Hottest weekend on record*
Hottest weekend on record*
Please see this week’s update for Kent AC members – 18/08/24–
KENT AC NEWS BULLETIN
18 August 2024
Our squad was small but mighty (7 women and 15 men, almost half our usual team size), and everyone showed their Kent spirit by gamely filling gaps in events throughout the day. Train (and bike) drama tried to derail us but we persevered! We had our great team of officials too: Annabelle, Ted, Len, Phil and Kehinde, several of whom also competed. The day’s highlights were Clare Elm’s two new W60 British records: 2:29.64 in the 800m and 5:02.09 in the 1500m. She showed really gutsy running to claim these records in challenging events only a few hours apart! Our women’s long-distance duo of Ellie Freeden and Sydney Nunamaker brought home two silvers in the 5k, and the men’s middle distance squad once more proved its depth with storming runs in the 800m, 1500m and 3k. Stanley Forman-Wilshaw won the 400m B string race comfortably, and our young sprint squad ran brave races — from Kehinde Onasanya to Jeffrey Senoo and Robin Clarke.
We had many people who went above and beyond by doing 3 events (more than anyone usually does), and some really went the distance, like James Bowler, who took over in 4 field events and showed us how it’s done; Archie Harper, Ellie Hepple and Ian Ellwood who did 5 each, saving the day in the more technical events like triple jump, hurdles and multiple sprint races. Alex Harris has been a rockstar all season, competing in 6 events on Saturday and fine-tuning the selection strategy for the squad across the board. His efforts for recruitment, motivation and strategy have made a big impact throughout the season. Sofia Contino had to be scraped off the track after 7 events and a pair of skinned knees, but she’s very happy with PBs in the 400mH and high jump.
While we came in last on the day, we’ve had an excellent season with memorable performances, and should be proud of ourselves. Thank you to everyone who’s made this possible — athletes, officials, parents, coaches, supporters — all of you!
See you next summer!
Last week saw the final Kent Youth Athletics League match, where our juniors came 4th… ultimately securing a 2nd place finish in the division and promotion to division 1! Huge kudos to all juniors, coaches and volunteers for this success! If you’d like to join the fun and help out the junior section, your support would be hugely appreciated!
FROM PARIS TO ALDERSHOT
Hard to believe but it’s time to start thinking about the autumn relay season! (The best time of the year). And we’ll be looking to show that Paris isn’t the only place where Kent can shine on a road-based relay!
This year the Southerns are at Rushmoor Arena at Aldershot on Saturday 21st September and the Nationals are, as usual, at Sutton Park on Saturday 5th October.
The Southerns has V40, V50 and V60 categories (the Nationals is seniors only). It would be great to have strong representation across all teams if possible.
Alexa P will be organising the women’s seniors, Chris B will be sorting out the men’s seniors and Jules G will be sorting the vets teams. Sign up sheet link below.
Entries close on the 5th September so we’ll be looking to have teams sorted in the next few weeks. If there’s any questions then just let one of the captains know!
HYDRATION IS KEY!
Everyone is welcome to join the final track summer social of the year on 27 August after training. Drinks will be provided!
Save the date now, whether you’re running or spectating… Post Big Half celebratory drinks will be held at Salt Deptford for craft beer and pizza on 1st September from 12pm 🍕
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
August
27 – Post-track social
September
1 – Big Half (club champs)
12 – save the date for the club champs 5km – entries will open this week, keep an eye out!
14 – National Cross Country Championships, Weston Park
21- 6/4/3 Southern Stage Road Relays, Aldershot including Vets (V40/V50/V60) relay champs
October
5 – 6/4/3 National Road Relays, Sutton Coldfield
12 – Surrey League xc – Wimbledon
November
9 – Surrey League xc – tbc
23 – South of the Thames Junior xc – Guildford
30-Nov or 7-Dec Kent Vets XC Dartford (tbc)
December
30-Nov or 7-Dec Kent Vets XC Dartford (tbc)
14 or 21 – South of the Thames Senior xc – Tonbridge
January 2025
4 – Kent County xc championships – Brands Hatch
11 – Surrey League xc – tbc
tbc – Southern xc – tbc
February
8 – Surrey League xc – tbc
tbc – National xc – tbc
March
April
25 – London Marathon
EASYFUNDRAISING
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
TRACK, TRACK, TRACK
Buy your track pass here.
The usual track times are:
Tuesday 17:30 – 20:45
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
(The answer to the photo clue above is Luke Armitage, about to top up the tank at the historic Regency Cafe after a great run at the Sri Chimnoy 10k)
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