THAMES PATH 100 MILE ULTRA CENTURION RUNNING | Recovered Running

Come with me as I take you behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most iconic ultramarathons — the Thames Path 100 Mile Race, hosted by Centurion Running. I spent the day volunteering at Boveney Aid Station, right around the 31-mile mark — and honestly, it was one of those days that reminds you why the ultrarunning community is so special. From the moment the first runners came through, there was this incredible energy in the air. You could see it on every face — determination, grit, exhaustion… and that quiet, stubborn belief that they were going to make it all the way to the finish. Our job at the aid station? Keep them moving. That meant everything from refilling bottles and handing out food, to quick words of encouragement that (hopefully!) gave them a little boost when they needed it most. It’s amazing how something as simple as “you’ve got this” can completely change someone’s mindset at mile 31. What really stood out to me was the variety of runners passing through. Some looked strong and smooth, barely breaking stride. Others were already deep in the pain cave, digging in mentally just to keep going. But every single one of them had the same goal — forward progress. And the teamwork behind the scenes? Unreal. Volunteers working seamlessly, anticipating what runners needed before they even asked. It felt less like “helping out” and more like being part of something much bigger — a moving, living support system for 100 miles of effort. As the day went on, the stories kept building. Quick chats with runners, little moments of humor, shared laughs, and those fleeting but powerful human connections you only really get in endurance events like this. By the end of the shift, I was tired — but in that really satisfying way. The kind of tired that comes from doing something meaningful. Watching these athletes push their limits, knowing you played even a tiny role in their journey… it sticks with you. A great day was had — and I genuinely loved every minute of it. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering at an ultra… do it. You won’t regret it. #ThamesPath100 #CenturionRunning #ultrarunning #volunteering #runningcommunity