Races

Thames Path 100

EnglandApril

Putney to Henley on the towpath. Flat on paper. Heat in April. The cutoff is the crux.

100 mi30 hours59 ft to 394 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierApril
Distance100 mi
Altitude59 ft to 394 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 70°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start371 ft
  • High371 ft
  • Low77 ft
  • Finish148 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Putney at mile 0.0
  2. England at mile 20, cutoff 6 hours
  3. Thames Path 100 mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 12 hours
  4. Thames Path 100 mile 60 at mile 60, cutoff 18 hours
  5. Thames Path 100 mile 80 at mile 80, cutoff 24 hours
  6. Finish Henley on the towpath at mile 100, cutoff 30 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop151 ft-1.5% over 1.9 mi
Night miles39 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Thames Path 100 runs 100 mi through England. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 394 ft. Low near 59 ft. April temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for the climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.

Kit

April in England: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 30 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Thames Path 100