Thames Path Ultra Challenge 2027

The Ultra Challenge Series, run by Ultra Challenge, is the UK’s number one series of treks and trail runs. Dementia UK is a proud series partner of the Ultra Challenge Series.

Between January and October 2027, you can take on some of the UK’s most spectacular trails to support families facing dementia. With 24 events – from the dramatic cliffs of the Isle of Wight to the rugged Scottish Borders – there’s an Ultra Challenge for everyone.

Throughout each event weekend, challengers will take on distances from 10km up to 100km, creating an unbeatable atmosphere and real sense of community spirit.

You can choose to walk, jog or run your challenge, with unparalleled event support every step of the way. There are regular rest stops with food and drink; fully signposted routes; marshals on the course and walking with you; and exceptional medical and welfare coverage including massage, hot meals and a huge finish line celebration. With the support of Ultra Challenge, you can achieve more than you ever expected.

When you take on an Ultra Challenge for Dementia UK, you’ll raise vital funds to ensure no one faces dementia alone. We’ll provide you with fundraising tips and support and you’ll have access to an event app with all the information you need to get the most out of your Ultra Challenge.

Find your Ultra Challenge

Distance options vary according to each Ultra Challenge. Typical distances are 10km, 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km. The full 100km challenges can be undertaken all in one go or over two days.

Most challenges have options to walk, jog or run, although a handful are walking-only events. You can also run or walk competitively with the Trailblazerz and Ultra March options for select events.

There are two funding types to choose from, and costs vary according to your route/distance:

• Charity fundraising: pay a small registration fee and raise a minimum amount for Dementia UK, and we’ll cover the cost of your place. 50% of your minimum fundraising pledge must be raised and received by Dementia UK by your fundraising deadline, usually three weeks prior to your event. Dementia UK supporters receive 50% off their registration fee, as we are an Ultra Challenge series partner
• Self-fund with fundraising: pay for your place in full then raise as much as you can for Dementia UK, with no minimum fundraising target

Click ‘Sign up’ or explore our Ultra Challenge calendar for full challenge details and to register for your chosen event and distance. Please also read our fundraising terms.

The Ultra Challenge Team has a useful help centre page that covers many frequently asked questions. You can also download the Ultra Challenge app for help with your training, logistics and more.

If you have any specific event questions or your question is not covered in the FAQs or on the app, please contact the Ultra Challenge Team at info@ultrachallenge.com or on 020 7609 6695 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).

Right now, nearly one million people are living with dementia in the UK. Too often, families struggle to find support, leaving them feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and alone.

The funds you raise will ensure more families can access the life-changing support of our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. Together, we can make sure no one faces dementia alone.

Read Will and his mum Ronnie’s story about how Ronnie’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives, and how Admiral Nurses are providing their family with a lifeline.

We know you’re committed to fundraising for Dementia UK, and we’re committed to helping you!

As part of Team Dementia UK, you will receive:

• a branded Dementia UK technical top – delivered two to three weeks before event day
• access to training plans and videos to help you get ready for your event
• expert fundraising advice and support from our Fundraising Team, with a dedicated Events Manager
• fundraising materials for your activities, including fundraising guides, posters, banners, t-shirts and collection items to help you reach your goals
• access to our online fundraising resources

You can also use our downloadable fundraising resources to encourage people to support your Ultra Challenge and fundraising.

If you need any fundraising support or have questions about taking part in an Ultra Challenge for Dementia UK, contact our Challenge Events Team at events@dementiauk.org

Getting started

• Download our challenge events welcome pack online or contact our team at events@dementiauk.org to order a printed copy – it contains lots of handy information about fundraising for Dementia UK
• Set up a fundraising page and share it with your family, friends and networks via WhatsApp, text, phone, email, in person and on social media
• Review our guidance on how to fundraise online to make the most of your fundraising page
• Organise additional fundraising activities alongside your Ultra Challenge – see our fundraising ideas for inspiration

Fundraising ideas

Organising fundraising activities alongside your main challenge will help you smash your goal. Here are some ideas:

• Host a quiz
• Arrange a raffle
• Hold a sweepstake on how long your challenge will take, or how many steps you’ll cover
• Organise a bake sale at home, at work or in your community
• Create a sponsored playlist, where supporters donate to add their choice of song to your challenge soundtrack

JustGiving 

Setting up a JustGiving page is a great way to fundraise online. Share your link with family, friends and colleagues and watch the donations roll in.

You can use JustGiving to explain why you’re taking on your challenge for Dementia UK, keep track of how much you’ve raised and even share your training progress using Strava so your supporters can see how well you’re doing. The event organisers have set up official events on JustGiving so make sure you connect to the right event on your page.

The more you update and share your JustGiving page, the more donations you’ll receive. Contact events@dementiauk.org if you need more advice.

Gift Aid

If your supporters are UK taxpayers and their donation is voluntary (not proceeds of a sale), we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated, at no extra cost to them. Make sure they fill in the Gift Aid form or tick the correct boxes if they’re donating online.