Lock 2 Lock 10K

The Lock 2 Lock series offers open water swimming events on the River Thames, featuring distances of 1609m, 4000m, and a 10000m long-distance challenge. These events take place annually during the summer months, inviting participants to navigate a river stretch that carries significant historical resonance. As you swim, the landscape reflects the deep-rooted past of the region, where the river served as a vital artery for the city's development and intellectual life.

Historical context and landmarks

Navigating these waters, you are traversing a geography shaped by centuries of conflict and change. The river flows past sites that witnessed the 1142 siege of Oxford Castle, a central event during the civil war known as The Anarchy. In the city centre, the Carfax Tower remains a constant reference point for those on the banks, while the river itself recalls ancient naming conventions; a Roman-era potsherd recovered in the city bears the inscription 'Tamesubugus fecit', linking the modern Thames to its distant origins. The surrounding area is also marked by the memory of the Oxford Martyrs, whose 16th-century execution is memorialized near the city’s heart, a stark contrast to the tranquil waters of the current course. The riverbanks were once the center of a thriving industry, with 16th-century breweries situated along streets like Paradise Street, powering the local economy long before the reach of the university expansion.