Thursday 13th September 2012 – 47 miles

Competitors of the Thames Challenge & the Cotswold Ultra, must arrive at the source for registration and equipment checks, between 6.00am and 8.00am on Thursday 13th September 2012. Race start will be 8.30am following a race brief. Full details of options for getting to the source will be provided later, but all competitors must be self-sufficient in this respect.
From the source of The Thames the path continues towards Kemble, through Ewen and Neigh Bridge Country Park.
Crossing back and forth over a couple of bridges you pass Lower Mill Nature Reserve to the right, Aston Keynes and onto Cricklade the first township of the Thames.
From Castle Eaton village the route strays from the river until Blackford Farm where it re-joins the Thames briefly before again departing over meadows until meeting again just before Lechlade.
Taking in several meanders, pretty bridges and locks; eventually reaching Shifford Lock which is Camp-Site One or the conclusion of The Cotswold Ultra.

At Camp-One, hot food will be supplied with unlimited free water and hot drinks. Medical assistance will be available at each camp-site to assist with care of feet and advise on individual fitness levels for those who intend proceeding with the Thames Challenge race.
It is anticipated that this stage will also benefit from a minimum of four check-points; all of which will provide water and some nutrition.
See Road Map for Stage One of the Thames Challenge/Cotswold Ultra
See Check-point Maps for this stage
See Rules