Thames 200 Ultra Preview: The newest ultra paddling race hits 3x competitors in 3 years

As the final relay team rosters were submitted this week, a thrilling figure appeared: after the Thames 200 Ultra started with 97 paddlers in 2024, its set to more than triple that in 2026. In just the third edition of the race, the number of competitors has already tripled to over 300. The newest, fastest-growing, and perhaps the most accessible ultra paddling race in the world: the Thames 200 Ultra is set for another action-packed 200km this weekend. Starting in Lechlade-on-Thames and finishing in Teddington, the race includes non-stop solo racers in kayaks and SUPs, non-stop doubles racers, and relay teams featuring everyone from first-time racers to European and World medallists in marathon kayak racing. The Chelmsford (& friends) vs. Richmond (& friends) rivalry returns, with both teams stacked full of elite K2s. In 2025, these teams finished just 5 minutes apart after more than 15 hours of racing. Fighting for 3rd, and maybe challenging the two leaders, Bradford-on-Avon is back again with top team "Bradford Bin Juice & Greg" leading the way. While all three of their K2s have the speed, their smaller team size means they'll have to double up and each cover about 60km rather than just about 30km. Follow live updates all weekend at https://paddledaily.com/thames-200-ul... and on the Paddle Daily and Thames 200 Ultra social media accounts.