Thames Ring Series

Thames Ring Series (2026)

The Thames Ring Series is organised by Challenge Running Ltd and is based at the Morrell Rooms, Streatley-on-Thames, RG8 9JA. The event offers three distances in 2026:

• TR250 - approx. 256 miles, full anti-clockwise loop.
• TR150 - section from the start to Nether Heyford (about 150 miles).
• TR100 - section from Nether Heyford to the finish (about 100 miles).

The full route follows the Thames, the Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal, and is mostly on canal towpaths and riverside paths with some urban stretches. Checkpoints are placed at roughly 25 mile intervals along the route.

Format and practical information

Runners on the full distance have a 100 hour overall cutoff. The TR150 has a 53 hour cutoff and the TR100 a 34 hour cutoff. GPS tracking is included for all runners and trackers have an emergency SOS function. Drop bag rules: 250 and 150 runners may have one drop bag up to 20 kg transported to each checkpoint; 100 mile runners have one drop bag accessible at the Lower Heyford checkpoint only. Outside support is only permitted at designated checkpoints. Pacers or buddy runners are not allowed except at checkpoints.

Mandatory kit items include at least 1 litre fluid carrying capacity, full waterproof top and bottoms, a hat or buff, sufficient food between long checkpoint gaps, a charged mobile phone and a head torch of at least 100 lumens. Entry fees for 2026 are £350 (TR250), £175 (TR150) and £125 (TR100). Only finishers receive a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.