Vanguard Way Marathon
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The Vanguard Way Marathon + Half
The Vanguard Way Marathon + Half follows a section of the 66-mile (107 km) Vanguard Way national trail. The event begins in South London at Coombe Road, Croydon, which is located near East Croydon Station. The course uses an out-and-back format along the undulating trail, passing through the counties of Surrey, Kent, and East Sussex.
Participants travel through a variety of landscapes, including parkland, woodland, and open country. The route passes several landmarks such as the historic houses at Coombe, Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve, and the church of St. Mary the Virgin at Farleigh. The course reaches its highest point in the North Downs at an elevation of 260 metres (853 feet) above sea level. Other notable features along the way include the Nore Hill Chalk Pinnacle and the crossing of the Greenwich Meridian on the North Downs Way.
The event offers two main distances:
- 26.2 miles (Full Marathon)
- 13.1 miles (Half Marathon)
The marathon route involves an out-and-back 13.1-mile section. After crossing the M25 via a footbridge and ascending the Greensand Ridge to the edge of Limpsfield, participants turn around to return. All finishers receive a medal and a goody bag containing a race-specific t-shirt, food, and snacks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
