The Marriott’s Way Celebration Art Exhibition will showcase the wildlife, nature and heritage of this 26-mile footpath, bridleway and cycle route, through art from local artists.
 
Visitors to Reepham on Saturday 8 October and Sunday 9 October can visit Rushlight Gallery (Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm), the Bircham Centre (Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm) and St Michael’s church (Saturday 10 am – 3 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 3 pm) to discover artwork inspired by the Marriott’s Way, one of the popular Norfolk Trails paths that follows the route of two disused railway lines.
 
Families walking the route are also encouraged to take part in a stamp scheme as part of the celebrations. Pick up a stamp card and collect five or more stamps from participating venues in Aylsham, Cawston and Reepham from 1-9 October and receive a free train ride at Whitwell Station at the next Steam Sunday event.
 
This year, places in the popular Marriott’s Way 10k sold out two months before the event.
 
The race, which is now in its eighth year, runs along a 10-km section of the Marriott’s Way between Aylsham and Reepham, which is mostly off-road and generally quite flat.
 
The race, sponsored by Whitwell Station, McCarthys and SweatShop, will finish from 11.15 am onwards in Reepham Market Place.
 
Race supporters include Woodgate Nursery, Norfolk & Suffolk 4X4 Response, Reepham Runners, Norfolk Civil Protection Volunteers and Reepham Spar.
 
Runners who can no longer take part are encouraged to let organisers know and will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Mizuno trainers from race sponsor SweatShop if they get in touch before midnight on Sunday 25 September.
 
If you can no longer run, or would like to go on the waiting list, please email. Please note that, in line with race terms and conditions, there are no refunds or name changes.
 
Cllr Claudette Bannock, Broadland District Council’s member champion for sport, said: “We’re keen to increase levels of health and well-being within the area, and it’s always great to see runners of all abilities taking part in this race. “The Marriott’s Way is a fantastic resource for all ages to use and enjoy, and we urge people to get outdoors, get active and discover the local area.”
 
Organisers are keen to hear runners’ Marriott’s Way stories, whether their journey from couch to 10k, a tale of personal challenges to get fit for the race or fundraising for a local charity, by sharing using the hashtag #MarriottsOfFire on Facebook or Twitter.