The beautiful Surrey town of Walton-on-Thames beckons runners on 25th October 2026 for a flat, fast, scenic & largely traffic free race.
Ideal for those looking for a PB or completing their first half marathon.
As well as the lovely course, runners like the enthusiastic and friendly marshals, the efficient organisation and the bespoke mug and well stocked goody bag. After the race, you will be able to download a free race certificate with your personalised finish time on it.
Now in its 11th year, the start and finish are at spectacular Walton Bridge, Surrey. The route follows the River Thames towpath and roads to Hampton Court Bridge. It is a perfect preparation event if you are running a late autumn marathon (like New York, Valencia or Florence) or you just want the challenge of completing a half marathon.
REASONS TO RUN:
River Thames Half Marathon – Course & Landmark Overview
The River Thames Half Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of southwest London and Surrey’s riverside beauty and engineering heritage.
In 2025, 846 runners finished the Half Marathon, following a flat, fast, and scenic route, runners journey along the River Thames towpath past locks, bridges, and tranquil green spaces steeped in history. Here's a highlight of what you’ll experience along the way:
Runners start the race on the elegant Walton Millennium Bridge—a striking steel and timber footbridge linking Walton with Weybridge. Opened in 1999 to mark the turn of the millennium, it replaced a chain ferry and celebrates both modern engineering and the enduring importance of river crossings. The finish line is also on the embankment by the bridge.
Dating back to the early 1800s, Sunbury Weir is a dramatic sight—and sound—along the Thames. The tumbling white water, created by a complex arrangement of sluices and gates, is a reminder of how the river has long been shaped and managed for navigation and flood control. The structure helps feed Sunbury Lock, just a stone’s throw away, and remains a favourite for photographers, paddlers, and sweaty runners.
Part of the river’s essential lock system, Sunbury Lock has been guiding vessels through this stretch of the Thames since the early 19th century. The current lock is flanked by green lawns and shaded paths, making it a serene marker on the course.
After 8miles, runners turn around just before Hampton Court Bridge, where the views of Hampton Court Palace can be found looking through the arches. The current bridge—completed in 1933—is the fourth on this site and features distinctive red brickwork and Portland stone.
One of the busiest locks on the Thames, Molesey Lock was first constructed in 1815 and modernised in 1906.
The course winds along the leafy paths of Hurst Park—a former racecourse that has gracefully transformed into a beloved community green space. Once renowned for thundering hooves until 1962, on race day this historic venue comes alive with the spirited pursuit of a very different kind of race—one contested by two-legged competitors driven by passion and perseverance.
