Thames Marathon

The actual distance that you swim will depend upon several factors including the start and finish points, the precise course (inside or outside of the bends), how straight you swim (zig zagging even slightly can make a difference across this distance) and the exact location of the exits and re-entries around the locks and weirs. Some of these variables will not be confirmed until much closer to the event.

On average the distance travelled will be around 5.5km, 9km or 13km however this is not ratified.

The event village will be in Marlow.

The Thames Half Marathon 5.5km will start above Hurley, the 9km at Hambleden Lock and the 13km in Henley. The start will only be accessible to swimmers or walkers, there will be no vehicle access to the start (disabled swimmers please contact hello@henleyswim.com to discuss options).

All distances finish at Higginson Park, Marlow. All swims are downstream.

• There will be a cut-off time of six and a half hours for the full marathon, 5 hours for the mid-distance marathon and three and a half hours for the half marathon, where all swimmers will need to be out of the river. Remember all swims are downstream. If you anticipate that you will take longer than this, please contact hello@henleyswim.com before entering.
• The slower swimmers will set off first. The faster swimmers will set off after with those expecting to finish under 3 and a half hours setting off last.

There will be a bag drop facility in Marlow. We will tag your bag for identification purposes, and you will need to show your numbered hat to be able to collect your bag after your swim.

There will be 3 feed stops for the full Thames Marathon and 2 for the Mid-Distance and Half Marathon. We will provide a bit of everything for this long-distance swim, including bananas, energy bars, energy drinks, water, some chocolate, sweets, and some salty snacks. If you wish to use energy gel, please bring your own in your tow float, so that you know the particular brand that you use will suit you.

There are toilets at Higginson Park. There are a couple of cafes and pubs near the walking route. Please note that once you have left Higginson Park on the coach, there will be no toilets at the start of either the full, 9km or half-marathon.

The more people who swim together and look out for each other, the safer the event is. If you wish to swim with friends, please make sure that you all enter the same wave.

All swimmers will be required to use a tow float and are advised to get used to swimming with one before the event.

Swimmers that enter the 5.5km event have the choice of wearing a wetsuit, and will be asked on the registration form. We have a limited number of non-wetsuit places available for both the 9km and 13km distances. This is to minimise the risk and to adhere to our safety plan. Wetsuits are important for retaining heat and providing buoyancy. If you would like a non-wetsuit place in the 9km or 13km distance, you will be asked some questions during the registration process. You may be asked to supply more information to the organisers to qualify for a non-wetsuit place.
Non-wetsuit places sell out very quickly, we recommend applying as soon as registration opens.

• We have a fully approved safety plan that ensures coverage across the full course throughout the event. In addition ALL swimmers will be required to use a tow-float.

The route is walkable, by following The Thames Path. It is also possible to cycle the route, although there are a large number of kissing style gates where you may have to lift your bikes to get through and it may be difficult with tag-alongs.

Please note that there is still a diversion in place on the Thames Path, due to the footbridge at Temple Lock being closed.

Supporters that start with their swimmer at Higginson Park can walk upstream as far as Temple Lock, and then walk back downstream alongside their swimmer. Alternatively they can stay at the event village or go into Marlow for a coffee, and wait for the swimmers to return.

Supporters can be dropped at the start of the full-distance in Henley by friends or family with their swimmer, and walk the full distance of the course. There is public parking available in Henley Town Centre near to the start of the swim, but spectators and swimmers would have to make their own way back to their cars after the swim.