10k Marathon swim update
this Sunday 2 August
As we get ready for this Sunday's Lock to Lock 10K swim, we'd like to let you know about a few changes to the course.
Due to the recent spell of warm weather, the river temperature has remained high and, with very little rainfall for some time, water levels are now lower than usual. This means that some sections of the river are currently unsuitable for swimming, particularly around Pinkhill Lock.
Course changes
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Pinkhill Lock: Swimmers will exit the river before the lock, where a yellow marker buoy will indicate the exit point. The walk to the river re-entry will be longer than usual. Marshals will be on hand to guide you, and clear signage will be in place.
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The longer walk at Pinkhill Lock provides a great opportunity to top up on hydration and enjoy a banana before re-entering the river.
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King's Lock: The portage at King's Lock has been shortened to make the transition easier.
The river is always changing, and we sometimes need to adapt the course in line with guidance from the Environment Agency and to ensure the safety of all swimmers. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Water temperature
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The water temperature is expected to be 20°C or above on the day.
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If you are swimming in a wetsuit, please take extra care to stay well hydrated by making full use of the feed stations.
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If at any point you feel unwell or need assistance, please let one of our safety team members on the water know immediately.
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There is no need to rush this wonderful swimming route.
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Take your time, enjoy the experience, and have a safe journey to registration and throughout the day.
We look forward to welcoming and supporting you every step of the way. See you on Sunday!
The Swim Oxford Team
2 AUGUST 2026
10K DOWNSTREAM RIVER SWIM
REGISTRATION 6–7am Farmoor carpark OX2 9NS
START 7.30am, Farmoor, Oxfordshire
FINISH Godstow Lock, Oxfordshire
Non-transferable; see refund policy
Following the beautiful, meandering river Thames from Farmoor to Godstow, this 10K swim includes three locks with feed stations at each.
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First exit after 2k at Pink Hill Lock.
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At 4k exit is Eynsham Lock.
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Eynsham to Kings lock, is another 4K.
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The final 2K swim to the finish at Godstow.
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Celebrate your finish in the Swim Oxford Cafe/tent
Swimmers must be experienced in open water swimming and be able to complete the 10K distance within 4hrs 30min - this is the cutoff. You should be comfortable swimming this distance in water temperatures of 12c-16C.
Wetsuits are mandatory. All skin swimmers need permission - contact us regarding your previous open water swimming experience including distance, temperature and duration. Tow floats are compulsory.
Change of clothes bags
All post-swim bags must be loaded at the start at Farmoor. Bags will be transported to the end of the swim, ready for you to change into. Your body temperature continues to fall for some time after your swim, changing into warm clothes is a compulsory requirement.
Parking /Shuttle bus
There is ample parking at Farmoor Reservoir (OX2 9NS).A shuttle bus will then take you from the car park a short way to the swim start. For transport back to you car, please purchase a shuttle bus ticket at registration or online with your entry, including family and friends.
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs page.
Cancellation by you
Ensure you have looked at the refund policy
Water testing
We test the water for quality before every event. See results Water Testing.
4K swim
With glorious sunshine overhead, crystal-clear water, and the River Thames at its very best, the conditions could hardly have been more perfect. Please enjoy these photographs in the gallery, from a truly special day.
Swim Oxford events were created by swimmers, for swimmers – people who love the freedom, beauty, and adventure of open-water swimming. Our aim has always been simple: to provide a natural swimming experience that is as safe, welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable as possible. More than anything, these events are about community, friendship, and celebrating the river together. Thank you for being part of it.
Darrin Roles, Director Swim Oxford
"I did the Lock to Lock on Sunday. Thank you for a wonderful, organised, safe, and relaxed event. There was such a great atmosphere, from the warm welcome at registration to the lovely cheerful cake team at the finish.
Thank you for providing plenty of safety support on the water – I regard it as very important. Please thank your team, everyone, for their contribution. I'm going to add this to my favourites."
"I just wanted to thank you for putting on such an excellent event on Sunday. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but it really couldn’t have been better. Amazing weather, beautiful stretch of river, lovely people. Just perfect"
"Thank you for an amazing event … from registration onwards I had a feeling this would be a great event – the swim hat quality is the best we have had, safety team were right by my side all the way and marshals were so friendly and supportive. The whole event was very well organised, the tea tent ladies are incredible, we could not believe this was real…. Loved the bus journey back. We will be back for the 10K and next years 4K."
"I wanted to thank you for a really special event today. It was my first one and I am sure I will be returning again. I am also considering entering the 10k in August."
14 JUNE 2026
4K DOWNSTREAM RIVER SWIM
REGISTRATION 6–7am, Siemens carpark OX29 4BP
START 7.30am, Eynsham Lock, Oxfordshire
FINISH Kings Lock, Oxfordshire
Non-transferable; see refund policy
This is an open water downstream swim in the river Thames from Eynsham Lock to Kings Lock.
The river Thames meanders through picturesque landscapes set in these Oxford Universities organic pastures. This is a beautiful stretch of river for an open water swimming event.
We recommend that swimmers are experienced in open water swimming and be able to complete the 4K distance within 2 hours - this is the cutoff. You should be comfortable swimming this distance in water temperatures of 12c-16C.
All skin swimmers need permission: Please contact us regarding your previous open water swimming experience including distance, temperature and duration. Tow floats are compulsory.
Change of clothes bags
All post-swim bags must be loaded at the start at Eynsham Lock. Bags will be transported to the end of the swim, ready for you to change into. Your body temperature continues to fall for some time after your swim, changing into warm clothes is a compulsory requirement.
Shuttle bus
For transport back to you car, please purchase a shuttle bus ticket at registration or online with your entry, including family and friends.
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs page.
Refunds
Ensure you have looked at the refund policy
Water testing
We test the water for quality before every event. See results Water Testing.
20K swimrun
5 SEPTEMBER 2027
3.8k swim, 16.5k run
REGISTRATION 6–7am OX29 4BP
START 7.30am, Eynsham Lock, Oxfordshire
FINISH Wytham Chalet, Oxfordshire
Non-transferable; see refund policy
The river Thames sets the scene for the swimming sections, starting at Eynsham Lock.
The running sections are woodland tracks, cross-country style, set in the semi-ancient Oxford University woodlands of Wytham.
Please check the map below for swim and run distances.
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3 X RUN
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3 X SWIM
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Total 20K distance.
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3 feed stations with water and isotonic drinks.
Any additional nutritional requirements is your responsibility.
Swim Oxford Café/tent for post race celebrations included.
Race event merchandise available for sale.
Change of clothes bags
All post-swim bags must be loaded at the start at Eynsham Lock. Bags will be transported to the chalet/café tent in Wytham Woods at the end of the swim, ready for you to change into. Your body temperature continues to fall for some time after your swim, changing into warm clothes is a compulsory requirement.
Parking
There is ample parking at Siemens car park (OX29 4BP) Wharf Road, Eynsham, Oxfordshire.
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs page.
Cancellation by you
Ensure you have looked at the refund policy
Cakes for afters
Post swim celebration from the legendary Swim Oxford Cafe.
Unmatched, unrivalled, unbelievable.
Wild swim celebrations.
"This is too good to be true”
