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.
Thank you for the amazing response to this year's Couch to 5K courses. For the first time ever we've had to close bookings early due to high demand. We want to make sure you all get the time and coaching you deserve.
If you were sitting on the fence and didn't quite make it on, please keep an eye out for our next courses, or why not see if the Couch to 5K app might work for you. www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/ ... See MoreSee Less
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A huge, warm welcome to our Couch to 5K class of 2024, kicking off with session 1 tonight in Wells and tomorrow in Fakenham. We can't wait to meet you all and support you on your journey. You've got this!
www.rnts.co.uk/c25k
#couchto5k #C25K #runforfun #youvegotthis #wellsnextthesea #fakenham #runnersnextthesea ... See MoreSee Less
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🏃♀️ Meet Deb, whose running journey began with uncertainty but blossomed into something extraordinary. 🌟 Thanks to the Runners-next-the-Sea Couch to 5K course, she found not just a way to stay fit, but a supportive community that cheered her on every step of the way. 🏅 You can too! Sign up for our next course at www.rnts.co.uk/C25K - no experience needed! 👇
"I had tried to do the Couch to 5k by myself but gave up very quickly because I got fed up running between lampposts on my own, so apprehensively signed up to the Runners next the Sea course in May 2022. That was a great decision - and I’ve carried on running as a result. I hadn’t done any running since school (a very long time ago!) so wasn’t sure whether I would be able to do it. However, I needn’t have worried - the coaches and members of the Club are really supportive and encouraging- no matter your ability, age or size. There’s no elitism, only people who get so much out of running and want others to enjoy the benefits of running too. For me, I feel fitter, both physically and mentally, and love that by running, I have some time for myself, to destress and also spend time with some lovely friendly, positive people who offer great advice and support. I’ve met some great friends through the club, and we try to run weekly. There is always others of the same ability to run with, so no need to worry about running on your own, or about being able to keep up. And I’m proud of myself to now have some lovely medals on the wall as proof that I can now run at least 5k and beyond! That wouldn’t have been possible without the RntS course and the ongoing commitment and camaraderie from the coaches and members."
Deb
Couch to 5K 2022 Graduate
#couchto5k #couchto5km #couch25k #couchto5kstories #FollowInTheirFootsteps #C25Kstories #runforfun #C25K #runnersnextthesea #InspiringJourney #RunningCommunity #Fakenham #WellsnexttheSea #norfolklife #getintorunning #startrunning #norfolkrunningclubs #norfolkparkrun 🌟 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks to Sarah for sharing her inspiring #couchto5k story. You can follow in her footsteps. Sign up for our next courses starting next week in Fakenham and Wells-next-the-Sea. www.rnts.co.uk/c25K ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Runners next the Sea's post ... See MoreSee Less
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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 the next Runners-next-the-Sea 5 mile (approx!) Holkham Beach Race will take place on Sunday 12th January 2025. Save the date and we'll be back soon to announce when sales will be opening.
#runnersnextthesea #RNTS #beachrunning #trailrunning #norfolkrunning #holkhambeach #norfolkrunningevents #running #winterrunning #norfolkrunningcommunity ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you Nur for your SDW50 run report.
Whether you're just embarking on Couch to 5K, or running ultras like Nur, you're all runners.
www.rnts.co.uk/2024/04/26/south-downs-way-50/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Have you been inspired by the London Marathon stories at the weekend? From small acorns mighty oaks grow. Start your running journey with our Couch to 5K course in Fakenham or Wells-next-the-Sea. You can do it! Sign up at www.rnts.co.uk/c25K. You won't regret it.
#C25K #runnersnextthesea #runningcommunity #couchto5k #fakenham #wellsnextthesea #norfolklife #getintorunning #startrunning #norfolkrunningclubs #runfordun #runningisforeveryone🌟 ... See MoreSee Less
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Zara never thought she would enjoy running or join a running club, but that all changed after taking part in the Runners-next-the-Sea Couch to 5K course last year. You can do it too! Visit www.rnts.co.uk/c25K for more info and to sign up. Here's her story 👇
"I signed up to the Couch to 5K with my best friend last May. It was a way to get fit, and I’d been wanting to improve my running for ages, and this seemed like a good way to do it. Yes, I could have done it with an app, but where’s the fun in that? Plus, I would have lost interest. By signing up with Runners Next to the Sea course, I had some accountability. I had a set time and a group of people to train with, which made it much easier. The group was amazing and friendly; the coaches were fun and approachable. There were people of all capabilities when it came to running, so there was no negativity, and everyone supported each other. Even when it came to the dreaded homework, the coaches supported and encouraged us by joining in with us.
Since completing the C25K, I have joined the running club and join in with the training sessions when I can. I even spent Easter Sunday doing a 5K run rather than eating chocolate. I never thought I would enjoy running or join a running club, but it’s one of the best things I’ve done, and I’ve met some fantastic people along the way and made some new friends as well. 😊🏃♀️
Zara
Couch to 5K 2023 Graduate
#couchto5k #couchto5km #couch25k #couchto5kstories #FollowInTheirFootsteps #C25Kstories #runforfun #C25K #runnersnextthesea #InspiringJourney #RunningCommunity #Fakenham #WellsnexttheSea #norfolklife #getintorunning #startrunning #norfolkrunningclubs #norfolkparkrun 🌟 ... See MoreSee Less
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