Thames Path Ultra Challenge

London, United Kingdom • 12-13 Sep 2026

Event overview

The Thames Path Ultra Challenge is scheduled for 12-13 September 2026. The main route follows the Thames towpath from the Putney Bridge / Bishops Park area upstream to Henley-on-Thames. The route passes Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede and Windsor and finishes by the river in Henley. The challenge is part of a weekend Thames Path Festival that also includes the Thames Bridges Trek and the Thames Moonlight 10, plus the Henley 10K.

Distances and categories

  • 100 km (continuous option and a 2-day daylight option)
  • 72 km (3/4 challenge)
  • 50 km (first half and second half options)
  • 28 km (quarter sections)
  • 22 km (quarter sections)
  • 10 km (Henley 10K riverside loop)

Support, services and entry options

Rest stops are provided about every 12.5 km, with larger "major" stops every ~25 km offering marquee cover, catering, seating, changing rooms, medical and welfare tents. The route is fully signed and supported by an event app with GPS tracking; a timing system scans participants at rest stops. Camping packages are available near the halfway point for the 2-day option. Shuttle buses and transfers are offered to local train stations and key venues. There are entry categories including an Ultra March option for brisk walkers and a Trailblazerz option for faster, time-targeted runners. Fundraising options include a range of charity partnerships and discounted charity registration fees. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

UTMB 20K UTMB 50K UTMB 100K
100 km
Ultra Trailblazerz 100km
100 km
Ultra March (100km)
100 km
Full Challenge
72 km
Three Quarter Challenge
50 km
Half Challenge
50 km
Ultra Trailblazerz 50km
50 km
Ultra March (50km)
28 km
First Quarter Challenge
28 km
Third Quarter Challenge
22 km
Second Quarter Challenge
22 km
Fourth Quarter Challenge
10 km
Henley 10k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Join Esher Street O, part of the Winter Street O Series by Mole Valley Orienteering Club, at The Wheatsheaf in Esher. Choose a 60 or 40 minute score course with MapRun and relax with food and after the race refreshments at the pub.

Join the STAR Backyard Holmbury St Mary three hour trail challenge on 23 January 2026 and see how many 5 km laps you can complete around Holmbury Hill. A headtorch is required and entry includes a warm bowl of chilli or curry.

Brutal @ Bagshot serves up a muddy, hilly Army training circuit with bogs, twisting climbs and knee to waist deep water holes. The 10 km is two gruelling laps.

Huffin Puffin Run on 24 Jan 2026 at Xcel SPORTS HUB, Walton on Thames. Flat 5.3 km riverside loop with distances from 5 km to ultra; lap as you like within the time limit and enjoy aid stations and digital results.