3 races
Event overview
The Thames Ring 250 is one of the UK’s toughest ultra-distance challenges — a 250-mile (actually closer to 256) loop through scenic countryside, historic towns, and along tranquil canal paths. Starting in Streatley-on-Thames, this epic journey tests endurance, navigation, and mental resilience like few others.
Over several days with a cut off of 4 days 4 hours, runners battle fatigue, changing weather, and the clock as they trace the Thames, Grand Union, and Oxford canals before returning to Streatley. It’s an unforgettable adventure for experienced ultrarunners ready to push beyond limits.
The experience of a lifetime.
Great value and perfect beginning to end.
Highlights
- 250-mile circular route through several counties
- 100-hour time limit to complete the full course
- Stunning riverside and canal scenery
- Checkpoints, dropbag transfers, food and drink
- One of the UK’s ultimate endurance tests
- New 100-mile and 150-mile options
Event photos
- Event village
- Newcomers
- Spectators
- Superfit
Drop/resupply bags
- 250 and 150 runners | 1 drop bag of up to 20kg, which will be transported to each CP for you
- 100 runners | get the same size drop bag, but they are only accessible at the Lower Heyford CP halfway
Support
- No outside support is allowed during the race except at some checkpoint locations.
- Family and friends can only give you physical support at checkpoints such as would be given by CP staff: assistance changing and eating and First Aid, but no other assistance can be provided.
- You must be self-sufficient for food and kit.
- Runners are allowed to purchase food from shops along the way.
Pacers/buddy runners
No pacers or buddy runners are allowed. Apart from meeting someone at a checkpoint, runners are not allowed to travel any distance with anyone other than another runner.
Compulsory kit
A compulsory kit list will be provided.
Entry criteria
There are no specific criteria for entry, as this is a challenge that has been completed by runners of all ages and speeds and previous performances. It has also not been completed by some very good runners so there are no set specific standards for entry, however it is suggested you have a good background in endurance events and are prepared to push yourself.
Cut offs are strictly enforced.
- Bag transfer
- Changing facilities
- Rural
- Secure bag storage
- Toilets
- Urban
Event HQ
Morrell Rooms
Church Lane, High Street
Streatley
Reading
Berkshire
RG8 9JA
UK
Facilities
There will be changing and toilets at the start and finish and at some checkpoints, there will be sleeping tents available after 75 miles and various hot and cold foods and drinks available at checkpoints.
Brilliant event - proper old skool version of a race. Great value and perfect beginning to end. Sara F
A fantastic four day running holiday. The experience of a lifetime. Great support from lovely people who were happy to wait on you hand and foot at each checkpoint, RD clear in what he wants but also supportive of even idiots like me, a gorgeous route, loads of friendly dogs to stroke. The one caveat is that it’s a very long way and is a hard run, but the medal makes it all worthwhile! Andrew G
Flawless organisation and fabulous volunteers. Keith B
Sustainability
- Optional t-shirt
Races at event
- Wed 22 Apr 2026
- #1 of 3
10:00
Age 18 & over
£150-£175
- 150 miles trail running
- Wed 22 Apr 2026
- #2 of 3
10:00
Age 18 & over
£325-£350
- 250 miles trail running + 2857 ft ascent
- Fri 24 Apr 2026
- #3 of 3
12:00
Age 18 & over
£100-£120
- 100 miles trail running