The MTC Thames Challenge
Kemble, United Kingdom • 6-9 Aug 2026
The MTC Thames Challenge
The MTC Thames Challenge is a four-day multiday ultra running event scheduled for 6-9 August 2026. The full route follows the Thames Path from the river source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier, a total of 184 miles. The event is split into four stages, each run as its own ultra race:
- 57 miles : The Cotswold Ultra (source to Travelodge Oxford)
- 49 miles : The Oxford Ultra (Oxford to Henley-on-Thames)
- 47 miles : The Windsor Ultra (Henley-on-Thames to Travelodge Kingston)
- 33 miles : The Richmond Ultra (concluding at the Thames Gate)
All finishers receive a bespoke medal for each day and one of a bespoke technical item (t-shirt, mug, or hat) per completed day. The four daily medals combine to form a to-scale image of the Thames Path route. UTMB points are listed as 6.
Logistics and rules
Accommodation and evening food are included for the ends of Days 1–3. Overnight locations are Travelodge Oxford Abingdon Road, The Catherine Wheel (Wetherspoons) in Henley, and a Travelodge in Kingston; rooms are shared three per room by default. The organiser provides a morning porridge pot, orange juice and fruit; competitors should bring their own spoon. One cabin-sized kit bag per competitor is transferred by the support vehicle; bags must be named and competitors remain responsible for their items in transit.
Competitors must be self-sufficient and carry mandatory kit including a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, OS map (Map 150 or downloadable maps), compass or GPS, whistle, mobile phone, emergency food (two chocolate bars) and a basic first aid kit. Entrants must be at least 20 years old on the start day. The organisers require an average minimum pace of 4.0 miles per hour including stops; falling below this will result in removal from the race. Entry fees are listed as Solo £595 and Relay Member £425. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.