Vanguard Way Marathon and Half Marathon

A steep descent from the Downs leads on to the North Downs Way National Trail and the Pilgrims' Way, crossing the Greenwich Meridian, where the Vanguards have provided a commemorative plaque. Nearby is Titsey Place, an 18th century manor house that can be visited at certain times. Quickly crossing the M25 on a footbridge, a further ascent leads into the wooded slopes of the Greensand Ridge. Once on the edge of Limpsfield, we turn around to admire the view from the other way - its truly breathtaking scenery.

Half Marathon + Full Marathon -

Race Date
04 Aug 19

Race Start Time
09:30

Changing Area
Changing mens/women rooms open from 7.30am (next to Cafe) , we will lock the changing rooms once the runners have set off – please leave your valuables locked in cars or kept safe with the HQ team at Lloyds Park.

Bag Drop
All bags can be left in the changing rooms which will be locked until the runners return.
Note: Organisers (ie myself) cannot be held responsible for any belongings or items that may go missing which are stored in the baggage area, however we are aiming to secure this area and have our marathon officials supervise bag drop off and collection – they will ensure the changing rooms remain locked.

MP3 and other music players and road safety – IMPORTANT READ THIS PLEASE!
For your own personal safety we recommend that you do not run with MP3 music in your ears – so you can be aware of other runners and users along the VGW. There will be a number of key road crossings that we ask you to pay extra caution, at OAKS ROAD (TRAMS), COOMBE LANE (USE THE ROAD ISLAND TO CROSS), BALLARDS WAY, CREST ROAD (USE FOOTPATH – SEE ARROWS ON FLOOR) , ADDINGTON ROAD – REPEAT ADDINGTON ROAD CAN BE QUITE BUSY , THERE IS A PELLICAN CROSSING A LITTLE FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD ON YOUR LEFT IF YOU PREFER – OTHERWISE, PLEASE WAIT FOR A SAFE OPPORTUNITY TO CROSS – DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE AND RUN ACROSS ADDINGTON ROAD – IF I HAVE A SPARE MARSHAL I WILL PLACE THEM THERE TO ASSIST – OTHERWISE , PLEASE USE YOUR COMMON SENSE ! Otherwise, the rest of the route is pretty quiet and rural , one or two others LIMPSFIELD ROAD , THE RIDGE and TITSEY ROAD – that’s it !! Have a look at the map link to see where these are – you run and cross roads at your own risk.

We would encourage friends and families to congregate at Lloyd Park HQ to watch the finishers come in, and witness the presentation of medals and tee shirts to all of the finishers. The whole Lloyd Park is accessible so we will let you roam free to explore all the amazing sights of Croydon and beyond.

If you do have any questions about the event or would like to get in touch with the race organiser then please follow the link below -

https://www.1m2go.co.uk/contact/

Aid Stations
We will provide aid – drink and snacks/gels stations approximately after every 6 miles – so you will pass the first aid station. In view of the hot weather I will ask runners to take a bottle with them for good measure – drop in bins not in the countryside.

First Aid & Communication
Limited first aid will be available at HQ any runner who feels unwell should stop and notify other runners and ask for assistance/support and we will get someone out from the the medical support team. Please do not run if you feel unwell on race day, as this is a tough out and back course. Your health and well-being is paramount to us all. Any emergencies can be phoned to the race director on 079677 29922. Please complete the medical info on the back of your race entry numbers – to assist in the event of any emergency – pens will be at HQ to help you.

Toilets
There will be open clean toilets at Lloyd Park – and sadly non along the course route, which is essentially in the countryside – however, there will be a pub after the 6 & 20 mile mark if you are desperate – otherwise please do as nature intended, where you feel hidden from public view.

Mile Markers
There will not be any individual mile markers along the course , except for the 6 miles , 13.1 miles and 20 miles and finish 26.2m – so just have a look at the link showing the mapometer and where the estimated mile markers should be.