Thames Trail Ultra
In partnership with the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails - sensibly priced ultras for crazy runnersThames Trail Ultra
A 47-MILE POINT-TO-POINT ALONG ENGLAND’S LONGEST RIVER
This demanding run along the Thames is one of the most popular events in the British ultra running calendar.
Previously known as the Thames Trot, the event takes in 47-miles from Iffley in Oxfordshire to Henley-on-Thames.
Our runners will enjoy the company of England’s largest river as it makes its way past ever-changing scenery, beautiful houses and traditional rowing clubs. Expect everything from tarmac paths to muddy trails on this interesting and challenging course.
The run follows both the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, so entrants should be careful not to forget the words ‘National Trail’ rather than simply reading Thames Path.
Starting around three miles south of Oxford, the race heads from Hakewell House Hotel down to Iffley Lock and across the river. It then follows the towpath through the picturesque towns and villages of the region to Henley-on-Thames.
There will be a new race finish for 2024 at the YMCA Y Centre, in Lawson Road, Henley-on-Thames. This will mean runners will be able to access showers, hot food and drinks, and changing facilities at the end of the race – more details can be found here.
We are proud to say that this race is an Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc index race.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 07989850170.
WHEN
Saturday 19th October 2024 Registration from 07:00. Start 08:15.
ENTRY FEE
£67.00 (includes a tracker)
RUN FOR A CHARITY
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Ultra Running Community: Race report – Thames Trot
Tyne Bridge Harriers: Race report – The Thames Trot
COURSE description
Thames Trail is a 47 mile point to point Ultra Marathon starting at the Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley and finishing at the Mill Meadows Park in Henley on Thames. The route is a mix of country trails, riverside paths and roads predominately following the Thames Path and the Ridgeway National Trails
- Click here for the route map From 2022 we will no longer provide a paper map book – instead you have a tracker and also access to the ridewithgps.com free app, you will be emailed the link to the event which will guide you along the route. Two sat navs and no map book!
The Donkey Bridge close to the finish line is off limits this year due to structural issues (so don’t be tempted!) the diversion is simple to follow – click here for some visuals. Also the Benson weir footway has been closed This is shown on the your tracker and the GPX file
UTMB index race
The event is a registered UTMB index race (part of the new UTMB Index system) in the 50K distance category.
The route is 40.4 miles of cross country trails and riverside paths (86%) and 6.6 miles of roads (14%).
Elevation is +947 ft (+289m) and -1053 ft (-321m)
course marking
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. We provide various resources to keep you on track. The course is covered by OS Maps 180, 170 and 171
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
There are 5 check points, each will have water, snacks, and the famous Go Beyond Fruitcake! A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish. Details of the locations can be found here: Toilets are available a short walk from CP1 (debit card required), CP4 and CP5
AWARDS
Registration is open from 7am where you will collect your race number . You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. The race starts at 8.15am
AGE LIMIT
Due to the strenuous physical demands of running 47 miles in one day Thames Trot is restricted to competitors over 18 years of age only.
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
We will transfer a single competitor bag to the finish, so you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you . Your bag should be no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
For anyone wanting to stay overnight in Iffley either before or after the event there is Airbnb, the Hawkwell House Hotel or various other hotels close to the start.
Arrival by car – There is limited parking in Iffley, if you are driving to the start you will be directed to street parking areas in the vicinity. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
Travelling by train: For anyone travelling by train there is a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station which is usually very popular, please let us know your rail travel arrangements to help us plan. Runners can park in the Long Stay station car park provided they buy the return train ticket from the ticket office on the morning of the race. Alternatively it is possible to park at Twyford and get the train to Oxford for the start. At the end of the race Twyford is only one stop from Henley on Thames.
TRACKER
The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Your family and friends can track your progress in real-time and you can use the Geo Tracks app combined with the tracker as an accurate tool for navigation during the event. The Event can be followed using the web link https://events.geotracks.co.uk/live/2108 or via the app which can be purchased prior to the event for Apple or for Android. When opening the web link please click on start times and this will display a list of bib numbers (they are sorted alphabetically by surname). The GPS Tracking units upload your position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Don’t forget to drop it off at the finish! To find out more please visit the Geo Tracks website.
COURSE RECORDS
The cut off time for the race is 11 1/2 hours. We have progressive cut off times from Checkpoint 3 onwards, details can be found on the Checkpoint information sheet.
KIT
Trail shoes are advised, if you have support or are happy to carry them then road shoes are good for later sections . There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions. It is essential to carry the items below. There will be random kit checks prior to the race . Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
- Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Director and Assistant Race Director given at registration
- Power bank to recharge your phone if necessary
- Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
- Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
- Waterproof Jacket
- Whistle
- Headtorch or Body Torch
- Spare batteries
- Hat and Gloves
- Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
- Debit or Credit Card
Social Media: #ThamesPath and @ThamesPathNT
TRAINING
Need help with your training why not try the Runna App (link on the side bar)- email for your discount code
When you have finished why not recycle your old trainers –
WHERE
The race HQ is situated in the comfortable surroundings of the Hawkwell House Hotel OX4 4DZ. Hawkwell House Hotel
PARKING
There is limited parking in Iffley, if you are driving to the start you will be directed to street parking areas in the vicinity.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
For anyone travelling by train there is a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station which is usually very popular, please let us know your rail travel arrangements to help us plan. Runners can park in the station car park provided they buy the return train ticket from the ticket office on the morning of the race.
LOCATION MAP – the start
Location Map – The Finish
2024
Waiting for you!
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Results 03 02 2018 | Results 27 10 2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Is the course marked? No, but there are lots of footpath signs and we provide a ridewithgps.com link and lots of help to keep you on track. You will have a tracker from Geo Tracks to make sure you stay on course!
What’s the course like? The first half of the race is cross country and usually very muddy. Then the conditions improve with some long stretches of tarmac path. Please expect some standing water and occasionally a bit of flooding!
Is there a mandatory kit list? Yes, please see the race information tab.
When do I get may race number? You get your race number at registration on the morning of the race
How many checkpoints are there? There are 5 checkpoints with water and snacks.
Do you cater for Vegans at checkpoints? Yes we try to provide vegan snacks where possible – non vegans don’t know the difference!
Are the road crossings marshalled? No, you will need to cross a number of roads (and a barrier controlled railway crossing) with care during the event.
Where can I park? There is no parking available at the hotel car park, but there is on street parking in the local vicinity or alternatively you can park at the train station, if you are returning via the train.
How do I get back to the start at the end of the race? The race finishes a short walk from Henley- On- Thames Station so you have easy access to mainline railway services
Can I have support during the race? Yes you can have your own crew – the golden rule is only do what would be possible for everyone else to do if they had a crew! Please make sure that your supporters do not get in the way of the race and other competitors.
Where can people spectate? Abington Lock, Shillingford, Goring, Pangbourne, Tilehurst (The Roebuck), Reading (Caversham Bridge) are all good locations
Do you have a bag transfer facility? Yes we will transfer one bag per competitor no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm to the finish line. There are no bag drops at checkpoints.
What happens if I get injured or want to drop out? Please contact the Race Director or Assistant Race Director on the phone numbers given to you at registration and make your way to the next checkpoint if possible or confirm your location. We will send the sweeper bus to collect you and transport you to the finish to collect your bag if you have one. If you make your own arrangements please ensure that you let us know other wise we will waste time and energy trying to locate you.
What if I forget to return my tracker at the end of the race/if I drop out? You will be required to return the tracker via recorded delivery, at your own cost. Any non returns will be charged. (they are expensive!)
What if I have a question not covered above? Please email us admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk
Thames Trot Ultra Marathon 2020
THAMES TROT 2020
thames trot 2018
thames trot 2018
thames trot 2016
