SALlying forth into Summer!
SALlying forth into Summer!
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 19/05/24–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
19 May 2024
We think that big yellow thing in the sky means it’s summer, not that those running urban halfs and marathons appreciated it today. It was hot and sweaty in Hackney and Chislehurst – Rob Wells ran the former in 1:47, and Fergus Johnson in 79:49, and in Chislehurst Woods John Gilchrist came 7th in 86:47, while Vic Cartwright was a medallist, finishing as 3rd fastest woman in 95:16. Also finishing were Alex Robbins (95:36), Ed Osborne (99:11), Suz Spalding (1:58:30) and Vince Wakler (2:03:19)
Vic, Suz and Alex
Over in Bristol Nick Acfield came 6th in the Great Bristol run (HM) in 74:49, with Sam Dames not far behind in 78:16. Rob Laing completed the Worcester marathon in 3:13.
Yesterday a few dozen Kent runners, jumpers, throwers and officials headed to Dartford, where the team acquitted themselves extremely well in the first SAL of the year. We don’t have detailed results yet, but we came 2nd out of 6 teams, with lots of great individual performances, plus the usual incredible multi-eventers. Summary report below, with detailed results to come next week.
Up at Highgate there was the annual running jamboree of the Night of 10,000 PBs. We had two runners competing – Jake Simmonds, who ran 32:40, and Lara Bromilow who ran 36:21.
Jake in full flow
A reminder that this Wednesday there are relays in Beckenham Place Park – it’s a fun event that we have 13 teams entered for. If you’re not already signed up, come down to watch and support. We’ll also be entering multiple teams in the Dulwich relays on June 19th, sign up here if you want to run.
OPEN SEASON
Entries are now live for our Summer track Open – there are races for 100, 200, 300, 400, 800 & mile, plus hurdles and long jump. Sign up here if you’re keen to compete or just set a time.
We will also need volunteers for this event so to give a helping hand, please click here.
DARTFORD SAL
Sprinting-a-long at SAL yesterday, we had a strong team out soaking up the sun and the racing. The provisional results have us coming in at 2nd place in the fixture, a really strong start to our track and field season.
Many people were taking part in their first SAL, especially amongst our incredible contingent of juniors – a huge well done to them for putting themselves out there and making a big contribution to our team’s points total. Many athletes competed in multiple events, often at late notice – a massive thank you to them.
Detailed results will come in the week, but we had wins in the women’s long jump with Kehinde Onasanya (5.05m), impressive debut high jump performances from Mohamed Nabe (1.60m) and Emily Murray (1.35), a strong result in the triple jump for Ellie Hepple (10.07m) and a PB of 30m+ for Lyndon Marfell in the discus, to name a few.
The women’s shot put team of Rose Ogunsanwo and Ellie Hepple
Amy Clements and Catherine Kandie blasted through the 3000m, gapping the field a mere 600m in after not racing on a track for a while – or for the first time ever, in Catherine’s case! — and bringing home the wins. Che Compton and Phil Sanders flew the Kent flag high in the 5000m, Che finishing 3rd overall.
Catherine Kandie and Amy Clements in the 3000m
Standout performances came in the 400m, with John Flack racing a phenomenal 50.4 (PB), and in the men’s 800m — our most popular event of the day — with Mohamed Elmi winning the sprint finish in 1.58 (PB). Jasper Jones claimed second place in a very strong 800m B race with a PB of 2:03.
Ellis Metzger in the 400m hurdles
Throughout the day our officials gained us invaluable points by officiating pole vault and discus, and acting as timekeepers and track judges.
A big thank you to all athletes, coaches and supporters for making the day such a success. We encourage and celebrate everyone to push for PB’s as well as try something new, so if you are interested please do get in touch or sign up here. The next fixture is in Thurrock on Saturday 15th June.
HEY, MEN!
Men of Kent: could you be a club welfare officer?
The club has vacancies within the welfare team for male welfare officers.
England Athletics recommend that clubs should have both male and female volunteers for these important roles. Currently, only Sarah Maris-Shaw and Sarah Young are on the welfare team to take the lead in safeguarding children and adults at risk (although this, of course, is everyone’s responsibility), helping to develop policy and occasionally dealing with concerns.
Welfare officers also have an interest in promoting athletes’ wellbeing, such as encouraging an understanding of mental health issues.
The role would suit someone with a children’s services background, in education, health or social care, although this is not essential. It is a great chance to make a difference in the club, (and also looks good on the cv).
Training in the role is offered by England Athletics and there will be a full handover/induction provided.
If you might be interested or would like to find out more, please let us know at .
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
A summary of dates for your diary
May
22 – Beckenham Relays – BPP
25 – Masters Relays – Leicester
June
15 – Southern Athletics League – Thurrock
19 – Dulwich Relays – Dulwich Park
22 – KYAL – Medway
29 – Catford Parkrun Kent Takeover
July
14 – Southern Athletics League – St Albans
28 – KYAL – Norman Park
August
3 – 10k Sri Chimnoy Battersea Park (club champs)
10 – KYAL – Dartford
17 – Southern Athletics League – Ware
September
1 – Big Half (club champs)
October
13 – Petts Wood 10K
LUCKY NUMBERS
If interested, email David at
EASYFUNDRAISING
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You can also install a helpful Chrome extension, which prompts you to donate whenever doing any online shopping – really handy
TRACK, TRACK, TRACK
Buy your track pass here.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:30
Thursday 18:00 – 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
Please see a helpful FAQs guide here
Ladywell Arena has 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.
Session times are:
Monday: 07:00 -15:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 1300 -1700
Friday: 07:00 – 15:00
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00-15:00
Price:
Adult resident: £2.70
Adult non resident: £3.00
Junior (U16): £1.30
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
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