Beat the Boat 10km

About

Coming back to Windsor and Eton on Sunday the 12th July 2026 is a completely unique 10km trail race for runners of all abilities brought to you by Runface. On an out and back course from Eton & Windsor, you'll be taking on not just other runners, but a target pace boat full of spectators that will be tracking you and trying to beat you back to the finish line. All runners set off together in a traditional race format, with a difference, because just yards from where you start on the Brocas fields in Eton, the 5 Thames Cruise boats will be starting too and they'll be full of your friends and family members ready to cheer you on, as you try to beat the boat.

About the Course

The course is set under the beautiful backdrop of Windsor castle and is a flat 10km run on mixed terrain and is not suitable for spikes. Whilst most of the course follows the Thames path there are some sections that border fields and could become muddy if we have had persistent rain. There will be times when the course will deviate away from the Thames path to give the boats time to turn around but don't worry you will soon be back on their trail again and racing them home!  

About the Boats

The 5 boats will be clearly labelled as 40/50/55/60/70 mins respectively. So when entering, its important for you to try and decide which boat you'll be taking on, based on your predicted finish time over the course. Faster runners will be looking to beat the 40 min boat, and would therefore want any supporters to be on-board that one, whereas people running closer to 50 or 60 mins, would be chasing those boats.  

About the Event

This event is put on by runners, for runners and we'll be trying to ensure that everything we'd expect in a race will be provided. That will include water stations, friendly marshals, clear instructions, excellent facilities and a safe and fun environment that you'd expect when trying to beat several tonnes of river boat in a footrace along the thames path. All finishers will receive a bespoke medal, race themed technical T-shirt, on course support and hopefully a fun and unique morning trying to beat the boat.

Children's 1 mile fun run

We'll also be running an optional Children's 1 Mile Fun Run again held before the main race at 9am (with enough time for them to finish and make it onboard the spectator boats). This will be held on the main/start finish field.

For more info and entries visit www.beattheboat.com