Conquer the entire length of England's most iconic river on foot at The MTC Thames Challenge, a formidable 4-day, 184-mile staged ultra run from 6-9 August 2026. This epic journey is broken into four consecutive ultra marathons, starting at the river's source in the Cotswolds and finishing at the Thames Gate in London, traversing the historic path through Oxford, Henley, Windsor, and Richmond. As a premier event in the URL Challenger Series, it demands immense endurance and resilience, offering the ultimate test for experienced ultra runners with the added prestige of a "Double" buckle for those who also complete the MTC Severn Challenge in the same year. With hotel accommodation and meals included, comprehensive support, and six UTMB points for finishers, it’s a meticulously organized pilgrimage along one of the world's most famous waterways. Entries are now open for the ultimate multi-day adventure where history and personal legend are written with every step.
Races Offered
Thames Challenge
Aug 06, 2026
straighten
Distance —
296.1K
terrain
Type ——
timer
07:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Ewen, Gloucestershire.
thermostatTemperature
12.4° / 20.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
10.4° / 18.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 52m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
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 Ewen, Gloucestershire
Learn more about the host city, Ewen, Gloucestershire.
Kemble is a village in the civil parish of Kemble and Ewen, in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, England. Historically part of Wiltshire, it lies 4 miles (6.4 km) from Cirencester and is the settlement closest to Thames Head, the source of the River Thames. In 2020 it had an estimated population of 940. At the 2011 census the parish had a population of 1,036.
