Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty and rich history of England’s longest river path during the four-day MTC Thames Challenge. This stage ultra offers an unparalleled journey along the River Thames, from its source to its iconic final gate. The adventure begins with The MTC Cotswold Ultra on Day 1, a challenging yet rewarding 57-mile trek through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages as you follow the river’s path from its origin in Gloucestershire all the way to Travelodge Oxford. This route is dotted with historic sites and rolling hills that provide both scenic beauty and unique challenges. On Day 2, runners embark on The MTC Oxford Ultra, a 49-mile stretch that takes participants through the charming city of Oxford before continuing along the river’s winding path towards Wetherspoons in Henley-on-Thames. This leg offers opportunities to explore some of England's most renowned landmarks and historic sites. Day 3 presents runners with The MTC Windsor Ultra, a 47-mile journey from Henley-on-Thames to Travelodge Kingston. This section showcases the river’s natural beauty as it winds through lush greenery, offering serene views that contrast sharply with bustling towns along its banks. The final day concludes with The MTC Richmond Ultra, a 33-mile trek leading runners to their ultimate destination at Thames Gate in Richmond upon Thames. As you approach this iconic finish line, the sense of accomplishment is palpable as you reflect on your journey through diverse landscapes and historic sites. Throughout each stage, participants are provided with hotel accommodation and meals, ensuring that rest and recovery are prioritized between days of challenging yet rewarding runs. The MTC Thames Challenge offers an immersive experience for runners eager to explore England’s rich heritage while pushing their physical limits along the River Thames' storied path. The event is designed not only as a test of endurance but also as a celebration of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a unique and unforgettable adventure for all participants.
Races Offered
Full Thames Challenge
Aug 09, 2026
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Distance —
296.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
37 days remaining
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£595.15
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Cirencester.
thermostatTemperature
12.4° / 20.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
10.4° / 18.3°
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Avg sunshine hours
9h 52m
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Avg rainfall
2.3 mm
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Avg snowfall
—
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Avg wind speed
14.7 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.9)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:54
nightlight
Sunset
20:28
About Cirencester
Learn more about the host city, Cirencester.
Cirencester is a picturesque market town in the Cotswolds, in the county of Gloucestershire. It's an ancient market town with traditional Cotswold buildings and thriving shopping centre. It's worth spending a morning here, especially on a Saturday. Every other Saturday there is a farmer's market.