Thames hosts four “Challenge” contests across the season. The oldest – the Short Distance – dates back to May 1874. They are open to all club members and first home wins. The four are as follows:
- Short Distance Challenge – first held in May 1874 (first separate ladies’ contest in 1982). Nowadays, it takes place usually on the last Saturday of September over our 5-mile course on Wimbledon Common
- Long Distance Challenge – first held in July 1874 (first separate ladies’ contest in 1991). Nowadays, it takes place in conjunction with our home Mob Match against his Ranelagh Harriers or South London Harriers over our 7½-mile course on Wimbledon Common
- 10-mile Challenge – first held in March 1923 (first separate ladies’ contest in 2013). Nowadays, it takes place on the afternoon of our AGM (in March or April) over our 10-mile course in Richmond Park
- Road Running Challenge – first held in September 1981. Nowadays, it take place during the summer in conjunction with a local road race and in recent years this has been the Harry Hawkes 10 in Thames Ditton in June.
The winners of the Short, Long and 10-mile Challenges receive a Thames Hare and Hounds medal.