Henley Swim - Thames Marathon

Name: Henley Swim - Thames Marathon
Start: 2026-08-08T23:00:00Z
End: 2026-08-08T23:00:00Z
Location: Higginson Park, High St, Marlow SL7 1AW, UK

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Henley Swim - Thames Marathon

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£109 - £144

About

The Thames Marathon is an award‑winning endurance swim between Henley‑on‑Thames and Marlow, with a choice of three distances to suit different goals and experience levels. It takes in one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Thames and has become one of open water swimming’s most respected and sought‑after marathon swims. All distances follow the river downstream.

Thames Marathon, Mid-Distance and Half Marathon

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Sun, Aug 9, 2026

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Marlow, United Kingdom

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Where and when

Location

Higginson Park, High St, Marlow SL7 1AW, UK

Start times

Sunday, Aug 9, 2026

Thames Marathon: 7:00 AMMid-Distance: 7:00 AMHalf Marathon: 7:00 AM

Event summary

Here are the distances available for Henley Swim - Thames Marathon

Thames Marathon

13km

£144

Mid-Distance

9km

£129

Half Marathon

5.5km

£109

Route information

The 13km distance is divided into four sections. Swimmers will leave the water at Hambleden, Hurley and Temple Locks, where drinks and snacks will be available before re‑entering the river.

The 5.5km and 9km distances are split into three sections, with swimmers exiting at Hurley and Temple Locks for refreshments and a short break before continuing downstream.

What's included

Food & Drink:

There are a number of different food outlets serving hot and cold food.

Drinks will include tea and coffee, soft drinks and a licensed bar.

Toilets & Changing Areas:

There are toilet facilities and changing areas at Higginson Park. Please note there are no toilets at the start, please make sure you use the facilities before leaving Higginson Park.

How to get there

Higginson Park, High St, Marlow SL7 1AW, UK

Get full directions

Car Parks and Street Parking:

There are several parking options available in Marlow. These include the Pound Lane Car Park adjacent to Higginson Park, West Street Car Park – 5 minute walk, Marlow Central Car Park, Riley Road – 8 minute walk. Also Dean Street , Liston Court and Institute Road. These are all pay and display and range from £1.10-£6.10 for the day.

There are also a number of roads away from the centre of the town, including Pound Lane, where street parking is possible free of charge. Please check the street signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.

Car Share:

We encourage swimmers to car share wherever possible. If you are looking for a lift or would like to offer space in your car, please post on Henley Swim Chatter our Facebook group.

By Train:

The nearest train station to the event village is Marlow, which has links to London and Reading via Maidenhead. The first train on a Sunday arrives in Marlow just before 9am. Higginson Park is a 800m walk from the station.

Hotels and Accommodation

Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.

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Event day logistics

Arrival:

Please arrive at Higginson Park allowing time to register, change and be ready for your departure to the start.

Race Pack Collection:

Collect your race pack from Higginson Park on the Saturday. On the Sunday, please allow plenty of time to find parking and to get to Higginson Park. You will need photographic ID. A race number will be allocated at registration. Your pack will contain a numbered hat, timing chip, velcro ankle strap and bag tag. Check the number on your hat matches your timing chip and your bag tag.

Preparation:

Change into your swimming kit, thread the ankle strap through your timing chip, wear on either ankle outside your wetsuit. Make sure you have your hat, goggles, tow float, shoes (+ single item of clothing for skins swimmers but no robes) and named carrier bag, pack everything else in your bag.

Bag Drop - Marlow Only:

You will be able to leave your belongings in a small bag at the secure bag drop area. Attach your bag tag to your bag (double checking it is the same number that is written on your hat), and deposit at the bag drop area. The bag will remain here for the duration of your swim. When you finish your swim, you will be able to reclaim your bag by showing your hat number to the bag drop team.

Coach Travellers:

You will be taken to the start from Marlow by coach. You must be completely swim ready on the bus. On arrival, there is a 10 minute walk to the start where you will receive a short safety briefing and then be invited to walk into the water. Your time will start when you cross the timing mat. Please note there is no toilet at the start, use the facilities before leaving the event village.

During Your Swim:

Please be as considerate as possible towards your fellow swimmers. If you are caught by faster swimmers, please move to one side to let them through. If you catch slower swimmers, please don’t swim over the top of them.

Food Stops:

There are locks on the route, where you are required to get out of the water and walk around the lock. There is food and drink available at these locks. You can choose to have a leisurely break, or to immediately re-enter the water with only a short stop. It is possible that there will be queues at the food stops, and the exit and entry points.

We will provide a bit of everything, including bananas, energy bars, energy drinks, water, chocolate, sweets, and some salty snacks. If you wish to use energy gel, please bring your own in your tow float, so that you know the particular brand that you use will suit you.

Finish:

When you reach the end you will be helped out of the water, your timing chip will be removed, you will be given your medal and offered hand sanitiser. You will be able to collect your bag by showing the number on your hat, and will find food, drink and memorabilia available to purchase.