Regarded by many as Britain’s premier Ultra, this is a 145 mile continuous race from Gas Street Basin in the Centre of Birmingham, to Little Venice in the heart of London.  Run entirely on the waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath, the easy to navigate, and relatively flat route, takes runners through a variety of urban and rural scenery – there should be something for everyone.

Organised on the same lines as the GUCR, this 145 mile race follows canal, railway and river paths between Brunel’s Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington stations.  Competitors receive comprehensive maps of the entire route which passes through the best of English countryside.  On the way runners “climb” the magnificent Caen Hill flight of 29 locks. For runners, it’s only a rise of 237 feet in 2 miles, but in canal terms it’s one of the “Seven Wonders of the Waterways” and well worth seeing.

From the Start at Old Hall Street Liverpool, to the Finish at Office Lock Leeds, the 130 mile towpath course follows the original Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Britain’s longest man-made waterway.  Although it passes through the heartlands of the “Industrial North”, the path is surprisingly scenic.  As well as the beautiful countryside, the route features the mile long Burnley Embankment (up to 60 feet above ground level) and the amazing Bingley Five Rise staircase.  Both are listed among the “Seven Wonders of the Waterways”