Thames Bridges Trek charity places | 25km

Your challenge, your way

Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner after UTMB points – there’s an Ultra Challenge® for you! Walk, Jog, or Run at your pace, as an Individual or a Team, for a charity of your choice or just for you. There’s an Ultra March® option for ‘fast walkers’ – and a new ‘Solo Challenger’ start time to join up with others.

Best support & hospitality

This Ultra Challenge® famously lays on the best support and hospitality available on any UK endurance-style event. This enables you to step up and confidently tackle an 'Ultra' distance, with the best chance of success - and to enjoy your challenge! Here's a summary:

Before

• Challenge app
• Facebook forum
• Training guides
• Fundraising support
• Training walks and runs
• Video briefings
• Travel planning
• Parking

During

• Baggage transfers
• The start line
• Chip timing and tracking
• Rest stops
• Food and drink
• Medical support
• Camping

Along the route

• Fully signed route
• Apps, maps and GPS
• Route safety experts
• Emergency response
• Trek masters
• 24 hour control room

After

• Finish line experience
• Finish times and certificate
• Shuttles and transfers
• Hot meal
• Medical care and follow up
• Deals on future challenges

Event HQ

Bishops Park, Fulham
Bishop's Avenue
Fulham
London
Greater London
SW6 6EA
UK

Overview

Join 2500 walkers and trek 25km across the capital with unrivalled views of the skyline and landmarks. From a Putney Bridge start it’s east towards the city, zig-zagging over 16 historic bridges, each with a fascinating story, and a mid-point rest stop at The Oval Cricket Ground for snacks and drinks. 25km later, beyond the majestic Tower Bridge, it’s a party-style finish line celebration and afternoon picnic in Southwark Park.

Map

Famous Bridges

Putney Bridge

The current bridge was opened in 1886 replacing the 1729 timber bridge - it is 700ft long, made of Cornish granite and is just downstream from the start of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Fulham Railway

The District Line runs over this bridge. Opened in 1889 pedestrians can also cross here and it was designed by Brunel's former assistant William Jacomb.

Wandsworth Bridge

Known as the least notable bridge in London and opened in 1940 (replacing an 1873 version), the original blue paint colour was used in the Blitz as camouflage.

Battersea Bridge

The old bridge (opened in 1771) was painted by Turner, Whistler and Cotman. This was demolished and replaced by the current bridge, which is the narrowest road bridge in London.

Albert Bridge

Famed for being in the titles to reality TV show Made in Chelsea, this grade II listed structure is also known as the Trembling Lady.

Chelsea Bridge

Opened in 1937, this is a self-anchored suspension bridge. During construction large quantities of early Roman and Celtic artefacts were discovered, which has led historians to believe it to be Caesar’s crossing point.

Vauxhall Bridge

Opened in 1906, it is near a bridge-like structure found in the silt which is presumed to be from circa 55BC. It has been in many James Bond movies as it’s next to MI6.

Lambeth Bridge

It was opened in 1932, the bridge’s paint scheme matches the House of Lords, which is at the southern end of the Palace of Westminster nearest the bridge.

Westminster Bridge

A favourite haunt of tourists the bridge is painted in the colours of the House of Commons. Opened in 1862 it replaced a bridge from the 1750s.

Golden Jubilee (Hungerford)

Opened in 2002 to commemorate 50 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the builders of this bridge had to be careful to avoid unexploded bombs and the Bakerloo Line.

Waterloo Bridge

The current bridge was opened in 1945. Its predecessor was dismantled and its stone sent around the world. Its name comes from Wellington’s Victory over Napoleon in 1815.

Blackfriars Bridge

The present bridge was built in 1869 to coincide with the rebuilding of the embankment by Sir Joseph Bazalgette. If you look closely you can see the River Fleet emptying under the north end of the bridge.

Millenium Bridge

Opened for the millennium, the bridge still retains the nickname ‘the wobbly bridge’ due to oscillations which have since been fixed.

Southwark Bridge

Featured heavily in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the bridge was opened in 1921.

London Bridge

The current box girder bridge opened in 1973 and replaced a 19th Century stone bridge which itself replaced the medieval bridge upon which the nursery song is based due to its rickety nature.

Tower Bridge

Built in 1886 as a solution to the demand for river crossings east of London Bridge, the innovative design is able to open for the tall ships which used to be unloaded in central London.

Included

• Covered rest and snack stops
• Fully signed route
• Medics, podiatrists, massage
• Medal, t-shirt, glass of fizz

How to start fundraising

You need to create your fundraising page on JustGiving within 48 hours of registering for your challenge. Then you can start your fundraising by sharing your page online with your friends and family.

Fundraise as a team

As long as you’re all fundraising for the same charity, you can create a team fundraising page on JustGiving. You will still have to reach the combined total fundraising amount as the target is per person, not per team.

Fundraising concerns

Speak to your charity about any worries. They are the experts and will offer you support, materials and inspiration throughout.

Remember only 50% of the target has to be reached 3 weeks before the challenge meaning you’ve got time after the challenge to impress everyone with your achievement and keep on fundraising.

Help for you

If you don’t reach the fundraising target, there are alternative options. You can always change to a self-funded place and still take part in the challenge.

Next steps

Once you've got your charity place, your details will be passed to the charity and you will hear from them within 14 days.

We were so impressed how well organised it was. From registration to the finish line everything was amazing - the staff were so lovely and helpful - the catering was outstanding and all the facilities clean and tidy. A huge thank you to you all!!

Such a good feeling crossing that finish line after 100km of walking. I must say a special thanks to the guy doing the massages at the 78km stop at around 5.30am. I may not have made it without his healing hands! Great event, well organised and would recommend that experience to anyone!