Running Events Along the River Thames Path, London
The River Thames provides some of the most scenic running routes in London and Surrey. Between Windsor and central London, runners can follow riverside paths through Runnymede, Staines, Walton-on-Thames, Hampton Court, Kingston, Teddington, Richmond, Kew, Barnes and Putney.
There are races along this part of the Thames throughout the year, ranging from 5K and 10K events to half marathons, marathons and 100K ultra challenges.
This calendar includes races that use the Thames Path, follow nearby riverside roads or take place at major riverside locations such as Kew Gardens.
River Thames running events calendar 2026
Phoenix Running Duck ’n’ Run Series | 22nd–31st August 2026 | 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon and Ultra
Thames section: Walton-on-Thames, using measured out-and-back routes along the Thames Path.
Windsor Trail Run | 30th August 2026 | 10K and Half Marathon
Thames section: Central Windsor riverside and the paths surrounding Alexandra Gardens, close to Windsor Castle.
Phoenix Summer Marathon and Half Marathon | 5th September 2026 | Half Marathon and Marathon
Thames section: Walton-on-Thames towards Hampton Court and back along the riverside towpath.
Thames Path Challenge | 12th–13th September 2026 | 10K, 25K, 50K, 75K and 100K
Thames section: The full challenge starts at Putney Bridge and follows the Thames upstream through Richmond, Hampton Court, Walton, Runnymede and Windsor before finishing in Henley.
Richmond RUN-FEST 10K | 12th September 2026 | 10K
Thames section: The race takes place inside Kew Gardens, close to the river, but does not use the public Thames Path.
Richmond RUN-FEST Half Marathon | 13th September 2026 | Half Marathon
Thames section: Starts inside Kew Gardens before joining the Thames Towpath around Kew, Richmond Lock and Richmond Riverside.
Richmond RUN-FEST Marathon | 13th September 2026 | Marathon
Thames section: Kew, Richmond, Teddington Lock, Kingston Riverside and Hampton Court, with substantial sections along the Thames Towpath.
Kingston Half Marathon | 4th October 2026 | Half Marathon
Thames section: Canbury Gardens, Teddington Lock, Kingston Bridge and Barge Walk towards Hampton Court Palace.
Please note that the Kingston 10K is taking a break in 2026 and is expected to return in 2027.
Thames Meander Autumn | 4th October 2026 | 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon
Thames section: From Barnes Bridge along the Thames Path towards Kew Gardens, Richmond and Petersham. The half marathon reaches Petersham before returning, while the marathon completes two out-and-back laps.
Richmond Autumn Riverside Run | 11th October 2026 | 10K and Half Marathon
Thames section: From Ham House towards Kingston and Richmond, following the riverside and Thames Towpath.
Cabbage Patch 10 | 18th October 2026 | 10 Miles
Thames section: A Twickenham, Kingston and Richmond circuit crossing the Thames at Kingston Bridge and Richmond Bridge and using the Richmond riverside path.
River Thames Half Marathon | 25th October 2026 | Half Marathon
Thames section: From Walton Bridge through Walton-on-Thames, Hurst Park and West Molesey to Hampton Court Bridge, using riverside roads and the Thames towpath.
Phoenix Remembrance Day Marathon and Half Marathon | 8th November 2026 | Half Marathon and Marathon
Thames section: Measured out-and-back laps along the River Thames from Walton-on-Thames.
London Riverside MoRun | 29th November 2026 | 1.5K, 10K and Half Marathon
Thames section: Richmond Riverside and the Thames Towpath around Ham and Petersham.
Phoenix Bobble Wobble Run | 6th December 2026 | Flexible distances
Thames section: A lap-based event along the Thames towpath at Walton-on-Thames.
Phoenix Year End Marathon and Half Marathon | 28th December 2026 | Half Marathon and Marathon
Thames section: Walton-on-Thames towards Hampton Court and back along the River Thames.
Confirmed River Thames races for 2027
Hampton Court Half Marathon | 14th February 2027 | Half Marathon
Thames section: Thames Ditton and the riverside grounds surrounding Hampton Court Palace.
Kingston BreakFEST 8 Mile Run | 7th March 2027 | 8 Miles
Thames section: Kingston Bridge, Hampton Court Bridge and riverside paths around Kingston and Hampton Court.
Kingston BreakFEST 16 Mile Run | 7th March 2027 | 16 Miles
Thames section: Kingston, Thames Ditton and Hampton Court using a mixture of roads, riverside paths and Thames towpath.
Kingston BreakFEST 20 Mile Run | 7th March 2027 | 20 Miles
Thames section: Canbury Gardens, Kingston Riverside, Kingston Bridge, Hampton Court Bridge and Hampton Court.
Kew Gardens 10K – Kew The Run | 3rd April 2027 | 10K
Thames section: Inside Kew Gardens, close to the River Thames, but not on the public Thames Path.
Kew Gardens Half Marathon – Kew The Run | 4th April 2027 | Half Marathon
Thames section: Primarily inside Kew Gardens, with a short Thames Towpath section.
Windsor Women’s 10K | 25th September 2027 | Women-only 10K
Thames section: This race takes place inside Windsor Great Park which is very close to the Windsor Thames Path. It starts and finishes on the Long Walk, with Windsor Castle providing the finish-line backdrop.
Windsor Half Marathon | 26th September 2027 | Half Marathon
Thames section: This race takes place on the traffic-free roads of Windsor Great Park close to the Thames Path in Windsor. The course starts and finishes on the Long Walk, overlooking Windsor Castle.
Running beside the Thames
The Thames Path between Windsor and central London offers a mixture of surfaced paths, riverside roads, gravel towpaths and occasional grass or trail sections. Many of these races are flat and suitable for personal best attempts, although the condition of the towpath can vary after wet weather.
The principal racing sections include:
- Windsor and Runnymede: historic riverside scenery and longer-distance challenges.
- Staines and Walton-on-Thames: flat towpaths used by numerous lap-based races.
- Hampton Court and Kingston: riverside courses passing Hampton Court Palace, Barge Walk and Kingston Bridge.
- Teddington and Richmond: attractive towpaths through Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside.
- Kew, Barnes and Putney: accessible London sections used by Richmond RUN-FEST, Thames Meander and the Thames Path Challenge.
Race dates, routes and entry availability can change. Runners should always check the organiser’s website before entering or travelling to an event.
