<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 29/05/23<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 29 May 2023
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A polite reminder to all of you attending track sessions to ensure you pay your fee for a monthly track pass.
If the fees are not paid, the cost of the monthly track pass will need to be increased.
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Another glorious bank holiday weekend has gone by…
Hopefully many of you were able to enjoy the sunshine for a run or a walk but for some of us, it was back to the road on two wheels to take on RideLondon!
Kudos to all of you who took part this year with a shout out to Anne Hepple, Rich Jones,
Claire Oxlade, Amelia Pettitt, Khawaja Shahabuddin and Sally Urquhart.
For others, there was one more Spring marathon to tick off the list in the City of Edinburgh.
Congratulations to Ronnie Haydon, finishing in 4:05:04 and Sarah Wright, in 3:45:41.
Over in Cagliari, during the third race of the World Triathlon Championship Series, our golden boy Alex Yee, showed his strength and determination, taking victory for the second time in 1:36:28, five seconds ahead of his opponent Hayden Wilde. It was not the easiest start for Alex as he fell to his knees in the sand however he managed to navigate the waves and maintain a good pace in the cycle, leading him to separate from Wilde in the four-lap run through the streets of Cagliari.
Photo credit: World Triathlon
HELLO SOCIAL SEASON
It wouldn’t be summer without a lot of social events to look forward to!
The first of the Kent AC summer socials returns tomorrow, 30 May.
Treat yourself to some nibbles and drinks after your track session!
Another great social event is the upcoming Assembly League
taking place on 1 June at Crystal Palace Park.
If that doesn’t tempt you enough and you fancy going for a shiny new PB,
we have our next Kent AC takeover at Dulwich parkrun on 3 June.
On 10 June, it is a special day for Hilly Fields!
We will be celebrating the 500th parkrun as well as bidding farewell to the fantastic
Stephen Robson, who is stepping down as Event Director.
Not officially a Kent AC parkrun takeover however it would be wonderful
to see many of you there to commemorate the occasion.
13.1 MILES OF FUN
One of our favourite events on the Kent AC calendar, The Big Half,
is taking place on 3 September.
For those of you wanting to take part, we have been allocated 19 community spaces,
kindly organised by Barny Day.
Please mark your interest on the form here.
The lucky runners will be picked by lottery on 3 June!
Although it is not required, those of you that do get picked may wish to make a small donation
or fund raise to the youth set up at Kent AC.
SUMMER DATES FOR THE DIARY
30 May – Track social 1 June – Assembly League, Crystal Palace Park 3 June – Kent AC parkrun at Dulwich 21 June – Dulwich relays 18 June – SAL, Mile End 27 June – Track social 6 July – Assembly League TBC 9 July – SAL, Stevenage 25 July – Track social 3 August – Assembly League, Victoria Park 19 August – SAL, Thurrock 29 August – Track Social 3 September – The Big Half 7 September – Assembly League, BPP 16 September – 125th Anniversary Dinner
SHOW TRACK AND FIELD YOUR LOVE
Athletics needs more officials, and volunteering in this way is a wonderful way to give back to the club.
This is a great opportunity to help get club events’ results on Power of 10. And it’s fun.
It’s a straightforward process that the club will pay for, with more detail on available courses here.
It would be great to see a few more people put their names down to help out!
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY VACANCY
We have a vacancy for the membership secretary committee role. Bernie acts as the first port of call for all new members, ensuring they join the club without any problems and he has been a highly valued committee member for many years.
We would love to find someone who is:
– Diligent with an attention to detail
– Proactive in dealing with queries
– Computer literate
– Familiar with online payment systems
– Able to attend regular meetings and/or submit reports
If this is you and you want to give a little back to the club, then please reach out to Bernie Hutchison to find out more.
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
WIN A TRACK PASS
In recognition of the importance of our volunteers, all gate volunteers each month are in with a chance of winning themselves a month’s track pass (worth £10).
To be added to the rota simply email Jacqueline or Laurie
We only need each track attendee to volunteer a couple of times a year to spread the responsibility fairly.
T&Cs for the track pass draw:
All volunteers for the current month will be added into the hat for a draw each month. The winner will win a free pass for the next calendar month. Names will be automatically drawn from https://namepicker.net/ (or similar alternative) The winner can either chose to:
use their free pass within a calendar year allow their free pass to roll down to another volunteer annual pass holders can nominate another club member if they cannot make use of the pass themselves
No refunds/discounts will be provided in place of the free monthly pass. Volunteers will only be eligible to win a pass once every three months.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:30
Thursday 17:30 – 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.
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 now has new 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 – 21/05/23<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 21 May 2023
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What an active week for Kent AC! We had victories and records at the Beckenham Relays on Wednesday, a competitive start to our SAL season on Saturday, a crowd up in Hampstead cheering on the runners at the Night of 10k PBs, and today several great half marathon runs in Hackney and Chislehurst.
And on top of that, we made two cracking new member signings, both of whom ran last night at Parliament Hill Fields.
Nick Torry may be familiar to many as he occasionally runs (and generally wins) Dulwich or Crystal Palace parkruns. Among his many achievements are the 2nd fastest V40 parkrun time ever (14:33) and the fastest V45 time (14:57) He also has the 2nd fastest British V45 HM time (66:14) and is 4th on the V45 10000m list. He has run for Kent before, in the Surrey League as a second claimer, and has now been persuaded to switch to us as first claim. He ran at Highgate last night in a Kent vest, although was unfortunate to suffer a fall and finished in 32:29.
Marcelo Laguera is a 27 year old Mexican international runner, with PBs of 13:59 in the 5000, 28:05 in the 10000, and 63:07 in the HM. He ran in the Championship race at Highgate last night, finishing in an excellent 28:14. A great addition to the club, and we hope to see him running in our vest soon! Welcome Nick and Marcelo!
A date to note is the Kent AC club run at Dulwich parkrun on 3rd June.
BECKENHAM RELAYS
In the 2023 Beckenham Relays Kent AC had its biggest turnout at the event with 33 runners putting on the mighty blue vest. Our serious intent was shown by selecting 3 runners for the A team who all broke 15 minutes in the Battersea 5k just a month ago.
In the Men’s race it was a reversal of last year’s results. Cameron Dockerill stormed round in the fastest leg of the day in a fantastic 12:37 on leg 1 giving Owen Hind a solo run on leg 2. Owen extended the lead on Dulwich over the hilly 2.6 mile course by running 13:02 and eventually handed over to Rob Sesemann. Rob ran a very controlled 13:04 to break the Kent AC Team record by 35 seconds which was set last year. We believe that Cam broke the individual course record as well as the three breaking the team record. Well done gentlemen we are all very proud of you. A shoutout to the Mens B team of Chris Busaileh, Ben Clarke & Chris Mullin coming 4th, also beating the Dulwich B team.
In the women’s race Bryony Proctor led out the team by running 15:09 which was the fastest female leg of the day coming in 1st after leg 1 with a big gap to the second female. Congratulations Bryony. She was backed up with fantastic runs from teammates Claire Elms (15:57) & Ellie Freeden (16:10) to retain the woman’s title. The women’s B team of Jen Berg, Amy White & Nesrin Sabanci also claimed silver. The woman’s C team of Victoria Buck, Ella Day & Parris Williams came in 4th place beating local rivals Dulwich into 5th. Credit to Pete Boxshall for great coaching on the women’s side.
In the mixed team race, a special shoutout to Victoria Cartwright who ran 1:10 quicker than last years time only 23 days after running the London marathon. Vic was backed up by two more Kent AC runners who also ran the London Marathon to claim a bronze medal in the mixed team category, Jonathan Tipper and George Russell closing out the team running 13:43 & 13:25 respectively.
A big thank you from myself to everyone who wore the mighty blue vest and ran fantastically as always, a quote from Sally Urquhart during the presentations “coming up the last hill I felt awful but I knew I had to fight for every position for the team” which shows team spirit is at its highest. It was a privilege to be the team manager again this year and to come away with 4 team medals across the three categories shows the standard we set at Kent AC.
[Report by team captain Jake Simmonds]
Southern Athletic League – Hornchurch
The first SAL of the season was held on Saturday at Hornchurch, near the end of the District Line, and what a turn out – we had 28 scoring athletes and another 11 non-scorers. Kent AC came a close fourth out of six teams overall, being overtaken by Thurrock on the last few events. Fortunately we have a chance at redemption as Thurrock will also be competing at our next fixture in Mile End on June 18th.
It was also one of the best sprint turn outs we’ve seen in years thanks to the influx of junior runners eligible this season. There were many PBs today from the sprinters including Clio Parkes, Liv Shortland and Darren Smith who got PB’s in both their 100m and 200m races. A great start to the season for all of them. Max Harbord also ran strongly to come 2nd in the 100m and 200m A races. PB’s also fell for SAL debut runners Azarai and Jacob in their races. The men picked up a 1st and 5 2nd places in the 100, 200 & 400 A and B strings and the women achieved two 1sts and a 2nd place.
It was a great day for Kent distance running. Harry Foreman Wilshaw once again proved his strength with a relaxed looking finish to win the 1500m in 4.09. Dame Dibaba won the B string in 4.11. We are now unbeaten in the A string in this event for 5 matches and have only failed to win the B string once in this time. Claire Elms was also impressive in the women’s 1500m running 5:05 for 5th place.
Other notable distance results include Alexa Parker winning the women’s 3000m, with Dee O’Brien 2nd in the B string. Jake Simmonds was second in the men’s 3000m close behind former Kent AC man James Connor, with Che Compton 3rd in the B string. Jasper Jones came in 4th in the 800m A race as an under 17, with George Russell 3rd in the B race.
We also fielded a team for every relay race available, men’s and women’s, which just goes to show the calibre of sprinters we have in the club. The men’s 4 x 100m was unlucky to be disqualified and will definitely grow through the season.
Those competing in multiple events are particularly vital in building points. Alex Harris proved a great signing and the former 1.95 high jumper scored us valuable points in the HJ, TJ and discus. Most impressively he teamed up with Ellis Metzger and they both cleared 2m in the Pole vault. Ian Ellwood competed in 5 events, and Gen Blanche was also a strong multi-eventer getting points in the triple jump, long jump, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Sofia Contino competed in the LJ, hammer, 400 and 800.
Field eventers of note include Archie Harper, who produced an excellent high jump of 1.70 to come second overall as well as a second place in the A string 400m. Lara Ellis competed well in several of the throwing events. Jack Jones and Micah Payne Cook came third in the A and B string long jump with both going well over 5m.
Ian Ellwood and Joe Hartley renewed their rivalry in the 110mh and steeplechase with Ian proving dominant once again over the high hurdles but Joe lasting the distance in the steeplechase. Ian also won the B string 400h in 66.5s.
Final results:
1 Havering 341
2 Dartford Harriers 328
3 Thurrock Harriers 267
4 Kent AC 211
5 Serpentine RC 171
6 Highgate Harriers/Mornington Chasers 161
Well done to everyone who competed, and a big thank you to everyone who volunteered to officiate as well. Phil Marsden, Kehinde Duada, Jacqueline Francis, Pete Boxshall, Ed and Annabelle Hadlow, these events really couldn’t happen without you.
If you fancy competing please do contact Ian Ellwood – the next fixture is at the slightly more convenient Mile End. We’re particularly keen if you have experience with jumps or throws, as this is where other teams often have an advantage on us.
Finally a quick note on signing up for the SAL. We do understand if you are unable to make it, but please do let one of us know or remove your name from the spreadsheet, particularly if you are down as an A or B scorer.
[Report by SAL team captains Ian Ellwood and Olivia Shortland]
Other Results
Kent runners were active in many other places this week.
In addition to Nick and Marcelo mentioned above, Chris Greenwood ran the Highgate 10000m last night, inching under 31 minutes in 30:59.
In the popular Hackney Half Owen Hind came 5th in 71:35. James Bates ran a PB of 97:30, just ahead of Ivona Gongolova in 1:40. Jo Wint ran 1:54 a few days after running a hard leg in Beckenham.
In nearby Chislehurst there were 5 Kent runners in the half marathon – Phil Sanders was 7th overall and 1st V50 in 83:18. Amy Clements was 17th and 3rd woman runner (88:01), Katie Rowland was 25th and 4th woman (91:14), Victoria Buck 47th, 5th woman and 1st VW45 (98:11) and Jen Berg 55th (99:54) Kent women also won the team prize.
Kent’s victorious women
SUMMER TRACK SOCIALS
With the evenings getting lighter and warmer and the promise of more sunshine, we’re excited to announce the return of the summer track socials.
Starting next week, Tuesday 30th May and taking place on the last Tuesday of every month from May to August. Drinks and nibbles will be provided by the club at Ladywell Track in the clubroom. Starting after your warm down until 9pm.
SUMMER FORWARD LOOK
Make sure to add these events to your diary!
30 May – Track social 1 June – Assembly League TBC 3 June – Kent AC parkrun at Dulwich 21 June – Dulwich relays 18 June – SAL, Mile End 27 June – Track social 6 July – Assembly League TBC 9 July – SAL, Stevenage 25 July – Track social 3 August – Assembly League, Victoria Park 19 August – SAL, Thurrock 29 August – Track Social 7 September – Assembly League, BPP 16 September – 125th Anniversary Dinner
SHOW TRACK AND FIELD YOUR LOVE
Athletics needs more officials, and volunteering in this way is a wonderful way to give back to the club.
This is a great opportunity to help get club events’ results on Power of 10. And it’s fun.
It’s a straightforward process that the club will pay for, with more detail on available courses here.
It would be great to see a few more people put their names down to help out!
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY VACANCY
We have a vacancy for the membership secretary committee role. Bernie acts as the first port of call for all new members, ensuring they join the club without any problems and he has been a highly valued committee member for many years.
We would love to find someone who is:
– Diligent with an attention to detail
– Proactive in dealing with queries
– Computer literate
– Familiar with online payment systems
– Able to attend regular meetings and/or submit reports
If this is you and you want to give a little back to the club, then please reach out to Bernie Hutchison to find out more.
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
WIN A TRACK PASS
In recognition of the importance of our volunteers, all gate volunteers each month are in with a chance of winning themselves a month’s track pass (worth £10).
To be added to the rota simply email Jacqueline or Laurie
We only need each track attendee to volunteer a couple of times a year to spread the responsibility fairly.
T&Cs for the track pass draw:
All volunteers for the current month will be added into the hat for a draw each month. The winner will win a free pass for the next calendar month. Names will be automatically drawn from https://namepicker.net/ (or similar alternative) The winner can either chose to:
use their free pass within a calendar year allow their free pass to roll down to another volunteer annual pass holders can nominate another club member if they cannot make use of the pass themselves
No refunds/discounts will be provided in place of the free monthly pass. Volunteers will only be eligible to win a pass once every three months.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:30
Thursday 17:30 – 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.
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 now has new 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 /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022 – thanks to Jules for setting that up and managing the club website content!
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 14/05/23<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 14 May 2023
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From Norman Park to Nordic cities, our navy blue vests shone resplendently on track, field and road competitions this weekend. We had a gold medal and PBs a-plenty at the Kent County Track and Field Championships, whilst over in Copenhagen, Josh Lennard-Jones and James Murray took the scenic route to Carlsbergs by smashing the marathon in 3:06:27 and 2:58:18 respectively.
The drama wasn’t limited to the Scandis this weekend, as closer to home at Peckham Rye parkrun, the chase was on until Jon Tipper took a photo finish first place with Barnaby Day in second place and a parkrun PB. Che Compton completed the podium, coming in first place. Meanwhile Paul Pollock scored the fastest parkrun time in the whole of the UK at Belfast Victoria in 14:29.
Wednesday sees the summer kick off with the Beckenham relays! We look forward to seeing you there!
Josh and James on a post-marathon ‘hej’ with well-deserved pints!
STILL BEJEWELED
A week on from King Charles donning his crown, Czechia’s Eurovision song showed that crowns are still all the rage this week. But more importantly, the results from last week’s epic Coronation Games are now up on Power of 10. A huge well done again to Will Pitt for organising such a fantastic day and to all who volunteered and competed.
HEARDLE: THE SOUND OF SUCCESS
This weekend saw the Kent County Track and Field Championships at Norman Park, with some huge successes for juniors and seniors alike.
A massive well done to Tess Hepple for coming in 1st place in the U15G 75m hurdles final in a PB of 12.21. A massive thanks to Miguel and Hassan for all their support, and for their encouragement on her start, which she has had to change in the transition to the U15 age group.
The successes didn’t stop there, as Sham Notice and Liv Shortland both made it to the 100m senior women’s final, with Liv finishing with a new PB. Sham also competed in the 200m women’s final. On the men’s side, Max Harbord made it to the 100m final too.
In the U17 100m heats, Mia Evans and Micah Payne-Cook both came away with fantastic new PBs.
Meanwhile up in sunny Yorkshire, Ian Ellwood showed that last week’s hurdle race was merely a warm up- this week smashing nothing but the competition by winning a bronze medal in the 3000m steeple chase.
Tess with her U17G 75m hurdles trophy
SALutations
If this weekend’s track and field events have inspired you to participate, then please sign up for the first fixture of this year’sSouthern Athletics League (SAL), on 20 May at Hornchurch.
All are welcome and the more, the merrier! Please contact Ian Ellwood or Liv Shortland for more details and sign up here!
We also need officials and volunteers and if you are interested please contact Len here.
SUMMER FORWARD LOOK
May is here and we have plenty of exciting events around the corner so make sure to add them to your diary!
17 May – BPP relays 20 May – SAL, Hornchurch 1 June – Assembly League TBC 21 June – Dulwich relays 18 June – SAL, Mile End 6 July – Assembly League TBC 9 July – SAL, Stevenage 3 August – Assembly League, Victoria Park 19 August – SAL, Thurrock 7 September – Assembly League, BPP 16 September – 125th Anniversary Dinner
SHOW TRACK AND FIELD YOUR LOVE
Athletics needs more officials, and volunteering in this way is a wonderful way to give back to the club.
This is a great opportunity to help get club events’ results on Power of 10. And it’s fun.
It’s a straightforward process that the club will pay for, with more detail on available courses here.
It would be great to see a few more people put their names down to help out!
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY VACANCY
We have a vacancy for the membership secretary committee role. Bernie acts as the first port of call for all new members, ensuring they join the club without any problems and he has been a highly valued committee member for many years.
We would love to find someone who is:
– Diligent with an attention to detail
– Proactive in dealing with queries
– Computer literate
– Familiar with online payment systems
– Able to attend regular meetings and/or submit reports
If this is you and you want to give a little back to the club, then please reach out to Bernie Hutchison to find out more.
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
WIN A TRACK PASS
In recognition of the importance of our volunteers, all gate volunteers each month are in with a chance of winning themselves a month’s track pass (worth £10).
To be added to the rota simply email Jacqueline or Laurie
We only need each track attendee to volunteer a couple of times a year to spread the responsibility fairly.
T&Cs for the track pass draw:
All volunteers for the current month will be added into the hat for a draw each month. The winner will win a free pass for the next calendar month. Names will be automatically drawn from https://namepicker.net/ (or similar alternative) The winner can either chose to:
use their free pass within a calendar year allow their free pass to roll down to another volunteer annual pass holders can nominate another club member if they cannot make use of the pass themselves
No refunds/discounts will be provided in place of the free monthly pass. Volunteers will only be eligible to win a pass once every three months.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:30
Thursday 17:30 – 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.
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 now has new 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 /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022 – thanks to Jules for setting that up and managing the club website content!
<<First Name>>, Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 08/05/23<!–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN 8 May 2023
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It has been a joyful extra bank holiday weekend, kicking off with the first Assembly League of 2023 at Victoria Park on Thursday evening. A great performance and turnout with wins for both men’s and women’s first teams, full results to follow so keep an eye out.
Join us for the next one on 1st June!
(Those who made the group photo)
On Saturday, we had the Kent AC takeover at Hilly Fields parkrun. A wet morning and heavy marathon legs for some, however a lovely bunch turned out nonetheless with many volunteering and six of our own finishing in the top ten!
Yesterday, the Kent AC Coronation Games took over the Ladywell Arena. The sun was shining, the beers were flowing and we had a strong attendance with athletes from all over turning out to perform. A huge thank you to Will Pitt for dedicating a lot of time to planning the event and running the show on the day, without whom it would not have been possible along with all of the wonderful volunteers who made the day such a success. Read on to find out more on the results!
Whilst we’re on the subject of track, a reminder to all Kent members using the facility to make sure to purchase your pass ahead of your chosen session. Apologies for the system not working last week but it appears to be resolved now.
You can pay your fee here.
A KENT CORONATION TO REMEMBER
Whilst one coronation took place along the streets of Westminster on Saturday, another special coronation took place in our beloved Ladywell Arena yesterday afternoon.
We had over 170 entrants for the Coronation Games, from debutants to national standard athletes with a fantastic show of both junior and senior Kent members. It really was a day of community and appreciation for all the wonderful volunteers who dedicate so much time to Kent AC and to developing the future of the club.
Harry Forman Wilshaw (U20) starred, winning a memorable 800m and Gunpowder Mile double, amongst a host of other outstanding Kent performances. You can check out all of the results here.
Congratulations to all of you who raced!
TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Kent AC has just had a particularly busy and high-profile few weeks. The cross-country season seems to have just finished, yet we have had our first track match, put on an open track meet and had the excitements of the road relays and London (and other) marathons in between.
This piece is a personal thank you those who made it all happen and to point you to a few sources where you can revisit some of these wonderful experiences.
Thanking people is a tricky task, as naming names means you leave people out. So I wont name names. But the people who organized the travel, accommodation and meal for the nation cross-country; who organized the relay teams; who coached and supported the marathon runners; who managed the KYAL track team, and who did a huge amount of graft in putting on the amazing Coronation games all know who they are. Not to forget the large number of people who chipped in their bit. And of course, the competitors. Thank you.
It’s difficult to pick a highlight, for the same reason of possibly offending others. But I will: the whole club should applaud the colossal achievement of a bronze medal for the senior men at the 12 stage national road relay on 15 April. Maybe Kent AC will field a stronger and more motivated team some time in the future, but it’s hard to imagine. It’s also a measure of how far we have come in a generation. I vividly remember the first time we qualified for and competed in the event (in 1996) and being thrilled to just be there. We finished 44th. What progress.
The wonderful world of digital publishing means these experiences can be enjoyed. Settle down and listen to Ellie Brown’s slot on BBC radio on London marathon day here, read Russell Bentley’s gripping and emotional first-hand account of the 12 stage here and watch Mark Hookway’s only slightly shortened video of the event here.
Len Reilly
Co-president
AN HONOURABLE MENTION
Peter Yates, who died recently aged 92, is a name that will probably be known to only long-standing
members, but is one to whom we should all be grateful. For it was he, along with Ron Hale, who did
most to resurrect Kent AC from near collapse in the late 1970s.
Peter joined the club in 1949. In the 1950s he competed as a sprinter, running c.52 sec for 400yards,and long jumper. His work for the MOD took him to the states 1953-59 and 1963-66. On his return he competed consistently on the country and road until the 1990s, when he again turned his talents to the track supporting the club’s vets’ t&f team.
But it was his role as a club office holder where he made his greatest contribution. He was cross
country secretary 1969-72, general secretary 1973-4 and president in 1976. This coincided with a
slide in the club’s fortunes. In the 1960s and early 1970s the club had thriving and successful men’s
and women’s track teams and a junior section. But from the mid 1970s there was a decline in our
women’s section, relegations and later resignations from track leagues, defections to other clubs
and unfilled committee posts. In 1979 there were calls for the club to be wound up, but Peter, along
with Ron (and Juno Field, who is still a regular) fought for our survival. In so doing they, later
assisted by Norman and Dennis Fairbrass, and later again by Ken Pike, laid the first foundations that have seen us work our way from almost nothing to one of the top clubs in the country.
Peter carried on competing through his 50s, 60s and 70s. Versatility was his forte: he ran in the first
three London marathons and was age group county sprints champion in his 60s and 70s.
He retired to Devon in 1998 and was made an honorary member a year later.
He is somebody to whom all our members should be grateful and will be sadly missed by those who
knew him and his family.
Len Reilly
Co-president
BEING WELL, RUNNING BETTER
*This event is going to be rescheduled. Keep an eye out for another announcement*
We all know that recovery, fuelling and generally treating our bodies as miraculous temples is as important to an athlete’s wellbeing as the actual training, but still we believe that if we run our bodies into submission, those PBs will happen. They just won’t.
Learn more about the fun stuff during an evening of lectures, food, drinks and general high jinks, cunningly inserted between our two training nights for maximum recovery. You owe it to your temple to attend.
Running & Wellbeing Event: Performance, Power, Psychology and Pints An opportunity to learn, question, reflect and socialise.
SALutations
If this weekend’s track and field events have inspired you to participate, then please sign up for the first fixture of this year’sSouthern Athletics League (SAL), on 20 May at Hornchurch.
All are welcome and the more, the merrier! Please contact Ian Ellwood or Liv Shortland for more details and sign up here!
We also need officials and volunteers and if you are interested please contact Len here.
SUMMER FORWARD LOOK
May is here and we have plenty of exciting events around the corner so make sure to add them to your diary!
17 May – BPP relays 20 May – SAL, Hornchurch 1 June – Assembly League TBC 21 June – Dulwich relays 18 June – SAL, Mile End 6 July – Assembly League TBC 9 July – SAL, Stevenage 3 August – Assembly League, Victoria Park 19 August – SAL, Thurrock 7 September – Assembly League, BPP 16 September – 125th Anniversary Dinner
SHOW TRACK AND FIELD YOUR LOVE
Athletics needs more officials, and volunteering in this way is a wonderful way to give back to the club.
This is a great opportunity to help get club events’ results on Power of 10. And it’s fun.
It’s a straightforward process that the club will pay for, with more detail on available courses here.
It would be great to see a few more people put their names down to help out!
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY VACANCY
We have a vacancy for the membership secretary committee role. Bernie acts as the first port of call for all new members, ensuring they join the club without any problems and he has been a highly valued committee member for many years.
We would love to find someone who is:
– Diligent with an attention to detail
– Proactive in dealing with queries
– Computer literate
– Familiar with online payment systems
– Able to attend regular meetings and/or submit reports
If this is you and you want to give a little back to the club, then please reach out to Bernie Hutchison to find out more.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Saturday’s bonus ball was number 7!
Due to the rollover, congrats to John Cox who has won £500.
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
WIN A TRACK PASS
In recognition of the importance of our volunteers, all gate volunteers each month are in with a chance of winning themselves a month’s track pass (worth £10).
To be added to the rota simply email Jacqueline or Laurie
We only need each track attendee to volunteer a couple of times a year to spread the responsibility fairly.
T&Cs for the track pass draw:
All volunteers for the current month will be added into the hat for a draw each month. The winner will win a free pass for the next calendar month. Names will be automatically drawn from https://namepicker.net/ (or similar alternative) The winner can either chose to:
use their free pass within a calendar year allow their free pass to roll down to another volunteer annual pass holders can nominate another club member if they cannot make use of the pass themselves
No refunds/discounts will be provided in place of the free monthly pass. Volunteers will only be eligible to win a pass once every three months.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:30
Thursday 17:30 – 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.
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 now has new 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 /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.
CLUB CONTACTS PAGE
The password for the club contacts page hereis kacladywell2022 – thanks to Jules for setting that up and managing the club website content!