Thames Bridges Trek 25km

Your challenge, your way

Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner after ITRA points, there’s an Ultra Challenge® for you! Walk, Jog, or Run – as an Individual or a Team, for a charity of your choice or just for you.

On the Full and 1st Half challenges – there’s a new Ultra Trailblazerz® option for ‘rapid runners’, and an Ultra March® option for ‘hasty hikers’, plus a friendly ‘Solo Challenger’ start time to join up with others.

The Thames Path Ultra Challenge ® is fun, safe, and rewarding, with full support all the way, a fantastic riverside route with distance options to suit all, enabling you to push yourself further in some wonderful historic landscape.

Best support & hospitality

This Ultra Challenge® famously lays on the best support and hospitality available on any UK endurance-style event. This enables you to step up and confidently tackle an 'Ultra' distance, with the best chance of success - and to enjoy your challenge!

Overview

Join 3,000 walkers and trek 25km across the capital with unrivalled views of the skyline and landmarks. From a Putney Bridge start it’s east towards the city, zig-zagging over 16 historic bridges, each with a fascinating story, and a mid-point rest stop at The Oval Cricket Ground for snacks and drinks. 25km later, beyond the majestic Tower Bridge, it’s a party-style finish line celebration and afternoon picnic in Southwark Park.

Map

Famous Bridges

Putney Bridge

The current bridge was opened in 1886 replacing the 1729 timber bridge - it is 700ft long, made of Cornish granite and is just downstream from the start of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Fulham Railway

The District Line runs over this bridge. Opened in 1889 pedestrians can also cross here and it was designed by Brunel's former assistant William Jacomb.

Wandsworth Bridge

Known as the least notable bridge in London and opened in 1940 (replacing an 1873 version), the original blue paint colour was used in the Blitz as camouflage.

Battersea Bridge

The old bridge (opened in 1771) was painted by Turner, Whistler and Cotman. This was demolished and replaced by the current bridge, which is the narrowest road bridge in London.

Albert Bridge

Famed for being in the titles to reality TV show Made in Chelsea, this grade II listed structure is also known as the Trembling Lady.

Chelsea Bridge

Opened in 1937, this is a self-anchored suspension bridge. During construction large quantities of early Roman and Celtic artefacts were discovered, which has led historians to believe it to be Caesar’s crossing point.

Vauxhall Bridge

Opened in 1906, it is near a bridge-like structure found in the silt which is presumed to be from circa 55BC. It has been in many James Bond movies as it’s next to MI6.

Lambeth Bridge

It was opened in 1932, the bridge’s paint scheme matches the House of Lords, which is at the southern end of the Palace of Westminster nearest the bridge.

Westminster Bridge

A favourite haunt of tourists the bridge is painted in the colours of the House of Commons. Opened in 1862 it replaced a bridge from the 1750s.

Golden Jubilee (Hungerford)

Opened in 2002 to commemorate 50 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the builders of this bridge had to be careful to avoid unexploded bombs and the Bakerloo Line.

Waterloo Bridge

The current bridge was opened in 1945. Its predecessor was dismantled and its stone sent around the world. Its name comes from Wellington’s Victory over Napoleon in 1815.

Blackfriars Bridge

The present bridge was built in 1869 to coincide with the rebuilding of the embankment by Sir Joseph Bazalgette. If you look closely you can see the River Fleet emptying under the north end of the bridge.

Millenium Bridge

Opened for the millennium, the bridge still retains the nickname ‘the wobbly bridge’ due to oscillations which have since been fixed.

Southwark Bridge

Featured heavily in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the bridge was opened in 1921.

London Bridge

The current box girder bridge opened in 1973 and replaced a 19th Century stone bridge which itself replaced the medieval bridge upon which the nursery song is based due to its rickety nature.

Tower Bridge

Built in 1886 as a solution to the demand for river crossings east of London Bridge, the innovative design is able to open for the tall ships which used to be unloaded in central London.

Checkpoints

• Covered rest and snack stops
• Fully signed route
• Medics, podiatrists, massage
• Medal, t-shirt, glass of fizz

Event HQ

Bishops Park, Fulham
Bishop's Avenue
Fulham
London
Greater London
SW6 6EA
UK

We were so impressed how well organised it was. From registration to the finish line everything was amazing - the staff were so lovely and helpful - the catering was outstanding and all the facilities clean and tidy. A huge thank you to you all!!

Such a good feeling crossing that finish line after 100km of walking. I must say a special thanks to the guy doing the massages at the 78km stop at around 5.30am. I may not have made it without his healing hands! Great event, well organised and would recommend that experience to anyone!

Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Entry fees