Thames Trail 47 - The Return of the Boat Race
GB
From Go Beyond
Saturday 25th October 2025
Past event
08:15
Oxford
£74.50 · 1 race
Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable day of endurance and scenic beauty at the Thames Trail 47 - The Return of the Boat Race, organized by Go Beyond! On Saturday, October 25th, 2025, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes along the Thames River as you tackle the challenging 47-mile course from Iffley in Oxfordshire to the charming town of Henley-on-Thames. This event is a highlight in the British ultra running calendar, previously known as the Thames Trot, and features a diverse mix of terrains, including tarmac paths and muddy trails.
Participants will enjoy a breathtaking journey alongside England's largest river, taking in picturesque towns, traditional rowing clubs, and ever-changing scenery. The race starts just south of Oxford, winding through the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, ensuring a captivating experience for all runners. In a fantastic update, the finish line has moved to the YMCA Y Centre in Henley-on-Thames, providing essential amenities like showers, hot food, and drinks to rejuvenate after the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event that also serves as an index race for the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc!
Participants will enjoy a breathtaking journey alongside England's largest river, taking in picturesque towns, traditional rowing clubs, and ever-changing scenery. The race starts just south of Oxford, winding through the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, ensuring a captivating experience for all runners. In a fantastic update, the finish line has moved to the YMCA Y Centre in Henley-on-Thames, providing essential amenities like showers, hot food, and drinks to rejuvenate after the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event that also serves as an index race for the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc!
Thames Trail 47 - The Return of the Boat Race
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Races
-
Ultra
Entries closed08:15
£74.50
Event information
The route is a mix of country trails, riverside paths and roads predominately following the Thames Path and the Ridgeway National Trails
TERRAIN MIX
The route is 40.4 miles of cross country trails and riverside paths (86%) and 6.6 miles of roads (14%).
Elevation is +947 ft (+289m) and -1053 ft (-321m)
COURSE MARKING
The course follows a waymarked route and is marked electronically . We provide various resources to keep you on track. You have a tracker and also access to the ridewithgps.com free app, you will be emailed the link to the event which will guide you along the route. The course is covered by OS Maps 180, 170 and 171
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
There are 5 check points, each will have water, and a selection of supplementary energy gels, and snacks, . A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish
TERRAIN MIX
The route is 40.4 miles of cross country trails and riverside paths (86%) and 6.6 miles of roads (14%).
Elevation is +947 ft (+289m) and -1053 ft (-321m)
COURSE MARKING
The course follows a waymarked route and is marked electronically . We provide various resources to keep you on track. You have a tracker and also access to the ridewithgps.com free app, you will be emailed the link to the event which will guide you along the route. The course is covered by OS Maps 180, 170 and 171
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
There are 5 check points, each will have water, and a selection of supplementary energy gels, and snacks, . A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish
GPS Tracker, Medal and Go Beyond merch
No parking at the hotel, free parking in surrounding streets
For anyone wanting to stay overnight in Iffley either before or after the event there is Airbnb, the Hawkwell House Hotel or various other hotels close to the start.
Arrival by car – There is limited parking in Iffley, if you are driving to the start you will be directed to street parking areas in the vicinity. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
Travelling by train: For anyone travelling by train there is a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station which is usually very popular, please let us know your rail travel arrangements to help us plan. Runners can park in the station car park provided they buy the return train ticket from the ticket office on the morning of the race.
Arrival by car – There is limited parking in Iffley, if you are driving to the start you will be directed to street parking areas in the vicinity. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
Travelling by train: For anyone travelling by train there is a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station which is usually very popular, please let us know your rail travel arrangements to help us plan. Runners can park in the station car park provided they buy the return train ticket from the ticket office on the morning of the race.
Registration is open from 7am where you will collect your race number . You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. The race starts at 8.15am
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
We will transfer a single competitor bag to the finish, so you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you . Your bag should be no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
We will transfer a single competitor bag to the finish, so you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you . Your bag should be no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
Trail shoes are advised, if you have support or are happy to carry them then road shoes are good for later sections . There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions. It is essential to carry the items below.
Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Director and Assistant Race Director given at registration
Power bank to recharge your phone if necessary
Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
Waterproof Jacket
Whistle
Headtorch or Body Torch
Spare batteries
Hat and Gloves
Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
Debit or Credit Card
Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Director and Assistant Race Director given at registration
Power bank to recharge your phone if necessary
Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
Waterproof Jacket
Whistle
Headtorch or Body Torch
Spare batteries
Hat and Gloves
Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
Debit or Credit Card
- There will be random kit checks prior to the race
The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Your family and friends can track your progress in real-time and you can use the Geo Tracks app combined with the tracker as an accurate tool for navigation during the event.
The Event can be followed using the web link https://events.geotracks.co.uk/live/3218 or via the app which can be purchased prior to the event for Apple or for Android.
When opening the web link please click on start times and this will display a list of bib numbers (they are sorted alphabetically by surname). The GPS Tracking units upload your position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Don’t forget to drop it off at the finish!
The Event can be followed using the web link https://events.geotracks.co.uk/live/3218 or via the app which can be purchased prior to the event for Apple or for Android.
When opening the web link please click on start times and this will display a list of bib numbers (they are sorted alphabetically by surname). The GPS Tracking units upload your position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Don’t forget to drop it off at the finish!
Event video
Organiser's description
This demanding run along the Thames is one of the most popular events in the British ultra running calendar.
Previously known as the Thames Trot, the event takes in 47-miles from Iffley in Oxfordshire to Henley-on-Thames.
Our runners will enjoy the company of England’s largest river as it makes its way past ever-changing scenery, beautiful houses and traditional rowing clubs. Expect everything from tarmac paths to muddy trails on this interesting and challenging course.
The run follows both the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, so entrants should be careful not to forget the words ‘National Trail’ rather than simply reading Thames Path.
Starting around three miles south of Oxford, the race heads from Hawkwell House Hotel down to Iffley Lock and across the river. It then follows the towpath through the picturesque towns and villages of the region to Henley-on-Thames.
There will be a new race finish from 2024 at the YMCA Y Centre, in Lawson Road, Henley-on-Thames. This will mean runners will be able to access showers, hot food and drinks, and changing facilities at the end of the race
We are proud to be an index race for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
Previously known as the Thames Trot, the event takes in 47-miles from Iffley in Oxfordshire to Henley-on-Thames.
Our runners will enjoy the company of England’s largest river as it makes its way past ever-changing scenery, beautiful houses and traditional rowing clubs. Expect everything from tarmac paths to muddy trails on this interesting and challenging course.
The run follows both the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, so entrants should be careful not to forget the words ‘National Trail’ rather than simply reading Thames Path.
Starting around three miles south of Oxford, the race heads from Hawkwell House Hotel down to Iffley Lock and across the river. It then follows the towpath through the picturesque towns and villages of the region to Henley-on-Thames.
There will be a new race finish from 2024 at the YMCA Y Centre, in Lawson Road, Henley-on-Thames. This will mean runners will be able to access showers, hot food and drinks, and changing facilities at the end of the race
We are proud to be an index race for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
Location
Mercure Oxford, Hawkwell House Hotel, Church Way, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4DZ
OX4 4JN, Oxford, United Kingdom
Thames Trail 47 - The Return of the Boat Race
