Thames Marathon awarded Racecheck’s Top Rated swimming event for 2022

The Thames Marathon – an endurance swim between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, along a glorious stretch of river – has been awarded Racecheck’s Top Rated swimming event of 2022. 

Event review platform, Racecheck has revealed its 2022 award winners. And among the silvers and golds, the Thames Marathon has been recognised as the Top Rated swimming event of last year. 

The Trustpilot of sporting events, Racecheck enables endurance race participants to rate and share their experiences with straight-up, honest reviews. And that’s what sets these awards apart – it’s the people participating and crossing the finishing line who are the judges. Results are authentic and always based on experience, which is not only the highest accolade for event organisers but also the best guide for swimmers choosing which events to enter in 2023. 

The Thames Marathon, organised by Henley Swim, is an endurance swim between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow with a choice of two distances – 13km and 5.5km. It covers a beautiful stretch of the Thames and has become one of open water swimming’s most prestigious marathon swims.

All four Henley Swim events won awards, which is impressive considering there were only 69 awards issued from thousands of events around the world. Club to Pub earned a Gold; while The Selkie Henley Classic and the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival were granted Silver. 

Juliet Hume, Director of Operations at Henley Swim, said: “The Thames Marathon won Racecheck’s Top Rated swimming event in 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2022. We are delighted to receive this recognition once again, even more so because the award is determined by reviews given by those who have taken part in our swims. Reading their comments makes us even more excited about this summer’s events.” 

“An inclusive, friendly vibe”

The Thames Marathon gained an overall score of 4.8/5 with seasoned marathon swimmers and newcomers alike commenting on the smooth organisation; safety and support in the water; and the inclusive, friendly vibe in the event village. 

“This was my first endurance event and I took on the marathon. It didn’t disappoint,” wrote first time participant, Donna. “It provided both a mental and physical challenge, but at every step I felt safe and well supported. Everyone was super friendly and provided just the right amount of encouragement when needed. Feed stations were well stocked, help getting in and out of the locks was excellent and crossing the finish line was a brilliant and emotional experience. I will definitely be back.”

Another participant, Mick, said: “I have attended hundreds of events in the past, and not one has come close to the efficiency of the Thames Marathon 2022. The information pack and pre-event emails were spot-on; the actual event, including the event village, was out of this world; and the staff, including the safety, helpers on the stands, pre-event/post-event management team – EVERYONE was amazing. Must be a contender for event of the year – hard work, attention to detail, first-class planning, and customer satisfaction need rewarding.”

The highest accolade

“An award derived from the people who have taken part is undoubtedly the highest accolade for an event organiser and a huge confidence boost,” said Alexandros Tanti, Racecheck CEO and Co-founder. 

“After going through a very challenging 2021, 2022 proved to be a much more positive year for race organisers, albeit still not at pre-COVID levels. We did see more races being restored, new races being launched, some consolidation and higher spirits in both organisers and participants alike. Congratulations to all of our 2022 winners. These awards are a stamp of recognition for all the hard work and dedication that has gone on behind the scenes to plan and organise events.”

Registration is now open for the Thames Marathon (13km) and Half Marathon (5.5km), which take place on 13 August 2023. You can also sign up for the Selkie Henley Classic, taking place on 25 June 2023, the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival on 9 July and join the waiting list for the sold-out Club to Pub on 22 July. For more information on all events, please see the Henley Swim website. 

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