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Thames Trail Ultra - 48 Mile Ultramarathon
Running the length of the Thames Path is a bit of a right of passage for UK ultra runners, and this race gives you a massive, brilliant 47 mile chunk of it. The Thames Trail Ultra is a classic point-to-point adventure, taking you from the historic dreaming spires of Oxford all the way to the iconic rowing town of Henley-on-Thames.
This isn't a race of brutal climbs or technical fells. It's an event defined by the river, offering a flat, fast, and stunningly scenic journey. It’s a perfect ultra marathon for chasing a time, or a fantastic choice for a first-timer who wants to focus on the distance without a massive elevation profile.
Course
Setting off from Iffley, just south of Oxford, you'll quickly join the towpath. The river will be your constant companion for the day, and you'll get to watch it transform from a quiet, meandering stream into the wide, grand waterway that Henley is famous for.
The route is a real mix of surfaces. You'll have plenty of runnable, hard-packed riverside trails, some grassy sections, and bits of tarmac and quiet road to link it all up. Be warned: if it's been wet, those grassy sections can get very muddy, so choose your footwear wisely!
With only around 289m (950ft) of elevation over the 47 miles, this is about as flat as an ultra gets. The challenge here isn't the hills, it's about settling into a relentless, flowing pace and enjoying the constantly changing scenery.
The Go Beyond team has the event logistics dialled in. As it's a point-to-point, they provide a smooth baggage transfer service, so your warm, dry kit will be waiting for you at the finish in Henley.
Support on the course is top-notch, with five well-stocked checkpoints to keep you fuelled up. Navigation is generally straightforward as the route follows the well-signed Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails. You're also given a GPS tracker and a voice navigation app, so you're very well supported.
The Thames Trail Ultra is a cracking race. Its flat and fast profile makes it a brilliant choice if you're stepping up to the ultra distance for the first time, or if you're a seasoned runner looking to post a quick time.
For full race details, including transport, registration and mandatory kit, please visit the official race website.
