2026 Thames Path Challenge

Take on the North Yorks Challenge

Date

12-13 September 2026

Location

Putney Bridge

Distances

Choose from 10k, 25k, 50k or 100k!

Take on 2026 Thames Path Ultra Challenge

Whether you already have your own place or you'd like a charity place, join Team Cancer Research UK in 2026 for the Thames Path Ultra Challenge and play your part in supporting vital cancer research.

Get a charity place

Join us in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge. As Cancer Research UK are an official partner on this event, you get a 50% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support us.

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

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

CRUK illustration of sports t-shirt with a yellow background.

Step: 2

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target

About the event

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.

Why run for Cancer Research?

Meet Bridie

On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part.

- Bridie

Bridie has taken on the Great North Run six times as part of Team Cancer Research UK. She fundraises in memory of her Dad, who died of bowel cancer.

"My first runs were really hard, but I trained and persevered, and I got better. On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part. The atmosphere was amazing and crossing the finish line I was ecstatic! I was so proud of myself and how far I’d come. Every step is worth it. For every person we lose to cancer, it spurs me on even more to continue fundraising so that we can find a cure."

The difference your money makes

200 CRUK runners taking on the Peak District Challenge

Hitting their fundraising targets to raise around £125,000

An illustration of a researcher sat at a desk looking into a microscope.

Could fund a research assistant for 4 years

Team Cancer Research UK participants receive

A personalised Cancer Research UK running t-shirt or vest

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Fundraising support to help you smash your target

Support in the run up to the event and on the day

An official finisher’s medal for completing your race

Two runners in CRUK vests stretching and looking down.

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.

Two smiling participants, wearing pink wigs and CRUK shirts and posters.

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.