Thousands of people, including Katie Piper, took over the capital this weekend to take part in a trio of Ultra Challenge events across London, raising over £2 million, for charitable causes while showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Across the Thames Moonlight 10, Thames Bridges Trek and Thames Path Challenge, more than 5,500 participants took on distances ranging from 10km to 100km, travelling along the River Thames, crossing historic bridges and experiencing the capital from a unique perspective.
The weekend began on Friday evening with the Thames Moonlight 10, where participants completed either a 10km or 10-mile route past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
Saturday saw thousands take part in the Thames Bridges Trek, crossing 16 historic Thames bridges on a 25km route from Putney Bridge to Southwark Park via The Oval and Tower Bridge.
Among those taking part was Katie Piper OBE, who returned to take on the 10km distance, alongside members of the Katie Piper Foundation’s survivor community to raise awareness and funds for people living with burns and traumatic scarring injuries.
The weekend concluded with the flagship Thames Path Challenge, where around 2,800 followed England’s most famous river from Putney through Richmond, Hampton Court and Windsor, with the full-distance Challengers continuing all the way to Henley-on-Thames. Participants could choose from 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km options.
The events also attracted significant corporate participation, with teams representing organisations including Allianz, Credit Agricole CIB, Travelodge, Aldi, BP, Morgan Stanley, BMW and Wizz Air taking on the Challenges as part of fundraising, team-building and wellbeing initiatives.
Nicola Smith, Commercial Director at Ultra Challenge said: “This weekend in London continues to be one of the highlights of our entire calendar and we’re delighted to have welcomed thousands of participants from across the UK to take on these incredible routes.
“Whether crossing London’s historic bridges, enjoying the capital under moonlight or following the Thames towards Windsor and beyond, participants experienced some truly iconic scenery and landmarks along the way.
“The popularity of these events continues to grow year after year, attracting everyone from first-time Challengers and charity fundraisers through to seasoned endurance enthusiasts and corporate teams.
“Most importantly, the fundraising impact has been phenomenal. Collectively, participants have raised well over £2 million for charities and causes close to their hearts, demonstrating the generosity, determination and community spirit that makes these events so special.”
Throughout the weekend, participants were supported by fully staffed rest stops, medical teams and event crews, helping thousands achieve personal goals while raising vital funds for good causes.
With another successful weekend complete, organisers have already opened entries for next year’s events and expect demand to remain high.
Entries for 2027’s events can be found at www.ultrachallenge.com
