Thames Trail Ultra

Thames Trail Ultra : overview

The Thames Trail Ultra is a point-to-point ultra running event held on 24 October 2026. The route runs from Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley, south of Oxford, to the YMCA Y Centre in Henley-on-Thames. The course follows the Thames Path and the Ridgeway National Trails and is listed as a UTMB Index race in the 50K category. The distance is approximately 47 miles. Terrain includes riverside paths, country trails and some roads; the organisers state 40.4 miles of cross-country and riverside paths (86%) and 6.6 miles of roads (14%). Total elevation is given as +947 ft (+289 m) and -1053 ft (-321 m).

Course support and practical information

There are five checkpoints on the route, each providing water and snacks. The finish area offers hot drinks, toilets and changing facilities. The overall cut-off for the event is 11.5 hours, with progressive cut-offs from Checkpoint 3 onwards. Entrants must be 18 or over. Each competitor receives a GPS tracker for live tracking during the event. A single competitor bag will be transferred to the finish; maximum bag size is 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Parking near the start is limited and a shuttle bus service from Oxford train station is usually provided. Mandatory kit includes a charged mobile phone, power bank, minimum 1 L hydration, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch with spare batteries, hat and gloves, long-sleeved base layer or fleece, and a debit or credit card. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.