As part of the 2021 Thames Marathon on August 15th, Henley Swim is introducing a half distance. Unlike marathon foot races which have a defined distance, marathon swims can cover any distance of 10km and above. The new shorter distance is approximately 5.5km, and will be called the Thames Half Marathon.
The event is being tested in 2021 with a limited number of places. Swimmers will join in with the full distance swimmers above the village of Hurley, east of Henley, and complete the rest of the course with the longer distance participants. They will finish with the full marathon distance swimmers at the event finish in Higginson Park, Marlow.
To get to the start of the Thames Half Marathon swimmers will have two options. They can either walk/run the 6km to the start (this is just for fun, run times will not be recorded) or can be transported by coach for a small additional fee.
There is no vehicle access to the Half Marathon start, swimmers cannot be dropped off by family or friends. The swim itself is split into three sections. Swimmers will be required to exit the water at two locks (Hurley at 2km and Temple at 3.8km) where drinks and energy snacks will be available.
Just like the full distance, non-wetsuit places will be limited, but they will not need to be approved. Once the non-wetsuit places are full this will show on the entry system, and only wetsuit places will then be available.
Registration will open for the Thames Half Marathon on 28th APRIL 28th, at 19:00 BST, and the organisers expect that demand will be high.
