Thames Path Challenge 2026

Get a charity place

Choose from the following options: 1. Full sponsorship: pay a small registration fee, we will pay for your place and you fundraise a set amount for us. 2. Mixed funding: Pay for half your place cost and fundraise less for us. We will pay half of your place cost. 3. Own place: Pay for your place and fundraise whatever you can for us.

About the 2026 Thames Path Challenge

The Thames Path Ultra Challenge invites you to walk, jog or run a distance of your choice, along a signed route, with free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massage.

The full Thames Path Ultra Challenge 100km follows England’s greatest river, from Putney Bridge past Hampton Court to Runnymede of Magna Carta fame at 50km, then on past wonderful historic scenery all the way to Henley. Then on through Windsor and wonderful historic scenery all the way to Henley. With 75km, 50km, 25km and 10km challenge options also available - there's a challenge here for everyone – and you can join as an individual or as a team of friends / family.

Take a look at the event factsheet(PDF).

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

Decide whether you'll enter with your own place or get a charity place

Step: 2

Sign up to get Team Cancer Research UK perks

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target

Why take part with Cancer Research UK?

Meet Rika

My favourite moment was the Cancer Research UK cheer point, where my beautiful daughter and incredible husband were cheering me on!

- Rika

Rika joined Team Cancer Research UK in 2025, running in memory of her Mum.

"I relied on Cancer Research UK to learn more about breast cancer when my mum was diagnosed. Educating myself was a productive way to try and process everything. I eventually lost my mum to breast cancer in March 2020. It was a no brainer when it came to choosing a charity to raise money for. My mum was a gym bunny, so I thought she’d find it funny that I was going to be running in her memory. I enjoyed every single mile."

The difference your fundraising makes

£70

could fund a clinical research grant for one day, funding doctors and nurses to find new ways to beat cancer.

£130

could fund a cancer nurse for one day, giving people confidential cancer support and guidance.

£170

could fund a trial for one day to test new radiotherapy techniques for treating bile duct cancer.

Team Cancer Research UK participants receive

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Fundraising support to help you smash your target

An official finisher’s medal for completing your race

Get training support

We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.

Get fundraising support

We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.

Get kitted out

We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.

What happens on the day?

We'll be there on the day, supporting you before you set off. Come say hi to us in the Event Village!

Key on the day information