The Marlow Donkey

The Marlow Donkey Event Overview

The Marlow Donkey is a challenge event organized by the Thames Valley LDWA that takes place in the Chilterns. Starting and finishing at Liston Hall in Marlow, the event offers 2026 participants geographical routes through the Hambleden and Stonor valleys. The course features a figure-of-eight design centered on the village of Hambleden.

Participants can choose between three different distances:

• 25 km
• 40 km
• 50 km

The 50 km route is a special addition to mark the group's 50th anniversary and extends as far as Bix. The event is open to both walkers and runners, with specific maximum time limits of 8 hours for the shortest route and 11 hours for the two longer distances. All participants are required to finish the course by 7 pm.

The registration fee includes a badge for all finishers and timed e-certificates available after the event. The organizers provide drinks and snacks at the start and at outward checkpoints, followed by a simple meal at the finish line. Entry is limited to 150 participants, and no registrations are accepted on the day of the event.

Required equipment for all entrants includes a personal drinking container (at least 1 litre), a plastic mug for drinks at checkpoints, a whistle, a basic first aid kit, waterproofs, a mobile phone, and a compass. Navigation must be assisted by either paper OS maps or electronic GPS versions with an adequate power supply.

The start location is approximately 10 minutes from Marlow Train Station. Local car parking is available nearby in Liston Road or Dean Street. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.