Thames Path
Ultra Challenge®
13-14 Sept 2025
- Thames Tow Path
- Putney to Henley
- 25km
- Walk, Jog, or Run
- Camping
- Transfers
England’s greatest river provides a fantastic backdrop for an unforgettable challenge – and you can join the FWSR Team and fundraise for Rays of Sunshine charity. Over 3000 adventurers will join the Putney Bridge start, and the full 100km route heads upstream to Henley along the famous Towpath. It’s through Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede, and Windsor, with some wonderful scenery to a riverside finish. Start this 25km epic journey 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.
The Ultra Challenge® Experience
UK’s #1 Endurance Style Events for ALL Experience Levels.
Choose your Challenge, support your charity – do it at your pace, and there are 20 events in the Series with distance options to suit all! The ‘famous’ Ultra Challenge support enables you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors & camaraderie. There are marquee rest stops, lots of food & drink, medical & massage teams, with a fully signed route to guide you. A big finish-line celebration awaits with an amazing sense of achievement, and once the aches subside you’ll feel energised, and up for more of life’s real challenges!
Push Yourself Further in 2025
Good preparation & smart planning are key, and from the moment you sign up you’ll have access to our Challenge App – with training guides, optional training walks, maps, online forums, and the latest news & updates.
Rest Stops every ~12.5 km with ‘major’ ones every ~25 km, and are much more than the shaky gazebo with water that you see on some events. We’ve marquee cover, large medical & welfare tents, catering services, seating areas for recovery, changing rooms, and a friendly welcome!
There’re pink arrows to guide you, distance markers, glow-sticks at night, hazard signs, and a route map in the App. Our ‘Trek Masters’ organise group departures at night so nobody has to walk solo. Our chip timing system enables our Control Room, and your friends / family, to track your progress through the Rest Stops.
Keeping you well fed & hydrated is key. We pride ourselves on the quantity & quality of our catering, and meals, snacks & drinks are included!
- Snacks & drink stops every 12.5 km
- Snacks – from the healthy to treats
- Picnic at 25 km (for 50km participants)
- Energy drinks
- All dietary requirements catered for
- Lighter options for ‘runners’
- Finishers hot meal 50 km (picnic for 25km & 10km)
We’ve experienced Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists, and Massage Teams at Rest Stops. There’re ‘Self Help’ areas with blister plasters, talc, Vaseline, and tape if you want to patch your own feet. Our mobile Emergency Medical Teams are only a phone call away, via our 24 hour Control Room
We don’t want you to forget that finish-line moment – our Cheer Squad will ensure you won’t! You’ll get a medal, finisher’s T-shirt, and a glass of fizz, before heading to a BBQ and a well earned rest. Download your official Challenge certificate when you’re ready.
There’re shuttles to local train stations for onward travel, and most finish lines have parking so supporters can meet you. We’ve bus ‘transfers’ to / back to key venues (eg the start) – and check out the ‘Bookable Extras’ for details of all transport options.
Your Challenge
Your Way!
Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner – there’s an Ultra Challenge® you! Walk, Jog, or Run at your pace, as part of the FWSR Team, in support of Rays of Sunshine charity. The Thames Path Ultra Challenge is fun, safe, & rewarding – with full support all the way, enabling you to push yourself further in wonderful coastal scenery, and enjoy a great weekend away.
SIGN UP NOW
Sign-up below. Your Reg Fees are paid online/by the company & Fundraising goes to the charity via an online JustGiving sponsorship page that you’ll need to set up/that has been set up by your team coordinator (follow the link below or look for the link within the ‘Confirmation Email’ you’ll receive).
REGITSRATION DEADLINE – 20TH AUGUST ’25 AT 12:00PM
Option 1
SELF FUNDING
Sign up & fundraise whatever you can for Rays of Sunshine Charity (zero cost to charity)
1/4 CHALLENGE ~25km
£0 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
Bookable Extras
Your camping has been arranged by your team coordinator. We do have a range of additional optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier. Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first- and you can then book any optional extras later / separately.
FAQs
You must be 18 or over (on the day of the challenge) if taking on a Full Challenge (~100km) or Three Quarter Challenge (~75km); 16+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Half Challenge (~50km ), 14+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Quarter Challenge (~25km) or Marathon); for a Half Marathon aged 12+ and accompanied by an adult; 8+ & accompanied by an adult for a 10km/mile Challenge; and finally 4+ & accompanied by an adult for a 5kM Challenge
Under 18s taking part must be signed up by someone over 18.
You’ll receive a ‘transaction receipt’ (via email) along with a Confirmation Email. This will detail any next steps, timelines you need to be aware of, and how & where to find all the info / details you’ll need for your Challenge. (NOTE– If you don’t receive that e mail within 12 hours, please check your spam/junk mail folders)
You will receive your e-ticket between 10 and 14 days before the challenge takes place. (NOTE– If you haven’t received your e-ticket within 7 days of the challenge, please check your spam/junk mail folders and let your designated event coordinator know)
All charity sponsorship and mixed funding places close 4 weeks before each challenge, so that you have enough time to fundraise and reach your target. Self funding places close for online registration on the Tuesday before each challenge.
Visit the ‘HELP CENTRE’ on the Ultra Challenge Website:
If you still need additional help or guidance – you can contact the Ultra Challenge Team at:
Tel: 0207 609 6695
