It is impossible to escape footy fever at present, what with the England football anthem, "Three Lions", and its reference to: "Thirty years of hurt", ringing out in every pub as England reached a historic first tournament final on foreign soil (against Spain on Sunday) by beating the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final last night (10 July).

Whatever the outcome in Germany this year normal life will continue but that lyric might yet have to be updated to 60 years of hurt, a situation that has not gone unrecognised by the folk at Go Beyond Challenge, who neatly entwined football history and running in their latest challenge involving: "47 Miles Of Hurt"!    

The race in question is the Thames Trail Ultra, and the link to the Euros is a tenuous one involving the current England manager Gareth Southgate, who missed that infamous penalty against Germany in Euro 1996 – the year the Thames Path National Trail was inaugurated.

So, as England exited yet another major soccer tournament, people could enjoy the simple pleasure of walking or running up to 184 miles beside the greatest river in England from Thames Head at Trewsbury Mead, Gloucestershire to Thames Barrier in Woolwich, London.

Thames Trail Ultra trails for 47 miles from Hawkwell House Hotel, Oxford, down to Iffley Lock, and across the River Thames. It then follows the towpath through the picturesque Oxfordshire and Berkshire riverside towns and villages to Henley-on-Thames.

There will be a new race finish for 2024 at the YMCA Y Centre in Henley-on-Thames, where runners will be able to access showers, hot food and drinks, and changing facilities – rare levels of luxury described by Go Beyond Challenge as: "The Ritz of the ultra running world".

You can expect ever-changing scenery, beautiful houses, and traditional rowing clubs on this interesting, challenging course with every surface from tarmac paths to muddy trails. Last year's winning time was 6:19:37 and the 85th and final finisher took 11:23:48.

On Saturday 19 October 2024, this race sells out quickly so be sure to get yourself signed up as soon as possible so you can also experience those "47 miles of hurt".

Go Beyond Challenge is proud to announce this is an Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc index race.

For more information visit the Go Beyond Challenge Thames Trail Ultra website here.

Previous results and reports are at the runABC South race listing here. 

Image courtesy Go Beyond Ultra website