Thames Trail Ultra

Nestled along England's majestic River Thames, the Iffley to Henley Ultra Marathon offers runners an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes and historic settings. Spanning 47 miles from Hawkwell House Hotel in Oxfordshire’s charming village of Iffley to Mill Meadows Park in Henley-on-Thames, this point-to-point race is a celebration of endurance and beauty.
The course begins just south of the bustling city of Oxford, running along tranquil paths that wind through quaint villages and towns. As runners follow the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails, they will encounter varied terrain ranging from smooth tarmac to muddy trails, ensuring both challenge and engagement throughout the entire distance. The route passes by traditional rowing clubs and historic houses, offering glimpses into England’s rich cultural heritage.
Participants can expect a mix of flat stretches alongside the river and more challenging sections with elevation changes along the National Trails. This diverse landscape keeps runners engaged and provides stunning views at every turn.
The event concludes in Henley-on-Thames, where runners finish next to the railway station for easy access back to Oxford via mainline services. The race is proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race, further elevating its status among ultra-distance events globally.
Runners can park at street locations near Iffley or make use of a courtesy shuttle bus from Oxford train station if arriving by rail. For those driving, there are limited parking spots available in the vicinity and runners should purchase return tickets for convenient travel home on race day.
With detailed route guidance provided through digital means such as Ridewithgps.com app, participants can focus fully on their run while enjoying every mile of this historic journey along England’s largest river.
For a comprehensive view of the course layout, interested athletes are encouraged to review the online map and tracker details sent via email prior to race day. This ensures that each runner is well-prepared for an unforgettable ultra marathon experience.