We are a small friendly EA Affiliated running club based in Wells-next-the-Sea on the
North Norfolk coast.

On this site you will find information regarding the club, news of events and other information such as training and contact details.

Our History

The club came from an idea of having a running group in early 2014 and by May sessions had started on the Alderman Peel High School playing fields.  Initially the intention was to hold a beginners course but the majority of people turning up were already capable runners so the club evolved from there.

In 2018 with the help of a grant from the Wells Carnival Committee the club became an accredited Running Club with UK Athletics and this enabled us to benefit from the UKA Coach Training courses allowing us to recruit members into the Coaching team.

In the early days all our training sessions were held in a single Group but as numbers grew this began to become an issue both in the size of the group and the different abilities. As a consequence we evolved into holding sessions for different-paced Groups.

In 2016 we first assisted with the Wells Carnival Fun Run and in the following years our involvement grew substantially.  In 2017 we held our first members only Beach Race and in 2022 the Beach Race became an open event.

In 2019 we organised our first formal Couch to 5km (C25K) as an accredited Club.  This annual event has become an important part in the club diary. 

What we offer

Runners-next-the-Sea is a friendly EA-Affiliated running club based on the North Norfolk coast, with membership predominantly from Wells-next-the-Sea, Fakenham, and surrounding villages. We are truly fortunate with our location and able to offer during the summer months, Monday evening training in the grounds of Holkham Park and on Holkham beach. In the winter, the Monday night training alternates weekly between Wells-next-the-Sea and Fakenham. Members of the club also arrange social runs, typically on a Thursday evening, with some runs in Fakenham and others in Holkham Park. The club has an enthusiastic events team, which co-ordinates within-club running and social events, and also brings participation of club members in local external/events into our Club Championships. Importantly, “participation” in this sense is not just about running, but encompasses supporting and volunteering. 

Club members participate in a wide range of running events, benefitting from being part of an EA-affiliated club. Distances range from 5K to ultramarathons, and there is always someone in the club able, and very willing, to provide guidance and practical support to anyone taking on a new challenge. Many local events have a significant RntS team presence, with groups of 20+ being quite normal. The club also has a close working relationship with Holkham parkrun, with many members running and/or volunteering at these Saturday morning events. As an EA-affiliated club, we receive an annual place in the London Marathon, which is allocated through a draw, based on certain criteria.

We have an excellent and committed coaching team, which delivers training to the club and motivation to individuals, and the club supports any member wishing to gain running leadership and/or coaching qualifications for the benefit of themselves and the club.

Overall, we have a dynamic club of 130+ members and we benefit hugely from the nature within which we run and the nurture of our fellow runners.

If you would like more information, you can either email us directly or pop along to our Facebook page to get in touch.