2017 was my second consecutive year of taking part in the Thames Marathon.

Taking place over some of the most picturesque stretches of the River Thames and despite the large number of entries never feels like a “bun fight”(other race organisers take note) due to the well spaced starting waves.

Billed as an achievement rather than a race (although don’t tell that to anyone in the first wave) it’s a magnificent sight to see so many swimmers of all ability’s making their way from Henley to Marlow making friends along the way. 

Easy registration, parking and return/baggage  logistics make it a stress free day for competitors and supporters alike. 

Significant numbers of volunteers on the bank and on the water do a admirable job of both supporting old hands and reassuring new faces.

Wonderful choices of food at the finish and if you have just completed one of the best events in the swimming calendar you’ll have earned it!

I will hopefully return in 2018 encouraging a few more competitors to join the party.   

Great job