Thames Path Challenge 2027

Take on the Thames Path Challenge

Challenge yourself this autumn and adventure along England's most famous waterway, passing historic landmarks, royal parks and picturesque riverside villages along the way. Choose from four distances, from 25k to 100k, and trek your way to the finish line.

Choose your entry option

Option 1: Charity fundraising place

Pay a small registration fee and fundraise a set amount for us. As an official charity partner, we'll cover the cost of your event place and you'll receive 50% off the registration fee.

Option 2: Self fund with fundraising

Pay for your own event place and fundraise whatever you can for Cancer Research UK.

About the Thames Path Challenge

Starting at Putney Bridge and finishing in beautiful Henley-on-Thames, the Thames Path Challenge takes you through along the scenic riverside trails of England's most famous river, passing historic landmarks, like Hampton Court Palace, and charming towns along the way. Whether you're taking part on your own, with friends, family or as part of a team, you'll enjoy fully supported route with rest stops, snacks and drinks. Cross the finish line to collect your finisher’s medal and commemorative t-shirt, before enjoying hot food at the event village. Access the Thames Path Challenge factsheet

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

Choose your entry option

Decide whether you'll enter with a Charity fundraising place or a self fund place.

Step: 2

Sign up and choose your distance

Pick from the distances available.

Step: 3

Start fundraising

We'll provide support, resources and ideas to help you reach your goal.

Step: 4

Take on your challenge

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

£70 could fund a clinical research grant for one day, funding doctors and nurses to find new ways to beat cancer.

£130

£130 could fund a cancer nurse for one day, giving people confidential cancer support and guidance.

£170

£170 could fund a trial for one day to test new radiotherapy techniques for treating bile duct cancer.

Team Cancer Research UK participants receive

A personalised Cancer Research UK technical t-shirt or vest

Fundraising and training support to help you succeed

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.