
Goring Gap Walk – Along the Thames & through the riverside villages of the Chiltern Hills
Saturday 18th May 2024
Mapledurham House, nr. Reading.



Walkers
Challenge yourself to a marathon or half marathon route. Walk with friends, walk for fun, or fundraise for your chosen good cause, see more >
Joggers
If you prefer to jog or jog/walk the routes that’s fine, for 2024 there will be chip timing so you can use the event as a first time long distance jog or ultra-run preparation. It’s only suitable for a gentle pace, regular ultra runners should see Goring Gap Ultra from the same venue the following day. see more >
Charities
Use our walk as a fundraiser without any setup costs. We have discount options and free onsite support space, see more >
About The Goring Gap Walk
Distances, Start Times & Routes
You can choose from two distances, a marathon (26 miles) or a half marathon (13 miles). Both routes are incredibly scenic and pass along woodland trails, riverside paths and through historic riverside villages.
The route uses the Thames and Ridgeway national trails which are mixed terrain, everything from quiet lanes through villages to riverside trails. There are woodland sections through the Chiltern Hills.
The vast majority of the route is flat but there are a couple of long gentle climbs in the Chilterns but the views are worth it!
Start times
MARATHON 8.30am
HALF MARATHON from 10.00am
What support is available?
Along the route the walk passes lovely village halls where we will supply free snacks, cold and hot drinks to keep you going.
Importantly the village halls have toilets. There is space and time to take a break, catch up with other walkers and prepare yourself for the next section.
We have a mobile medic just in case you need assistance.
Venue & Parking
Our walk starts and finishes at Mapledurham House between Whitchurch on Thames and Caversham. The venue is a world heritage site and we will set up our event village on the banks of the Thames.
Free parking is no more than 50m from the start and finish. Friends and family are welcome to come along to support.
Catering will be available in the event village.
How much does it cost to enter?
Prices include parking, finisher medals, village hall support snacks, drinks and medical support.Half Marathon – Early Bird Price £30.00
Full Marathon – Early Bird Price £36.00
Prepare for the walk
You are going to be walking for between 2 and 9 hours so it’s important that you are comfortable and well prepared for the day.
1. Clothing, make sure you bring layers so you can regulate your temperature dependant of the weather conditions. These may well change as the day goes on so prepare for all eventualities. Make sure you have a fully waterproof jacket.
2. Footwear, we recommend good walking boots or trail walking/running shoes with some grip. The conditions underfoot will range from tarmac roads to rooty uneven trails that may well be wet and muddy depending on the weather. Don’t use new shoes, use shoes that you know are comfortable.
3. Mobile Phone, bring a mobile phone. We have a support number to call should you need assistance, it will be printed on your walking number which you collect from the help desk on the morning. We also have an App for your phone to help you navigate the route.
4. Food and drink, carry a water bottle or wear a hydration vest, bring it full ready to go. We have five support stops where you can top it up. Bring any snacks or nutrition that you would like to carry with you. Marathon walkers may wish to bring a picnic lunch. There are seating areas at our support stations where you can stop, rest and eat. We supply some snacks and drinks at these stations.
5. Other items you might consider are –
Sunglasses
Buff/Cap
Lightweight gloves
Gaiters
A plastic bag for wet clothes, and rubbish
A Bottle or hydration pack (to carry between 0.5L & 3L of water)
Electrolyte drink sachets
OS Map – take a map or the section of the map
Waterproof map case if it’s wet
GPS Device
Mobile Phone – with spare battery or on-the-go charger
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Vaseline
Insect spray
Compeed Blister Plaster
Antiseptic cream
Foil blanket
Tissues/Wet Wipes
Kinesiology Tape – Cut into strips ready to go
Blister Stick
& of course walking poles