Where does Vanguard Way Marathon take place?

Vanguard Way Marathon takes place in Croydon, UK.

What distances does Vanguard Way Marathon offer?

Entry options include: Half Marathon, Marathon.

How is Vanguard Way Marathon rated by runners?

Vanguard Way Marathon has an average rating of 4.34 out of 5 from 50 verified participant reviews on Racecheck.

What is Vanguard Way Marathon like?

Based on participant reviews, runners describe it as: Challenging (62% of reviews), Small & Intimate (70% of reviews), Urban & Nature Mix (54% of reviews), Hilly (70% of reviews).

Vanguard Way Marathon reviews

Name: Vanguard Way Marathon
Start: 2024-08-04
End: 2024-08-04
Location: Croydon, UK
Rating: 4.34

Michael W.

3.1

· 2025 Marathon ·

Overall, this was a very enjoyable and well-run race. One area to consider improving is the course signage, as clearer markers would help prevent novice runners from losing their way. Given the level of challenge, it’s well-suited to those with strong fitness and some navigation ...

Overall, this was a very enjoyable and well-run race. One area to consider improving is the course signage, as clearer markers would help prevent novice runners from losing their way. Given the level of challenge, it’s well-suited to those with strong fitness and some navigation experience.

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Cassie S.

3.9

· 2025 ·

The atmosphere of the running course and the super friendly support staff really made the event great, and memorable for me. I have already recommended this race to my peers as I think it is a fantastic route. I'm sure lots of people would not consider Croydon as a starting point...

The atmosphere of the running course and the super friendly support staff really made the event great, and memorable for me. I have already recommended this race to my peers as I think it is a fantastic route. I'm sure lots of people would not consider Croydon as a starting point for trail running - but we encountered around 95% trail all the way through which was great. Room for improvement is on the marking out of the trail - lots of people (including myself) got lost along the way, but luckily the participants seemed to figure out the correct path with each other to help. The other room for improvement is the aid stations, it didn;t feel like there was quite enough given the distance we were covering. But - the aid stations that were provided had some fantastic fuelling including fresh fruit, and like I say, the support staff along the way really made up for it. It was a brilliant run and I loved it - perhaps next year it's wise to advise runners there are quite a few narrow paths with brambles, so they may need to be careful in some parts! :)

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Thanks for your comments I will take all these on board and try and make the vgw easier to navigate for both beginners and experts going forward - thank you

Simon P.

4.4

· 2025 27.2 miles (due to error at the motorway turn) ·

This is a tough event. I was one of the slower competitors but the aid stations were manned even for me and well stocked. My only suggestions would be that there was a crate of water on the last leg - ie 3-4 miles from the finish. I took on some water at the 6.5miles to go point ...

This is a tough event. I was one of the slower competitors but the aid stations were manned even for me and well stocked. My only suggestions would be that there was a crate of water on the last leg - ie 3-4 miles from the finish. I took on some water at the 6.5miles to go point but it was a warm day so could have done with another nearer the finish. It was a warm day. I was not alone at going wrong at the "motorway" turning - a whole bunch did - I wonder if a marker/arrow there would be a good idea. The rest of the course was VERY well marked - enjoyed looking for the ribbons. Thanks for a great day - not sure if I will ever do it again but it feels like an achievement, even at an embarressingly slow pace.

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Phil R.

4.8

· 2025 Marathon ·

Great event and beautiful course. A must-do for any serious athlete! Loved the sections with stunning views. Great sense of achievement making it up those two massive climbs

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Pippa C.

3.8

· 2025 Half marathon ·

Good event but there were a couple of logistical hiccups that could be fine-tuned for future races. The team at the start and finish were fabulous. The venue was perfect. Course was challenging. The only thing that I felt could be improved was the signage. It was too easy to ta...

Good event but there were a couple of logistical hiccups that could be fine-tuned for future races. The team at the start and finish were fabulous. The venue was perfect. Course was challenging. The only thing that I felt could be improved was the signage. It was too easy to take the wrong turnings and getting lost alone was uncomfortable. The aid station was a little too far - I’d have preferred some water around 4 miles onto the run but understand logistically that wasn’t easy

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Daniel C.

4.9

· 2025 Marathon ·

Really enjoyed this event, easy access to start and plenty of parking, good positive atmosphere at the start. The marshalls and aid station teams were all great and found stations well stocked, lots of nice watermelon! The route itself is tough but very scenic, lots of hills, a f...

Really enjoyed this event, easy access to start and plenty of parking, good positive atmosphere at the start. The marshalls and aid station teams were all great and found stations well stocked, lots of nice watermelon! The route itself is tough but very scenic, lots of hills, a few only runnable if you are a machine but the remainder all manageable.

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Sophie M.

4.6

· 2025 Half Marathon ·

Great run, well organised. Did go a little off course but we probably could have paid better attention to signs rather than following others. Great snacks - biscuits and melon for the win! Only improvement could be on the sustainability side and reduce use of plastic cups (perso...

Great run, well organised. Did go a little off course but we probably could have paid better attention to signs rather than following others. Great snacks - biscuits and melon for the win! Only improvement could be on the sustainability side and reduce use of plastic cups (personally I had water on me) but they did refill bottles. Will definitely think about doing this run again

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Herman S.

5.0

· 2025 Half Marathon ·

I really like this trail, it's good fun and somewhat near me. Well managed and always a great group of runners joining.

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Husni N.

4.2

· 2025 21.1km ·

The event was great fun, participants were enthusiastic and friendly and the staff were plentiful and helpful. The only issue was at some pints deeper into the half marathon, the markings became quite sparse and led to us getting slightly lost a couple times. Better markings part...

The event was great fun, participants were enthusiastic and friendly and the staff were plentiful and helpful. The only issue was at some pints deeper into the half marathon, the markings became quite sparse and led to us getting slightly lost a couple times. Better markings particularly at junctions and crossroads would help make it an event better event. Overall, though it was great!

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Liam B.

4.9

· 2025 Half Marathon ·

Nice scenery, well stocked aid stations, friendly Marshall, very enjoyable

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Vanguard Way Marathon