SUNDAY 4th AUGUST 2019
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When and Where:
Sunday 4th August 2019
7.00am
Leander Club, Henley-on-Thames
Distance:
14km downstream
Entry Fee:
£106
Information:
Waiting list for non-wetsuit places
Minimum age 18
Tow floats compulsory
The Thames Marathon, now in its 9th year, is a 14km long-distance challenge swim from Henley-on-Thames to Marlow. It covers a beautiful stretch of the Thames and has become one of open water swimming’s most prestigious marathon swims.
The swim is split into 4 sections. Swimmers will be required to exit the water at the 3 locks (Hambledon at 4km, Hurley at 10km and Temple at 11.8km) where food and energy snacks will be available.
Participants have the choice of waves – the first four waves will be for faster swimmers wanting to compete against the clock, with those expecting to finish in 3hrs 30 minutes swimming in the first wave.
There are a limited number of non-wetsuit places available.
These have all been allocated for 2019, and we are operating a waiting list.
Wetsuit places are available.
Yes, there are plenty of public car parks in Henley and they are free on Sundays. The return coach will only drop off at the official car park.
We will transport one small bag (such as a rucksack or a kit bag) for each swimmer. We will tag your bag for identification purposes, and have it waiting for you at the finish area. We try and be careful but accidents do happen -please don’t use your best bag as we can’t be held responsible for any damage suffered in transit.
Absolutely, in fact we encourage it. The more people who swim together and look out for each other, the safer the event is. If you wish to swim with friends, please make sure that you all enter the same wave.
All swimmers will be required to use a tow float and are advised to get used to swimming with one before the event. You can purchase a discounted Swim Secure tow float when you register
We have a fully approved safety plan that ensures coverage across the full course throughout the event. In addition ALL swimmers will be required to use a tow-float.
We have a limited number of non-wetsuit places available. This is to minimise the risk to our safety plan. Wetsuits are important for retaining heat and providing buoyancy. If you would like a non-wetsuit place your application will be assessed by the events team for approval. We advise swimmers to be prepared to wear a wetsuit if asked, on the day.
Non-wetsuit places have all been allocated for 2019, however if you wish to swim without a wetsuit please enter our waiting list, as places do come free during the year.
There will be 3 feed stops – one at each lock: Hambleden (4km), Hurley (10km) and Temple (11.8km)
We will be setting off small waves at frequent intervals of around 5 minutes starting at 7:00 am. Strong swimmers who are seeking a faster time and who expect to complete the course in under 4 hours (approximately equivalent to a sub 27-minute mile pace) will swim in the first 4 waves. If you expect your time to be under 3½ hours, please select wave 1, between 3½ and 4 hours select wave 2, 3 or 3B. Other swimmers should select wave 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 – these are all mixed ability waves. If you wish to swim with a group, please ensure that you all select the same wave.
There will be a cut-off time of six and a half hours, where all swimmers will need to be out of the river. If you anticipate that you will take longer than this, please contact enquiries@henleyswim.com before entering.
There are toilets at the start at Leander club, and at the finish at Higginson Park.
The route is walkable, by following The Thames Path. Download the route here – Thames Marathon Walking Route.
It is also possible to cycle the route, although there are a large number of kissing style gates where you may have to lift your bikes to get through.
Definitely, we have set up Henley Swim Chatter as a facebook forum, where you are able to discuss anything with fellow swimmers from nutrition and training tips to transport to the event on the day.
