Vanguard Way Marathon & Half Marathon
Booked 2 times in the last week
Event summary
Admire breathtaking views as you tackle 26 miles of the Vanguard Way in this Marathon & Half Marathon event. Perfect for runners and walkers, this route features woodlands, villages, and open country, ensuring an all-around trail experience. Come for the epic goodies and earn that bespoke medal.
This event has passed, here are some recommended events:
This event has passed, here are some recommended events:
Your organiser
We provide runners with the ability to run marathons in beautiful and safe surroundings supported by enthusiastic volunteers who ensure all runners receive much needed encouragement as they navigate the ups and downs of the various courses. We welcome runners of all abilities.
We are extremely excited with our NEW half marathon in Richmond Park, which will appeal to all runners who are either training for London Marathon, or just simply want to take part in a well-organised event.
Volunteer
How to enter
Tickets available until Sat Jul 31 2021
What's included:
- Bespoke Finisher's Medal
- Event T-shirts
- Goody bag including mugs, pens, magazines
- Additional food and snacks at the finish line
- Chip-timed results
- Showers and changing facilities
- Bag drop
- Aid Stations
Marathon
Run 26.2mi
Half Marathon
Run 13.1mi
Booked 2 times in the last week
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Frequently asked questions
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.… read moreHow 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. … read moreWill the event be COVID-19 secure?
Yes, there will be a number of measures in place including masks and face coverings, hand sanitiser stations, gloves and social distancing. … read moreRunning Event Types
Running Event Types
Popular Categories
Popular Categories
Route description
Route description
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.
07:30 Changing rooms open
07:45 - 09:15 Registration opens
09:30 Marathon and Half Marathon start
16:30 Cut-off time
Start Waves
Runners will be set off in waves of no more than 10 runners and at 1 minute intervals to ensure everyone remains socially distanced.
Cut-Off Time
All runners must adhere to the strict cut-off time of 7.5 hours-ish. Runners who appear to be falling behind will be asked to stop and return to Race HQ.
Changing Facilities
Men's and women's changing rooms will be open from 7:30am and are situated next to the Pavillion Cafe. The changing rooms will ne locked after runners have set off so please leave valuables in your locked cars or give them to the HQ team at Lloyds Park to keep them safe.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be situated every 6 miles. If the weather plans 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 on route at the 6 & 20 mile marks if you are desperate.
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.
Coombe Rd, Croydon CR0 5RA, UK
Get directionsParking
There is free car parking at Lloyd Park which may only be available for 3-4 hours. Runners are encouraged to use the vast spaces of Melville Ave, Ballater Road, Castlemaine Ave and Croham Park Ave.
By Public Transport
Travelling to the event site is easily done but 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.
Marathon
Half Marathon
Route description
Route description
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.
07:30 Changing rooms open
07:45 - 09:15 Registration opens
09:30 Marathon and Half Marathon start
16:30 Cut-off time
Start Waves
Runners will be set off in waves of no more than 10 runners and at 1 minute intervals to ensure everyone remains socially distanced.
Cut-Off Time
All runners must adhere to the strict cut-off time of 7.5 hours-ish. Runners who appear to be falling behind will be asked to stop and return to Race HQ.
Changing Facilities
Men's and women's changing rooms will be open from 7:30am and are situated next to the Pavillion Cafe. The changing rooms will ne locked after runners have set off so please leave valuables in your locked cars or give them to the HQ team at Lloyds Park to keep them safe.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be situated every 6 miles. If the weather plans 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 on route at the 6 & 20 mile marks if you are desperate.
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.
Coombe Rd, Croydon CR0 5RA, UK
Get directionsParking
There is free car parking at Lloyd Park which may only be available for 3-4 hours. Runners are encouraged to use the vast spaces of Melville Ave, Ballater Road, Castlemaine Ave and Croham Park Ave.
By Public Transport
Travelling to the event site is easily done but 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.