Thanet Roadrunners AC are celebrating a huge win after they beat two powerhouses to the South East Club-of-the-Year accolade at England Athletics’ regional volunteer awards night.

Mid-Hampshire AC and Fareham Running Club regularly put athletes on the international stage but Thanet - who made the shortlist chosen by a national panel of officials considering standards in club management, welfare and coaching and evidence of community involvement - won the public vote.

They collected their prize at the Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to all Thanet Roadrunners past, present and future,” said club chair Julie Neaves.

“Thanet Roadrunners has a 40-year history as a local running club, so we have a real heritage.

“As a club, we are looking forward and want to encourage people of all abilities into running. This is illustrated by the fact we have our first lady chairperson in 40 years.

“Over the last five years we have introduced over 400 people to running through our Couch to 5k programme [and] the last two years, with Coastal Striders, we have brought together local running groups to celebrate Global Running Day in June.

“We put on three races each year, which helps us support local good charities, and last year we gave away over £2,000. Our 2024 charity is Pilgrims Hospices.

“We have a thriving junior running section, with 17 registered young runners. The committee recognises times are tight for families and recently removed all junior membership fees until at least April 2025.

“If I could sum up the club in six words, they would be inclusive, friendly, encouraging, motivating, social and - with this award - ecstatic!”

The club’s free Couch to 5k programme starts on January 6. For more information on club membership, visit thanetroadrunnersac.com/join/