Thames Marathon Swim

THAMES MARATHON
Approx 13km*
The swim is split into 4 sections. Swimmers will be required to exit the water at the 3 locks (Hambleden, Hurley and Temple ) where drinks and energy snacks will be available.

THAMES HALF MARATHON
Approx 5.5km
The swim is split into 3 sections. Swimmers will be required to exit the water at the 2 locks (Hurley and Temple) where drinks and energy snacks will be available.

The manageable chunks make these long-distance swims do-able for many different types of swimmer.

Chip Timing
Finisher Medal
Secure Bag Drop
Merchandise

Event car park
On street parking
Town car parks

Event village in Higginson Park, Marlow. Coaches to take swimmers to start.

Where does the swim start and finish?
The car park and event village will be in Marlow.
The Thames Half Marathon 5.5km will start above Hurley. The start will only be accessible to swimmers or walkers, there will be no vehicle access to the start (disabled swimmers please contact [email protected] to discuss options).
The Thames Marathon full-distance swim will start in Henley. Coaches will drop swimmers to the start.
Both distances finish at Higginson Park, Marlow.

Where should I park for the event?
There will be an event car park in Marlow.
We will transport swimmers by coach to the swim start, and they will be able to walk back to their cars after completing their swim.
We encourage swimmers to car share wherever possible. If you are
looking for a lift or would like to offer space in your car, please post on Henley Swim Chatter, our Facebook group.

Is there other parking in Marlow?
Yes, there are plenty of public car parks in Marlow operating pay and display

Will there be bagdrop?
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.

Can I swim in a team with a group of friends?
Absolutely, in fact we encourage it. 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.

Will I be able to wear a tow float?
All swimmers will be required to use a tow float and are advised to get used to swimming with one before the event. You can purchase a discounted Swim Secure tow float when you register
How will you ensure that those who want to do solo swims are able to do so safely?

Can I swim non-wetsuit?
We have a limited number of non-wetsuit places available for both the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon. This is to minimise the risk to our safety plan. Wetsuits are important for retaining heat and providing buoyancy. If you would like a non-wetsuit place in the full marathon your application will be assessed by the events team for approval.
Non-wetsuit places sell out very quickly, we recommend applying as soon as registration opens.

How many feed stops will there be ?
There will be 3 feed stops for the full Thames Marathon and 2 for the Half Marathon.

What food will be available at the feed stops?
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.

How will the start work (full marathon)?
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. Swimmers will be dropped at the start ‘swim-ready’ and will get off the coach, walk to the start and straight into the water for a rolling start within their wave time.

How should I choose which wave to enter?
The Thames Marathon will be setting off from Henley from 7.30am. Strong swimmers who are seeking a faster time and who expect to complete the course in under 4 hours (approximately equivalent to a sub 27-minute mile pace) should select waves 7-10. If you expect your time to be under 3½ hours, please select wave 10, between 3½ and 4 hours select wave 7, 8 or 9. Other swimmers should select wave 1 – 6 – these are all mixed ability waves. If you wish to swim with a group, please ensure that you all select the same wave.
There will be a cut-off time of six and a half hours for the full marathon and three and a half hours for the half marathon, where all swimmers will need to be out of the river. If you anticipate that you will take longer than this, please contact [email protected] before entering.

Are there toilets on the course?
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 or half-marathon.

Can supporters walk the route?
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.
Supporters that start with their swimmer at Higginson Park can walk upstream until they meet the swimmers, and walk back downstream alongside them. 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, but there is no parking at the start.

Can I talk to fellow swimmers in advance of the event?
Definitely, we have set up Henley Swim Chatter as a facebook forum, where you are able to discuss anything with fellow swimmers from nutrition and training tips to transport to the event on the day.

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 13km or 5.5km, however this is not ratified.

To apply for a wetsuit place click Enter on the Wetsuit Category above.

You will be asked to select your wave, please do so based on the following criteria:

Wave 1 - this wave is for slower swimmers, who expect to take longer than 5½ hours to complete the course.

Waves 2-6 - these waves will be mixed ability waves. If you do not consider yourself a racing swimmer, please select one of waves 2 to 6

Wave 7-10 - these waves are ideal for swimmers who are seeking a faster time and who expect to complete the course in under 4 hours (approximately equivalent to a sub 27 minute mile pace). If you expect your time to be under 3½ hours, please select wave 10, between 3½ and 4 hours select wave 7, 8 or 9.

Non-Wetsuit places:

There are a limited number of places open to non-wetsuit swimmers, subject to experience and ability. This is to adhere to our safety plan. Wetsuits are important for retaining heat and providing buoyancy. If you would like a non-wetsuit place your application will be assessed by the events team for approval. Wetsuits for the Thames Marathon can be sleeveless, but must be below the knee.



There will be a cut-off time of 6½ hours for the full distance and 3 hours for the half distance, where all swimmers will need to be out of the river.

Tow Floats will be compulsory for ALL swimmers. There is an opportunity to buy a tow float during the registration process.