahead.
On the women’s side second claim member Abbie Oliver was the first Kent AC scorer finishing in a strong ninth place. Amelia Pettitt who is returning from injury ran a strong race for 20th but unfortunately didn’t count in the scorings as the women’s teams can only have one second claim scorer. Jen Berg, Jo Wint, Siobhan Wakely and Susanna Davies rounded out the scoring side for the A-Team.
In the juniors Olly Buck was a strong showing coming fifth overall in the under 15s. Theo Gaymes and Guy Barnett also had fantastic runs.
All Kent AC members are encouraged to participate in the XC season, it is a fantastic way to get to know other members of the club and we always go for a social drink or two after the race. If you have any questions about how the races work, what footwear to wear please speak to our cross country captains Sarah Hanley and John Gilbert.
All male members are asked to fill in their availability for the upcoming championship races using this link. Sarah will be in touch via the Kent AC Female email list with further details about these races in the next few weeks but please add the below dates to your diaries!
A reminder of the upcoming XC fixtures:
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 8 January Kent County Champs Brands Hatch
Saturday 15th January Surrey Cross Country League 3 Mitcham Common
Saturday 29 January Southern Champs, location TBC
Saturday 19th February Surrey Cross Country League 4 Effingham Common
Saturday 26 February The National Championships Parliament Hill
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The story goes that whilst he was at college with a top Blackheath Harrier, Jeffrey thought that this guy was nothing special and when they raced to a lamp post, Jeffrey kicked his butt. Lucky Garba’s ex-girlfriend, Anneka Shand-Whittingham, also a top sprinter in her own right, witnessed the event and suggested to Jeffrey that he comes down to Ladywell to give sprinting a go – the rest is history.
Jeffrey quickly showed his prowess over the short stuff, racing his first competitive 200m in the BAL in 22.7s back in 2006. That time over 200m would soon improve to 20.38, which at the time put him 12th on the all time British list whilst racing in Switzerland in 2009. That performance was surrounded by numerous international appearances including a semi-final in the 2010 European Championships in Barcelona over the 200m in what was a golden era for Kent AC on the track, with Conrad Williams and Jack Green also representing the club on the highest level.
If you missed our newsletter last week you can read our profile on Jermaine Mays here
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JUNIOR NEWS
On Sunday 31st October we are holding an event at Ladywell Arena for prospective new junior members from 9am to 12.30
A few places remain so if you have family or friends interested in joining the club this is a great opportunity for them to experience what we have to offer.
To register please follow the link: https://forms.gle/q7CnqigBvzthuwnT9
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BEING A JUNIOR’S COACH?
We currently have 78 junior members with another intake early next month. To coach run, jump and throw activities we need a large team of volunteers.
The club will fund the cost of qualifications but we need regular commitment to coaching. Our coaches are friendly and encouraging so you will have lots of support.
Contact Hassan on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s at the track to learn more or
TRACK
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 October 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 October £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.
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
Susanna Davies
Hugh Barnett
Abbie Oliver
Shahad Choudhury
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