FKT: Dave Phillips - Thames Path (UK) - 2025-05-04

I'm continuining with trying to run all of the National trails. I was dreading this one a bit as it's so flat.

The plan was to run the first 30ish miles to join the start of the Thames Path 100 race by Centurion running. Run the race then continue on the approximately 55 miles to the source of the Thames. I wore a tracker for the whole trail (I also wore a secondary tracker for the race only).

The conditions were amazing, completely dry underfoot (road shoes right through to Oxford). A stark contrast to the previous record by MJ who was wading through water at the end - thanks MJ for your kind message of support beforehand.

I started at 4.30am in Woolwich (the Thames path has been extended beyond the Thames barrier since previous attempts). I ran solo through London (a great sight seeing tour) to meet the start of the Centurion TP100 in Richmond. Halfway through the race at Henley I was joined by my pacer Mark Darbyshire who covered approximately 100k through to Eynsham (so beyond the end of the race which finished in Oxford). Here I was joined by Dan Weller who paced through to Lechlade where I was joined by pacer James White to see me through to the end at the source.

The pacers were all incredable. There's absolutely no way I would have carried on running in the later stages without them. They all knew exactly what I needed and gave the perfect encouragement to keep going. Thanks guys. Thanks also to Marion for dedicating her whole Sunday to moving pacers around and meeting us with much needed treats.

Also big thanks to Ric York who once again not only provided gpx assistance but assisted with getting my race drop bags to Richmond. Thanks also to my wife, Sharlene for putting up with me. To Steve for the tunes to keep me going, James at Centurion running and to Chris at Opentracking.

The route was much nicer than I expected. I was thinking it might be monotonous running along the river but the landscapes were mixed and beautiful and it was all broken up really well with the race sandwiched in the middle. The support and volunteers at the aid stations were all absolutely amazing, I'd highly recommend any of Centurion's races.

The route was a fair bit longer than expected due to many diversions along the path but this is all part of running a full trail. I'm happy with how it went, I slowed a bit at the end but overall the pace was good thanks mostly to the cracking conditions and pacers.

Thanks again to everyone involved.