The Thames Ultra Challenges return to London and the Thames Valley from September 11-13, 2026, offering three endurance events that support charities nationwide. The series raised more than £15m for local causes last year, and this year's edition includes TV presenter and author Katie Piper OBE, who will participate with members of her foundation's survivor community.
Katie Piper joins Thames Bridges Trek
Piper, founder of the Katie Piper Foundation, which supports people with burns injuries, will take part in the Thames Bridges Trek on Saturday, September 12. She will join 2,500 walkers on the 25km route from Putney Bridge to Southwark Park, crossing 16 historic Thames bridges.
The foundation's involvement highlights the event's community fundraising focus. Piper established the charity after her own recovery from life-changing burns injuries.
Three events over the weekend
The weekend begins with the Thames Moonlight 10 on Friday, September 11, starting and finishing at The Oval. This evening event offers a 10k loop and a 10-mile route past landmarks like St Paul's and the London Eye, ending with a hot meal and medals for finishers.
On Saturday, the Thames Bridges Trek takes place as described, while the flagship Thames Path Challenge runs from Saturday to Sunday. Over 3,000 participants will follow the river towpath west toward Henley-upon-Thames, with options ranging from 10k and 25k walks to the full 100km distance, which can be completed continuously or split across both days.
Registration and support
Entries for September 2026 are open to individuals, families, and teams, with options to fundraise for a chosen charity or self-fund. Registration details and route guides are available online via the Ultra Challenge Series website. The organisers provide industry-leading rest stops, food and drink, medical teams, and fully marked routes throughout all three events.
With 2026 places still available and registration open for 2027, participants can choose from short urban walks to multi-day ultra-marathons. To register or view detailed route guides, visit www.ultrachallenge.com.
