The Katie Piper London Ultra weekend brought thousands of people, including Katie Piper OBE, to the capital for a trio of Ultra Challenge events, raising well over £2 million for charitable causes while showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Katie Piper London Ultra: three events, one weekend
Across the Thames Moonlight 10, the Thames Bridges Trek and the Thames Path Challenge — the trio behind the Katie Piper London Ultra weekend — more than 5,500 participants took on distances ranging from 10km to 100km, following the River Thames, crossing historic bridges and seeing the capital from a fresh perspective.
The weekend began on Friday 11 September with the Thames Moonlight 10, when participants completed either a 10km or 10-mile route past St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
On Saturday 12 September, thousands took 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, raising 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 participants followed England’s most famous river from Putney through Richmond, Hampton Court and Windsor, with full-distance challengers continuing all the way to Henley-on-Thames. Distances of 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km were on offer.
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.
“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.”
Nicola Smith, Commercial Director at Ultra Challenge
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. It was part of a bumper season of mass-participation sport in the capital, with the first-ever London Cycling Festival rolling into Barking town centre this Sunday.
