As of today, , it is now days since the Royal Harbour Academy running track in Ramsgate was closed. The closure was on Health & Safety grounds (pending refurbishment of the running surface) following a meeting with the Coastal Academies Trust leadership on Monday 16th September 2024.
Until it reopens, Wednesday evening training will take place at the St Peter's Recreation Ground in Broadstairs home of Thanet Wanderers rugby club.
Broadstairs Map (new window)
The current venue is off-road and traffic-free and has proven to be an ideal temporary home. Floodlights are available during the darker months and Broadstairs Tennis Club have generously allowed us to use their toilet facilities should the need arise.
Training is open to children in Year 5 and upwards, with most attendees already at secondary school. When the age spread is broad, sessions will be differentiated to provide a suitable challenge for everyone.
Please note that we cannot accommodate children below Year 5 in the evenings, but they may enjoy our morning sessions in the school holidays.
Once the lighter evenings return, we are likely to move again. The track remains our preferred location, but we have plenty of other options if its reopening is delayed.
Footwear: Suitable footwear is essential. You do not need spikes or studded shoes, but can bring them if you want on muddy days. Trail shoes or trainers are perfect. School shoes, walking boots, flip-flops etc are not appropriate and you will not be allowed to train in them.
Clothing: Think carefully about what to wear and bring. Your school PE kit or other sportswear will be fine for running in. Be aware that the recreation ground is a large open space and can get very cold, even on relatively warm evenings.
Make sure you bring warm clothing for before and after the session. Warming up in a hoodie or tracksuit top is recommended. A lightweight, waterproof top is advisable too as we intend to train throughout the winter months regardless of the weather.
Hydration: You should aim to arrive suitably hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you, but you don't need to guzzle gallons during the session. A snack for afterwards is a good idea too, especially if you have a long drive home.
Behaviour: Pay attention and follow instructions carefully. If anything is unclear, ask. (You may also be helping other people who haven't understood or weren't listening properly!)
Parents are welcome to
Each session begins with a gentle jogging warm up. It is really important to warm up slowly and for a sufficient length of time. You should be able to hold a normal conversation with anyone running alongside you. If you feel out of breath after your warm up, you have gone too fast and will not get maximum benefit from the session.
After some balance, mobility and coordination drills, you will learn about the evening's set. Sessions may include competitive elements, but respect for teammates and competitors alike is vital.
We are always happy to hear about individual goals and to help athletes towards achieving them. Remember, though, that everyone develops at different rates. We aim to encourage enjoyment in running throughout childhood and beyond rather than putting too much pressure on performance this week, this month or this year.
The greatest gains come from working consistently and you are encouraged to attend as often as you can.
For 2025, we are introducing a Membership Plan. You'll make significant savings if your son or daughter comes along regularly. You'll also benefit from several offers that are either free, discounted or exclusive to members.
East Kent Coaching also welcomes non-members to our training sessions, subject to available capacity.
All you have to do is book online, complete the consent form and pay for your sessions in advance.
A one-hour session costs £7 for non-members.
Don't Forget to PayYou should pay for your sessions by BACS transfer to this account: Payee East Kent Coaching Ltd |
If your child hasn't run with us before, you'll need to complete a short Parental Consent Form and return it before coming along for the first time.
Complete Consent Form (Online Google Form)
If you are using the Pay-As-You-Go option, please complete your Booking Form by Monday evening at the latest (i.e. 48 hours before you plan to attend.)
If you have any questions, you can
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