MORE than 200 people took part in a 50-mile “ultra-run” which finished in Mill Meadows in Henley on Saturday.

The Thames Trot was supposed to take place along the Thames path from Oxford but heavy flooding along parts of the route meant several diversions were used.

Guy Travers, events and business development director for organisers Go Beyond Ultra, said: “There were places where it wasn’t clear where the river ended and the path began as the water was waist deep so it just wasn’t safe.

“The final route was a bit shorter because the river meanders a bit and we weren’t able to follow the path completely so it ended up around 44 miles.

“Miles 29 to 37 from Pangbourne to Sonning had stayed intact but we had to move a checkpoint in Streatley as there was no access.”

About 30 runners were raising money for charity and are expected to raise £15,000 for Teach Africa and the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

The fastest competitor finished the course in five hours, 11 minutes and 50 seconds.

Luc Jolly, 30 from Harpsden, finished fourth in a time of five hours, 45 minutes and 57 seconds.

He said: “I was really struggling at Reading Bridge and I still had 15 miles to go. The first half was nice and then it was really painful.

“I enjoyed the last bit because I had plenty of support from my family and friends and I had the local knowledge.”

Published 09/02/13