The MTC Thames Challenge

The MTC Thames Challenge

The MTC Thames Challenge is a four day multiday ultra covering 184 miles along the Thames Path from the river source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. The route is divided into four staged races run on consecutive days.

Each stage details:

• Day 1 Cotswold Ultra, 57 miles
• Day 2 Oxford Ultra, 49 miles
• Day 3 Windsor Ultra, 47 miles
• Day 4 Richmond Ultra, 33 miles

Accommodation and evening meals are included for the ends of Days 1 to 3, with shared rooms generally three per room. Organiser paid main evening meals exclude starters, drinks and desserts. A support vehicle transfers one cabin sized kit bag per competitor; bags must be clearly named.

Finishers receive four bespoke medals, plus a bespoke item such as a technical tee shirt, mug or hat for each day completed. The four daily medals form a jigsaw showing the route to scale. First male and female finishers receive bespoke Thames Challenge trophies. UTMB points are listed as 6 and the course record is 31:26:00.

Mandatory kit is enforced and random checks occur at registration. Required items include a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, Ordnance Survey Map 150, compass or GPS, whistle, mobile phone, two chocolate bars as emergency food and a basic first aid kit. Competitors must maintain an average minimum pace of 4.0 miles per hour or they will be withdrawn. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.