Will you sign up to the first Marriott’s Way Marathon?

For many people Marriott’s Way is a much loved running route – it has been one of my training mainstays, whether that’s part of a short loop of used as a training route for a half or full marathon.

But as well as just training along it, a new event will give you the chance to run either a full marathon or a half.

Marriott’s Way Marathon and Half Marathon February 19 2017

The First Marriott’s Way Marathon takes place on Sunday February 19 and has been organised by Kevin Marshall, who runs his own personal training business and who is also the man behind the Norfolk Coastal Marathon, and the Peddar’s Way Ultra.

The full marathon starts in Aylsham and finishes at Sloughbottom Park in Norwich, while the half starts at the old railway station at Whitwell, near Reepham.

Because it’s not a circular route organisers will be organising a bus to take runners from Sloughbottom to the start lines.

Kevin, 56, previously worked in local government as an assistant housing director for Norwich City Council, and then for a housing association, before deciding to set up his own business five years ago.

“I just thought there was a race to be had,” he explained.

“The full marathon starts at Aylsham and finishes at Sloughbottom Park, while the half starts at the old train station at Whitwell (near Reepham). To make it easy for people we will be laying on a bus at the finish to take people to the start.”

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For the Marriott’s Way Marathon and Half Marathon events he is hoping to attract around 200 runners, which means the event will break even.

“I don’t do typical races where it’s big numbers, I tend to do more inspiring courses. I try to make sure there is no pressure on people – as long as you finish by 5pm that’s fine. That’s one of our unique selling points.”

He also organised the Norfolk Coastal Marathon, which now attracts 300 runners and his Facebook page has 960 Likes.

He said: “I organise about 12 events a year either in Norfolk or Suffolk. I started off doing the Peddars Way Ultra, which takes place in January.

“I used to live in Norfolk in East Dereham and I run my own fitness and well-being business. I also do Nordic Walks training and run events.”

Diary dates – here are some of the other trail events Kevin organises

Thorpe forest 10km                                                     January 8

Peddars Way Ultra                                                       January 28

Thorpe Forest 10km                                                    March 12

St Nicholas Hospice Care Bury to Clare (18 miles) May 21

Norfolk 100km                                                             June 10

Kings Forest Half/Marathon                                     September 24

Norfolk Coastal Marathon                                         October 28 (tbc)

Kings Forest 50km                                                       November 11

St Nicholas Hospice Care Festive Forest Challenge (10km/1/2 marathon/20 miles) December 2

 

Kevin’s website is currently being upgraded, but you can keep up to date with what’s going on the Positive Steps Events facebook page, or click here or follow him on Twitter @positivestepspt

 

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About Kevin:

Born in Lincolnshire, Kevin now lives in Bury St Edmunds where he also organises trail running events including the Kings Forest Ultra 50km.

A keen athlete he’s recently been side-lined by a torn meniscus (which is cartilage in your knee), though prior to that earlier this year, he was a UK silver medallist in the Redcar 100m walk race.

“I had always been an athlete and was always interested in training and so I started doing client work on the side and five years ago my business was born,” he said. “I also do two events a year to raise £11,000 for the local hospice.”

What do you love about trail running? We’d love you to share with us your favourite routes – whether in Norfolk or beyond.

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