Thank You for an incredible
Lock 2 Lock 10K Marathon Swim
A huge thank you to every swimmer, volunteer, supporter, safety crew member, kayak paddler and marshal who made this year's Oxford Swim Series – Lock 2 Lock 10K Marathon Swim such an unforgettable event.
From the moment swimmers arrived until the final celebrations at the finish, the atmosphere was filled with friendship, encouragement and a shared passion for open water swimming.
One swimmer summed up the day perfectly:
"Amazing, very friendly event from start to finish. We loved it and will be back with more of us for sure. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into this very well organised event."
This year's marathon swim showcased everything we love about the upper Thames: stunning riverside scenery, historic medieval bridges, beautiful ancient landmarks, glorious sunshine, warm summer water temperatures, and an exceptional team of experienced kayak safety paddlers quietly watching over every swimmer throughout the journey.
The finish-line celebrations have been described by countless swimmers as the best they've ever experienced. The smiles, cheers and shared sense of achievement created an atmosphere that will stay with us for a long time.
There is clearly something very special about crossing the finish line at Lock 2 Lock. Often described as one of the best-kept secrets in UK open water swimming, the Lock 2 Lock 10K offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Upper Thames while completing one of the country's most memorable marathon swims.
If you haven't joined us yet, make 2027 the year you do. Bring your swim buddies, share the adventure, and discover why so many swimmers return year after year. To everyone who supported this event—our incredible volunteers, safety crews, kayak teams, families, friends and spectators—thank you. Your enthusiasm, kindness and commitment make these welcoming events possible and help create an experience that is about so much more than swimming.
Please enjoy the event photos and relive the memories.
We hope they inspire you to join us in 2027.
From all of us at Swim Oxford, thank you for your continued support. We remain dedicated to promoting natural open water swimming, creating outstanding events, and building a welcoming community where every swimmer can thrive.
We look forward to seeing you back on the Upper Thames in 2027.
It was amazing to swim this Upper Thames with such a well-supported safety crew. The great thing from my point of view was that the safety team never interrupted our swim. They kept an eye on us while allowing us to enjoy the whole swim uninterrupted.
Amazing – not like other events I have done. Thank you for this.
For Channel swimmers, marathon swimmers, and those who aspire to join them, take your place among swimming's most committed adventurers
10K swim
6 AUGUST 2027
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.
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
4K swim
"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”
