Thames Trail Ultra
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Thames Trail Ultra
The Thames Trail Ultra is a 47-mile point-to-point ultra-marathon following the Thames Path from Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley, south of Oxford, to the YMCA Y Centre in Henley on Thames. The course covers mixed terrain: about 40.4 miles of cross-country trails and riverside paths (86%) and 6.6 miles of roads (14%), with a net elevation gain of +947 ft (+289 m) and elevation loss of -1053 ft (-321 m).
The event includes five aid stations offering water, snacks and Go Beyond fruitcake, with drinks available at the finish. Toilets are available near Checkpoints 1, 4 and 5. Real-time GPS tracking is provided via a Geo Tracks tracker that uploads position frequently for live tracking.
The race is part of the UTMB Index System in the 50K category. There is a progressive cut-off system with an overall cut-off of 11.5 hours and mandatory kit checks before the start. Required equipment includes a fully charged mobile phone, power bank, minimum 1 L water container, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch with spare batteries, hat and gloves, a long-sleeved base layer or fleece, and a debit or credit card for emergencies. Trail shoes are recommended due to variable and potentially muddy conditions.
Logistics include baggage transfer from start to finish (maximum bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm), limited parking at Iffley, and a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station to the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
