Thames Meander 54 mile race

The Thames Meander 54 Mile Race

The Thames Meander has long been one of the most prominent events in the ultra-running calendar. Established in 1999 and now in its 9th year, the Thames Meander ultra cross-country event takes place in mid-February, with a course meandering along the banks of the River Thames, over towpaths and public rights of way from Reading heading east to finish near Walton-on-Thames 54 miles later.

Participants are expected to find their own way and, although the course mainly follows the Thames Path. Ordnance Survey maps are needed to navigate the route successfully. Participants must also bring their own food and supplies for the day.

The Thames Meander is also the number one training event in the UK for the Marathon des Sables and since our first event in 1999, only 11 people who have used the Thames Meander for training have failed to finish the Marathon des Sables. The following morning there is the vital Sahara School, providing additional information for those training for the MdS.

The Thames Meander has grown into the must-do training event for British competitors undertaking the Marathon des Sables. It is also the largest double marathon in the UK and a qualifying event for the North Face Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc.

[edit] History

The first event was planned and organised by Anthony Taylor and Steve Partridge, who were taking part in the 1999 Marathon des Sables, as a way of preparing psychologically for The 50-mile stage.

The purpose of the race was to replicate (as closely as is possible in Britain) the conditions of Stage 4 of the Marathon des Sables. This is the hardest stage and the distance is usually 48 to 54 miles across desert. On completion of this stage competitors immediately go to sleep, without washing, on the hard stones and compacted sand. Two days are allowed for completion of Stage 4; however in order to achieve a reasonable position a competitor needs to complete it in one day. The Thames Meander was created as a means of training and testing equipment for this stage.