Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon

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Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon
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About
Come and run part of the Vanguard Way, stretching from Croydon to Newhaven, in this fantastic marathon and half marathon event. Experience rolling fields, open countryside and picturesque villages along the way. Finishers will get a well-earned bespoke medal and goody bag.
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Marathon and Half Marathon
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Calendar
Sun 4th Aug 2024
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Croydon, United Kingdom
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Star
4.3
(31 Reviews)
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Where and when
Location
Coombe Rd, Croydon CR0 5RA, UK
Start times
Sun 4th Aug 2024
Marathon:
9:30am |
Half Marathon:
9:30am
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon
Marathon
Distance
26.2mi
£45
Half Marathon
Distance
13.1mi
£45
Route information
The route follows part of the Vanguard Way Route, a 66-mile trail from East Croydon to Newhaven on the South Coast. This event will see runners travelling a 13.1 mile out-and-back route along this stunning, and varied course.
Starting on the outskirts of Greater London the route passes through Surrey, Kent, and Sussex. Less than half an hour into the run you'll reach woodland and open countryside as you pass through historic houses at Coombe, through Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve, and the beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin at Farleigh.
With a tough, but achievable, climb to reach the highest point of the route at 853ft, the views will reward you as you head back down from the North Downs onto the North Downs Way National Trail and the Pilgrims' Way.
From here you'll see the Vanguard's commemorative plaque as you cross the Greenwich Meridian, and head into the wooded area of Greensand Ridge. Rounding out the 13.1 miles you'll reach Limpsfield where you'll turn around and enjoy the view all the way back.
What's included
  • Bespoke finisher's medal
  • 1m2go mug
  • 1m2go buff
  • Post-race goody bag
  • Additional food and snacks at the finish line
  • Chip-timed results
  • Bag drop
  • Aid stations
Train
How to get there
Coombe Rd, Croydon CR0 5RA, UK
Get full directionsExternalLink
Parking
There is free car parking at Lloyd Park which may only be available for 3-4 hours. Runners are encouraged to use the spaces of Melville Ave, Ballater Road, Castlemaine Ave and Croham Park Ave.
By Public Transport
Travelling to the event site is easily done by going to East Croyden train station and then travelling 3 tram stops to Lloyd Park. The destination on the tram will say New Addington – Route 3.
Event day logistics
07:45 Registration Opens
09:30 Marathon and Half Marathon start
*Please arrive with plenty of time before the start of your race to register, attach your race number and warm up.
Bag Drop
There will be men's and women's changing rooms open from 07:30 am (next to Pavillion Cafe). All bags can be left in these changing rooms, they will be locked until participants return
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be situated along the course at every 6 miles. If the weather is going to be particularly hot, please bring your own water with you to stay hydrated.
Toilets
There will be toilets in Lloyds Park but none along the route as it is essentially in the countryside. There will be a pub en route at the 6 & 20-mile marks if you are desperate.
Crowds
Spectator Info
Spectators are encouraged to watch the event at Lloyd Park HQ where they can watch their friends and family cross the finish-line. The whole park is open and accessible to spectators.
FAQs
How do I get my race photographs from the Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon?
Race photos will be emailed to all runners after the event.
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How do I find my results from the Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon?
Results will be emailed to runners after the event as well as posted onto the VGW Marathon website.
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When will I get my medal from the Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon?
Medals will be posted to participants after the event.
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Reviews
4.3
31 reviews
eloise
Star
4.0
Did the race in 2023
More marshalls and directions would be better
sam
Star
3.3
Did the race in 2023
Understaffed run, helpful and nice people, good swag but mostly self-advertisement of the organiser company. People running without knowing the track got lost. Markings were not always visible, the trail was overgrown by nettle and brambles by the golf course.
fabio
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
Great, friendly organisation with showers facilities at the end. Course is excellent, with about 900m elevation gain over 42k, which is good for beginners of trail running or ultrarunning.
herman
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
It was my first really challenging trail half marathon. The last one I did was mostly flat and although some hills it was not much of a trail in respect to bumps and lumps. So my introduction into trails has now been done and I am a lover. Great route, luckily wonderful weather and amazing crew and runners.
liz
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
It wasn't always easy to keep to the course. Missed a couple of markers and did some extra milage but don't think there was much more signage the organisers could have done. Very enjoyable and friendly event.
rachel
Star
3.7
Did the race in 2023
On the way back the markings needed to be clearer - had clearly been marked on the way out but this made it confusing on the way back and got a bit lost a couple of times.Also both myself and my friends fitness watches recorded 23km for the half marathon - two additional kms made a big difference in terms of difficulty! Marshals were great.
zoe elizabeth
Star
4.7
Did the race in 2023
It was a great experience as the number of participants was small, it felt very personal, as you weren’t ‘lost’ in a crowd.
yong
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
My first ever full marathon and first ever trail run. Challenging with beautiful scenery but it gives you a wholesome experience. A very good learning experience for a beginner like myself. Markings could be better or maybe due to my inexperience. The rest are excellent. Thanks to everyone involved for the help, support and unforgettable experience. I will be back for sure.
fleur
Star
4.3
Did the race in 2023
Really fun race, lovely route and all the people running it were great, but everyone did far longer - 14.5 miles, 15 miles, and a few got lost so we needed more markers (we think the horse riders were taking them down as they were very rude!)
rob
Star
4.7
Did the race in 2023
I absolutely loved it and the staff and volunteers were super friendly. Some of us got temporarily lost so I think the course markers could have been more evenly spread out.
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£45
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8th Floor, Orion House, 5 Upper St Martins Lane,

London, WC2H 9EA

Reg number 10083277

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