About Us
Paddock Wood Athletic Club was formed in 1986, by a few local families who wanted to provide more activities for children in the town. Since then the club has grown to a membership of around 300 across all ages from 8 years upwards. The club still prides itself on being family friendly, and many families attend together.
Our regular training sessions are on a Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30-8pm, we meet at Mascalls Academy, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, all year round. Training sessions are varied and have something for runners of all abilities, so whether you are a beginner, improver, experienced, or maybe returning to athletics after a few years off, there will be someone to train with. Many of our sessions now take place at our all-weather training track at Putlands Sports Centre, and many of our coaches run sessions on other days for specific groups (please note all parking is at Mascalls Academy, members cannot park at Putlands).
In the winter, junior members train for Sportshall Athletics and cross country and training focuses on these events, plus general strength and conditioning. In the summer junior sessions focus on track and field events, and we encourage them to try as many events as possible.
For the senior athletes there is a varied training schedule in the winter which is mainly on the track or road, and in the summer off road sessions are planned. Seniors also participate in track and field training sessions, and are welcome to try all events. Some of our members also organise social runs on evenings and weekends.
Paddock Wood AC competes in many track and field leagues in the summer, and during the winter we compete in Cross Country & Sportshall leagues. We also have an active road running calendar all year round, and members also compete in indoor track competitions. We also have an intra-club grand prix for the road runners and participate in interclub competitions.
We have coaches qualified in a wide variety of athletics events and disciplines, all our coaches are fully insured and registered with UK:Athletics.
Membership starts at 8 years of age, and for new junior members, we operate a waiting list, please email info@paddockwoodac.co.uk to be added to this list. We are an inclusive club, and welcome all new members. Anyone wishing to join will be given a one month free trial.
Our membership year runs from 1st January each year, and fees for 2021 are:
Membership Fees for 2022
Under 20 years | £50.00 |
Over 60, student or unemployed – competing | £66.00 |
Over 60, student or unemployed – non- competing | £50.00 |
Senior – competing | £76.00 |
Senior – non-competing | £60.00 |
Family living at the same address | £85.00 |
Second claim member | £45.00 |
Social member | £20.00 |
England Athletics membership (included in the competing figures above) | £16.00 |
If you wish to compete for Paddock Wood AC in events other than most road races and the Kent Fitness League Cross Country you will also be asked for the £15 England Athletics (EA) registration fee, which we will pay to England Athletics on your behalf. Paddock Wood AC pay competition/entry fees for team events for all competitors and EA registration fees for U20 athletes who compete for the club. Membership and EA registration forms should be completed online and payment is by Bank Transfer, details can be found here https://www.paddockwoodac.co.uk/club-info/join-us/
Paying your EA fee entitles you to discounts with their partners, most road races offer discounts on entry fees for EA registered athletes.
In addition your Paddock Wood AC membership entitles you to discounts at many local sports shops by showing your membership card.
All club members can also use PWAC training track for free outside of normal club sessions by producing their membership card at the reception of Putlands Sports Centre and asking for the key. Non-members can pay a £3 fee to use the track.
The club also organises social and fun events, including running weekends, awards dinners and so on, and we are always looking for new ideas and help with organising events.
So if you are interested in coming along please get in touch via info@paddockwoodac.co.uk We are looking forward to meeting you and running with you!
PWAC Events
We organise the annual Paddock Wood 1/2 Marathon, usually a fortnight before the London Marathon in the Spring, one of the biggest in Kent which has a Gold event grading from BARR.
Startrack for children 10am and 3pm each day over a week during early August
