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.
On the weekend of 14th–15th September, Runners next the Sea entered a team in the annual Round Norfolk Relay for only the second time in our club’s 10-year history! Covering a stunning 200-mile course around the border of our beautiful Norfolk, the RntS team took on 17 challenging stages and absolutely smashed it with a total time of 27 hours and 19 minutes—beating predictions by 1 hour 16 minutes! 🎉💪
From breathtaking coastal paths to tough night-time roads, this event was a true test of endurance, teamwork, and club spirit. Ant's detailed account of the journey shows just how much heart went into this race.
Read the full recap on our website for all the highlights, runner stories, and next year’s plans! 🔗👇
www.rnts.co.uk/2024/09/20/round-norfolk-relay-2024/
Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved; runners, organisers and support crew. You were all awesome!
#RoundNorfolkRelay #runnersnextthesea #RunningCommunity #norfolkrunningclubs #runforfun #norfolkrunning #norfolkrunningcommunity ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great write up Ant & amazing efforts by all involved - fantastic club
Great write up & an all round great effort 💪🏻
Brilliant write up Ant. And a wonderful club achievement.👏👏👏
Good luck to our runners and support crew taking part in the Round Norfolk Relay today and tomorrow. Find out more here ... See MoreSee Less
Round Norfolk Relay – Runners-next-the-Sea
www.rnts.co.uk
Round Norfolk Relay This weekend marks a special event in the Norfolk running calendar it’s “ The Round Norfolk Relay “ www.roundnorfolkrelay.com/ 198miles starting at Lynne Sport kings ...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Here's the reason why our 5 mile beach race isn't on the same weekend each year! ... See MoreSee Less
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Wow! 🎉 Thank you so much! Just 27 hours after entries opened, you've already sold out our 5-mile Beach Race at Holkham sponsored by Stephenson Smart . We can't wait to keep you updated over the coming months and to see you all on 12th January 2025 for the big day. 🏃♂️🏖️
If you or your friends missed out, we do have a waiting list open at totalracetiming.co.uk/user/race/524/raceentry ⏳👟
#runnersnextthesea #rnts #beachrunning #trailrunning #norfolkrunning #HolkhamBeach #norfolkrunningevents #running #winterrunning #norfolkrunningcommunity ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Well done for selling out so quick! Again! A real testament to what an amazing event it is 👌
Are you ready to take on the challenge of a winter trail run on one of Britain's best beaches? 🏃♂️🏃 We are delighted to announce that entries are now open for Runners next the Sea 5 mile (approx!) Holkham Beach Race on Sunday 12th January 2025.
The race is sponsored by Stephenson Smart and you'll need to bag your place quickly as they are already selling fast! 👉 totalracetiming.co.uk/race/524
We can't wait to see you there!
#runnersnextthesea #rnts #beachrunning #trailrunning #norfolkrunning #HolkhamBeach #norfolkrunningevents #running #winterrunning #norfolkrunningcommunity ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
What’s the pace / finishing times like? I wouldn’t want to come last by a huge margin 😂
Race is full. Says there's a waiting list but the link's not there yet??
Can I access the route prior to the race?
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Absolutely love this 💕
Runners-next-the-Sea-next-to-the-actual-sea
The results from this year's Wells Carnival - Wells next the Sea, Norfolk Fun and Competitive runs are now online here: www.rnts.co.uk/2024/08/10/run-next-the-sea-wells-carnival-2024/ ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Did anyone take any photos this year? Sure I saw somebody but it could have just been the sand playing tricks on me! 😂
It was brilliant. Thank you all!
Thank you so much to everyone! The Marshalls were so encouraging. Will definitely have another go next year.
Thanks to Malcolm for his great report on the Worstead 5 Mile race:
www.rnts.co.uk/?p=6899&preview=true ... See MoreSee Less
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