EN_GB 
JA FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 3 - Race route legs in detail
The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Year 3 route follows the Thames Path from Windsor to Reading, and back.
10-legs, 9 handover points, 112km. Leg distances vary from approximately 5km to 14.4km.
Following the River Thames through riverside towns, open fields, bridges and winding paths, the route combines fast paved sections with gravel tracks and grassy trails.
Discover each leg in more detail below. For any questions, please email info@ukekiden.com.
- LEG 1 – 10.2 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54965842 - LEG 2 – 14.4km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008715 - LEG 3 – 14.1 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008714 - LEG 4 – 12.6 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008756 - LEG 5 – 5.1 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008713
- LEG 6 – 5.1 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54957815 - LEG 7 – 12.6 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008755 - LEG 8 – 14.1 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008717 - LEG 9 – 14.4km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008716 - LEG 10 – 10.2 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54965837
LEG 1: Brocas Field, Windsor – the start line, to Maidenhead Rowing Club
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54965842
Your leg kicks off from the event village at Brocas Field, Meadow Lane, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6SS at 8 AM sharp. Please pick up your tasuki and tracker from the Information Point at the start.
- The event village will be open from 7AM
- Toilets are available on site
- Paid for refreshments available on site and in nearby cafés and restaurants
- Some parking is available on site, and paid for parking is nearby
- Train station 15 minutes walk
- Please follow the branded UK Ekiden yellow signs along the Thames Path.
- There is no diversion in place here, so please follow the river at all times.
- The route is mainly along terrain, but a small part is paved.
- You may come across low-lying trees, exposed tree roots, and moving vehicles on private roads/driveways.
- Please look out for boats and the rowing crew at the Eton boathouse.
- The M4 underpass can be dark, with low visibility.
- There are steps into and out of the handover zone
- The distance of this leg is 10.2 KM.
Address: Maidenhead Rowing Club, River Road, Taplow, SL6 0AT
At the handover point at Maidenhead Rowing Club, all runners will have access to:
- Water, coffee/tea, snacks, and a SiS gel
- The train station is a 30-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants within 5-minute walk away
Parking is not available at Maidenhead Rowing Club. Limited on-road parking is available nearby. Jenners Cafe with a big car park is 5 minutes walk away: Jenners Cafe Ray Mead Rd, Maidenhead SL6 8NP
You can use the shuttle buses to get you from Maidenhead Rowing Club to the Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 2: Maidenhead Rowing Club to Bisham Abbey Sports Centre
Download your route map here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008715
Your leg starts from Maidenhead Rowing Club. University racers will have a shuttle bus available to take them from their hotel to the beginning of Leg 2. Corporate runners must make their own way to the start of their leg, as the shuttle buses from the event village at the Start/Finish, Brocas Field, Windsor, will not get you there in time.
The runner of Leg 1 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 2, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at Maidenhead Rowing Club, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- The train station is a 30-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants within a 5-minute walk away
- Toilets are available on site
- There is a diversion in place here, so please take extra care to follow the YELLOW UK Ekiden signs.
- The route is 60-70% along terrain, but the rest is paved.
- Please watch out for crews boating at Maidenhead Rowing Club as you depart Maidenhead.
- Please be mindful of the road crossings at Cookham, the Bourne End Pedestrian bridge: there are steep stairs up and down, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the Marina.
- You will run through the town of Marlow on this leg, so please be mindful of road crossings and the narrow walk-throughs in Marlow.
- The distance of this leg is 14.4 KM.
- There will be an additional water point on your leg to Bisham Abbey Sports Centre.
Address: Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, Bisham Village, Marlow Road, Marlow, SL7 1RR
At the handover point at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets on site
- The train station is a 35-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants at the on-site canteen
Parking is available for free at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 3: Bisham Abbey Sports Centre to Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames
Your leg starts from Bisham Abbey Sports Centre. Please take the shuttle bus from the event village, or make your own way to the handover point.
The runner of Leg 2 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 3, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- The train station is a 35-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants are on site
- Toilets are available on site
- At the beginning of your leg, as you depart from Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, you will need to run along the road to get onto the Thames Path. Please be mindful of traffic and cars.
- Along the route, you will need to go through gates and pass by animals, as well as other people walking along the Thames Path.
- Please note the Henley Women’s Regatta is taking place in Henley at the same time, so please take extra care as you pass the rowers, spectators and boats on your approach to Henley.
- Towards the end of your leg, you will need to cross a public bridge as you enter Henley-on-Thames. Please take care at all road crossings and the path from the bridge to Mill Meadows, as we expect there will be a lot of people walking around.
- The route is 60-70% along terrain, but the rest is paved.
- The distance of this leg is 14.1 KM.
Address: Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF
Please note that preparations will be taking place for the Henley Regatta. Please be mindful of other civilians, rowers and boats.
At the handover point at Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid for parking on site
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- The train station is a 5-minute walk away
Parking is available at a cost at Mill Meadows. Please note, this car park can get very busy.
Shuttle bus schedule:
LEG 4: Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames to Sonning
Your leg starts from Mill Meadows, in Henley-on-Thames. You can use the shuttle bus service from Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 3 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 4, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid for parking on site
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- The train station is a 5-minute walk away
- There is a diversion in place along this route, so please take extra care to follow the YELLOW UK Ekiden signs.
- Please note the Henley Women’s Regatta is taking place in Henley at the same time, so please take extra care as you leave Henley along the river.
- The first stretch of the river is a popular walking path, so please be mindful of other people as you leave Henley.
- The diversion comes shortly after your departure, and you will need to cross a busy public road and run along a public sidewalk and a road with no pavement for a little while until you reach the hill. Please take care as you cross public roads.
- Please also be mindful of exposed tree roots, narrow footpaths, and the low railway bridge.
- For a little while, you will need to run on a road through Shiplake.
- The route is 60-70% along terrain, but the rest is paved.
- The distance of this leg is 12.6 KM.
Address: The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY
At the handover point at The Mill in Sonning, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- There is no train station nearby
Parking is available at a cost at The Mill, Sonning but there is no train station nearby.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 5: Sonning to King’s Meadow, Reading
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008713
Your leg starts from The Mill, Sonning. You can use the shuttle bus service from the event village, Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 4 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 5, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at The Mill, Sonning, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- Please follow the YELLOW UK Ekiden signs.
- As you depart The Mill in Sonning, you will need to cross a busy public road and run along a public sidewalk for a little while until you reach the Thames Path. Please take care as you cross public roads.
- The route is 60% along terrain, but the rest is paved. Please be mindful of the tree roots along the path.
- The distance of this leg is 5.4KM.
Address: King’s Meadow, Napier Road, Reading, RG1 8AB
All ‘Running’ teams will have a set cut-off time of 13.45.
If any Leg 5 runner does not arrive at King’s Meadow by the cut-off time of 13:45, then the Leg 6 runner from that team will start with a cream colour tasuki and new tracker at 13.45.
Any team missing this cut-off will not be disqualified, and the total time for the LEG 5 runner will still be added to the overall team total.
At the handover point at The Mill in Sonning, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- Train station is a 15-minute walk away
Parking is available at a cost at King’s Meadow, Reading.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 6: King’s Meadow, Reading to Sonning
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54957815
Your leg starts from King’s Meadow in Reading. You can use the shuttle bus service from Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 5 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 6, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
Please note that this handover point is our first cut-off point.
If the runner from Leg 5 does not arrive before 13:45, then you will be asked to set off at 13:45 with a different tasuki and tracker. Any team missing this cut-off will not be disqualified, and the total time for the Leg 5 runner will still be added to the overall team total.
At your starting point at King’s Meadow in Reading, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- The train station is a 15-minute walk away
- Please follow the PINK UK Ekiden signs.
- As you approach The Mill in Sonning, you will need to cross a busy public road and run along a public sidewalk for a little while until you reach the Thames Path. Please take care as you cross public roads.
- The route is 60% along terrain, but the rest is paved. Please be mindful of tree roots along the path.
- The distance of this leg is 5.1KM.
the view from King’s Meadow, Reading
Address: The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, RG4 6TY.
At the handover point at The Mill in Sonning, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- There is no train station nearby.
Parking is available at a cost at The Mill in Sonning.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 7: Sonning to Henley-on-Thames
Your leg starts from The Mill at Sonning. You can use the shuttle bus service from Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 6 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 7, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at The Mill in Sonning, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- There is no train station nearby
- Please follow the PINK UK Ekiden signs.
- As you depart The Mill in Sonning, you will need to cross a busy public road and run along a public sidewalk for a little while until you reach the Thames Path. Please take care as you cross public roads.
- For a little while, you will need to run on a road through Shiplake.
- There is a diversion in place along this route. It comes towards the end of your leg, and you will need to run up a hill, then run along a public sidewalk for a little while until you reach a public road, which you will need to cross. Please take care as you cross public roads.
- Please also be mindful of exposed tree roots, narrow footpaths, and the low railway bridge.
- Please note rowers and the town will be preparing for the Henley Regatta at the same time, so please take extra care as you approach Henley along the river.
- The final stretch of your leg along the Thames Path is a popular walking path, so please be mindful of other people as you approach Henley.
- The distance of this leg is 12.6 KM.
Address: Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF.
Henley-on-Thames is our second cut-off point.
If any Leg 7 runner does not meet Mill Meadows by the cut-off time, then the Leg 8 runner from that team will start with a cream colour tasuki and new tracker at 15:45. Any team missing this cut-off will not be disqualified, and the total time for the LEG 7 runner will still be added to the overall team total.
At the handover point at Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid for parking on site
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- The train station is a 5-minute walk away
Parking is available at a cost at Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, but it will get very busy during the summer months.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 8: Henley-on-Thames to Bisham Abbey Sports Centre
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008717
Your leg starts from Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames. You can use the shuttle bus service from Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 7 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 8, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
Henley-on-Thames is our second cut-off point at 15:45.
If any Leg 7 runner does not meet Mill Meadows by the cut-off time, then the Leg 8 runner from that team will start with a cream colour tasuki and new tracker at 15:45. Any team missing this cut-off will not be disqualified, and the total time for the LEG 7 runner will still be added to the overall team total.
At your starting point at Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, you will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets are available nearby
- Paid for parking on site
- Paid-for refreshments at nearby cafés/restaurants
- The train station is a 5-minute walk away
- Please follow the PINK UK Ekiden signs.
- Please note, the town is preparing for the Henley Regatta, so please take extra care as you pass the rowers and boats on your departure from Henley-on-Thames.
- As you depart, you will need to run along a public sidewalk and then cross a public bridge as you leave Henley-on-Thames. Please take care at all road crossings and the road from the bridge, as we expect there will be a lot of people walking around.
- Along the route, you will need to go through gates and pass by animals, as well as other people walking along the Thames Path.
- At the end of your leg, as you approach Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, you will need to leave the Thames Path and run towards the main road. Please be mindful of traffic and cars.
- The distance of this leg is 14.1 KM.
Address: Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, Bisham Village, Marlow Road, Bisham, Marlow, SL7 1RR.
At the handover point at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, all runners will have access to:
- Water, coffee/tea, snacks, and a SiS gel
- Toilets on site
- The train station is a 35-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants at the on-site canteen
Parking is available for free at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre.
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 9: Bisham Abbey Sports Centre to Maidenhead Rowing Club
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55008716
Your leg starts from Bisham Abbey Sports Centre. You can use the shuttle bus service from Start/Finish at Brocas Field, Windsor, to get you here on time.
The runner of Leg 8 will pass the tasuki with a tracker to you within the handover area. If you are running Leg 9, you must be ready on time in the handover area, awaiting your teammate. Please refer to the live tracking link at all times.
At your starting point at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- The train station is a 35-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants are on-site
- Toilets are available on site
- Please follow the PINK UK Ekiden signs.
- There is a diversion in place on this leg; please take extra care to follow the PINK UK Ekiden signs.
- As you depart Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, you will need to run along a public sidewalk as you approach Marlow.
- You will run through the town of Marlow on this leg, so please be mindful of road crossings and the narrow walk-throughs in Marlow.
- Please be mindful of the road crossings at Cookham, the Bourne End Pedestrian bridge: there are steep stairs up and down, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the Marina.
- Please watch out for crews boating at Maidenhead Rowing Club as you approach Maidenhead.
- The distance of this leg is 14.4 KM.
- There will be an additional water point on your leg to Maidenhead Rowing Club.
Address: Maidenhead Rowing Club, River Road, Taplow, SL6 0AT
At the handover point at Maidenhead Rowing Club, all runners will have access to:
- Water, snacks, and a SiS gel
- The train station is a 30-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants within 5-minute walk away
Parking is not available at Maidenhead Rowing Club. Limited on-road parking is available nearby. Jenners Cafe with a big car park is 5 minutes walk away: Jenners Cafe Ray Mead Rd, Maidenhead SL6 8NP
Shuttle bus schedule:
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Please check the schedule on the day for correct timings.
LEG 10: Maidenhead Rowing Club to Brocas Field, Windsor – the finish line
Download your route map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54965837
Your leg kicks off from Maidenhead Rowing Club. You are welcome to use the shuttle buses from Brocas Field, Windsor, to make your way to Maidenhead Rowing Club.
At your starting point at Maidenhead Rowing Club, you will have access to:
- Water and snacks
- The train station is a 30-minute walk away
- Paid for cafes and restaurants within a 5-minute walk away
- Toilets are available on site
- Please follow the pink UK Ekiden signs along the Thames Path.
- There is no diversion in place here, so please follow the river at all times.
- The route is mainly along terrain, but a small part is paved.
- You may come across low-lying trees, exposed tree roots, and moving vehicles on private roads/driveways
- Please look out for boats and the rowing crew at the Eton boathouse
- The M4 underpass can be dark, with low visibility
- There are steps into and out of the handover zone
- The distance of this leg is 10.2 KM.
Address: Brocas Field, Meadow Lane, Eton Windsor, SL4 6SS
At the event village, which will be where you finish, all runners will have access to:
- The event village will be open from 7:00 AM, and complimentary food and drinks will be available for runners
- Toilets are available on site
- Paid for refreshments available on site and in nearby cafés and restaurants
- Some parking is available on site, and paid for parking is nearby
- Train station is a 15-minute walk
- Changing facilities are available
Some parking is available on site, and paid for parking is nearby.
The full shuttle bus schedule can be found below, from which you can work out how to navigate to where you need to, if you’ve left your car elsewhere.
