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THAMES PATH
Challenge Options

12/13 Sept 2026

Over 2,500 Challengers will take on the main Thames Path Challenge following England’s greatest river – most will walk, many will jog, some will run, and all have a special reason to push themselves.

Our full 100km route heads upstream from Putney Bridge past Hampton Court to Runnymede at 50 km, then on past wonderful scenery all the way to Henley. A ‘flat’ 100 km – but a real challenge!

CHECK OUT THE ROUTE

DO A QUICK ‘FLY THROUGH’…

A preview of the Challenge!

Full 100 km Continuous

Putney to Henley

12 - 13 Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in leafy South West London on the River Thames. This route follows the meandering waterway to Hampton Court, onto Runnymede of Magna Carta Fame, and eventually onto Henley-on-Thames – home of the regatta – to a fabulous celebration finish and family BBQ. The route is our flattest of all the series, along path & terrain which will test your legs, hips & feet – but you will be rewarded with 100 km of beautiful scenery and historic villages & towns.

100 km & 350 m

  • Start: Bishops Park
  • Start times: 06:45 Trailblazerz runners, 07:00 – 09:00 for other runners, joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Henley-on-Thames
  • Finish times: Runners 9 – 16 hrs, joggers 16 – 20 hrs, walkers 20 – 36 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 28 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – hot meal
  • 78 km – brunch/ lunch
  • 100 km – cooked breakfast/hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Putney Bridge tube station is in walking distance to the start line at Bishops Park
  • Henley Train station is walkable from the finish
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

There’s the ULTRA MARCH®category for walkers aiming to do 100 km in less than 24 hours (or 50 km in under 12 hrs). 8.30am start.

For 2026, there’s ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ® for faster, competitive, runners with an eye on the clock and a ‘time goal’ of sub 12 hrs (male) & 13 hrs (female) for 100km on this Challenge. 6.45 am start.

Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 4 ITRA points available.

 ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ INFO >> 

Day 1 ~50 km & ~200 m

Day 2 ~50 km & ~150m

Day 1 – Sat 12 Sept 

  • Start: Bishop’s Park
  • Start times: 07:00 – 09:00 for runners, joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Runnymede
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

 

Day 2 – Sun 13th Sept

  • Start: Runnymede
  • Start times: 06:00 – 06:30 for all
  • Finish: Henley
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 23 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 55 km – hot meal
  • 80 km – brunch/ lunch
  • 100 km – cooked meal/hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Putney Bridge tube station is in walking distance to the start line at Bishops Park
  • Shuttles from Runnymede to Staines Station
  • Henley Train station is walkable from the finish
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

Camping option at Runnymede  base-camp at the end of DAY 1 of the Challenge

  • Fully inclusive & pitch only options available
  • Breakfast,  hot showers
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

4 available (2 for each day)

Full Challenge over 2 Days

Putney - Runnymede - Henley

12 & 13 Sept 2026

The 2 Day Full 100 km Challenge breaks down the route into two halves of 50 km on Day 1 starting in W, London & finishing at our basecamp in Runnymede, and then 50 km on Day 2 – you will get to experience the route in daylight as well as the opportunity to get some rest and sleep overnight. Camp with us at our fully supported Basecamp at Runnymede on the Saturday night where we will have entertainment, hot food & more.

3/4 Challenge 72 km

Hurst Park to Henley

Sat 12 Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in near Hampton Court. This route follows the meandering waterway to Runnymede, for a big celebration finish and hot meal at Henley on Thames.

72 km & 60m elevation.

  • Start: Hurst Park
  • Start times: 09:30 – we will start runners off first, followed by   walkers & joggers
  • Finish: Henley-On-Thames
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 21 km – hot meal (Runnymede)
  • 49 km – selection of hot / cold food
  • Henley Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt and a finishers meal

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Putney Bridge tube station is in walking distance to the start line at Bishops Park
  • Bus transfer from Runnymede to Staines Station post challeng
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

1st Half Challenge 50 km

Putney to Runnymede

Sat 12 Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in leafy South West London on the River Thames. This route follows the meandering waterway to Hampton Court, onto Runnymede of Magna Carta Fame for a big celebration finish and hot meal.

50 km & 200 m

  • Start: Bishops Park, Fulham
  • Start times: 06:45 for Trailblazerz runners, 07:00 – 09:30 for other runners,  joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Runnymede
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 28 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Putney Bridge tube station is in walking distance to the start line at Bishops Park
  • Bus transfer from Runnymede to Staines Station post challeng
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

Camping option at Runnymede  base-camp at the end of the Challenge

  • Fully inclusive & pitch only options available
  • Breakfast,  hot showers
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

There’s the ULTRA MARCH®category for walkers aiming to do 100 km in less than 24 hours (or 50 km in under 12 hrs). 8.30am start.

For 2026, there’s ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ® for faster, competitive, runners with an eye on the clock and a ‘time goal’ of sub 5 hrs (male) & 5.5 hrs (female) for 50km on this Challenge. 6.45am start.

Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 2  ITRA points available.

 ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ INFO >> 

50 km & 150 m

  • Start: Runnymede
  • Start times: Start on either
    • Sat 12 Sept – 10:00 walkers/11:00 runners.
    • Or join up with a Full Challenger
    • Or on Sunday 13 Sept between 06:00 – 06:30
  • Finish: Henley (50 km)
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 28 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Shuttles from Henley finish to Runnymede
  • Henley Train station is walkable from the finish
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

Camping option at Runnymede  basecamp on Saturday night – prior to your Challenge

  • Fully inclusive & pitch only options available
  • Breakfast,  hot showers
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

2nd Half Challenge 50 km

Runnymede to Henley

12 or 13th Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in Runnymede of Magna Carta Fame, and follow the meandering waterway through Cookham and eventually onto Henley-on-Thames – home of the regatta – to a fabulous celebration finish and family BBQ.

1st Quarter Challenge 28 km

Putney to Hampton

SAT 12 Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in leafy South West London on the River Thames. This route follows the meandering waterway to Hampton Court for a big celebration finish and picnic.

28 km & 20 m

  • Start: Bishops Park, Fulham
  • Start times: Sat 13 Sept 07:00 – 09:30 
  • Finish: Hurst Park
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 5 hrs, walkers 4 – 7 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 28 km – Picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Putney Bridge tube station is in walking distance to the start line at Bishops Park
  • Bus transfer from Hampton court finish to Hampton Court Station post challenge
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

22 km & 20 m

  • Start: Hurst Park, Hampton
  • Start times: Sat 12 Sept, 12:00 only
  • Finish: Runnymede
  • Finish times: Walkers 4 – 7 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • 10 km – snacks & drinks
  • 22 km – hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Bus transfer from Runnymede finish to Staines Station post challenge
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

Camping option at Runnymede  base-camp at the end of the Challenge

  • Fully inclusive & pitch only options available
  • Breakfast,  hot showers
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

2nd Quarter Challenge 22 km

Hampton to Runnymede

SAT 12 Sept 2026

This route starts near Hampton Court, and follows the meandering waterway to Runnymede, of Magna Carta Fame, for a big celebration finish and hot meal.

3rd Quarter Challenge 28 km

Runnymede to Cookham

12 or 13 Sept 2026

Start this epic Challenge in Runnymede of Magna Carta Fame, and follow the meandering waterway through Cookham.

28 km & 20 m

  • Start: Runnymede
  • Start times:
    • Join a Full Challenger from 17:00 on Saturday
    • Or Sun 13 Sept 06:00 – 06:30
  • Finish: Cookham
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 5 hrs, walkers 4 – 7 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 28 km – picnic lunch
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Bus transfer from Cookham finish to Maidenhead Station post challenge
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

Camping option at Runnymede  base-camp on Saturday night – prior to your Challenge

  • Fully inclusive & pitch only options available
  • Breakfast,  hot showers
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

22 km & 10 m

  • Start: Cookham
  • Start times: Sun 13 Sept 08:00 only
  • Finish: Henley
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 5 hrs, walkers 4 – 7 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 22 km – finishers meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a range of optional pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to  join & exit – and provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Sunday morning transfer from Henley finish to the start line in Cookham
  • Henley Train station is walkable from the finish
  • See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details 

4th Quarter Challenge 22 km

Cookham to Henley

Sun 13 Sept 2026

Start this Challenge in gorgeous Cookham, and follow the meandering waterway to Henley-on-Thames – home of the regatta – to a fabulous celebration finish and family BBQ.

THE HENLEY 10K

HENLEY LOOP

Sun 13 Sept 2026

The Henley 10k is alongside the Thames Path Challenge’s main finish venue. It’s a fabulous 10 km loop through Remenham countryside with a start / finish near Henley Bridge on Sunday morning. Take it on as a Walk, a Jog, or as a Run – and get your family and friends involved.

Our Henley riverside base camp is a great location for a ‘Mini Challenge’ and with an optional finishers meal, a ‘Toddler 2K’ fun event – there is something for everyone down by the river!

Are you ready to sign up ?

Download Factsheet

All you need to know about the Challenge - a detailed overview of the options & how you can take it on. Print it off or send it to your friends!

Also part of the Thames Path Festival

A weekend of riverside events…

Fri pm 11 Sept

The Thames Moonlight 10 Walk is a fun 10km or 10 mile looped route with a start near The Oval in Vauxhall. There’s hot food & drink – ideal for groups & teams.

Sat 12 Sept

25 km & zigzag over 16 historic bridges – Putney Bridge to Tower Bridge through Central London. Great views – perfect for teams of friends & corporate groups.

Sun 13 Sept

Take on the Henley 10K with a riverside start / finish. A beautiful route as a walk, jog or run at your pace. Families & teams are welcome + and there’s a BBQ option.

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