The Leeds & Liverpool Canal Race 2027

‘The Trans-Pennine Run’

28th August 2027
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One Canal. A Proper Northern Adventure.

Liverpool to Leeds. There are quicker ways across the Pennines. None come with this many biscuits.

130 miles of shared determination, wonderful people and increasingly heartfelt promises to your feet.

From Old Hall Street to Office Lock, follow the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through historic mill towns, peaceful countryside and the small hours when a cup of tea feels like a personal triumph.

Seasoned ultrarunner or daring to go further for the first time? You’ll find a warm welcome here. Run, walk or mix the two — bring your own pace, your preparation and a little stubbornness. Northern grit is welcome from every postcode.

We’re volunteer-powered and proudly not-for-profit. The miles are yours. The canal family will be cheering you towards Yorkshire.

Start Location

Liverpool

Finish Location

Leeds

Distance

130 Miles

Cut Off Time

40 Hours

Aid Stations

9 aid stations

Terrain

Varied Towpath

Explore The Route

Historic mill towns, open countryside, narrowboats and enough locks to keep you counting long after you’ve lost track of the miles.

The towpath takes you through Wigan, Blackburn, Burnley and Skipton, past Bingley Five Rise Locks and Saltaire, before Leeds finally comes into view. Mostly flat doesn’t mean easy — but it does leave more breath to debate how far away the next checkpoint really is.

Why do we use plotaroute?

We use plotaroute.com for supplying our maps as this means we can provide last minute updates that are readily available and allow you to download them in the best format for your navigation device.

Note: plotaroute.com does have pop-ups. Canalrace CIC will never charge you for downloading or accessing our route files

No ballot, no crossed fingers — LLCR places are first come, first served.

Entries open through SiEntries at 10am on 31 October 2026. Choose Canal Crew or Bring Your Own Crew, complete your entry details and payment, and start making plans for Yorkshire.

Taking on the Canalslam?
The first 40 eligible runners to enter KACR 145 and LLCR 130, then submit their GUCR 145 ballot application and tick the Canalslam box, receive a guaranteed GUCR place.

The order matters: enter KACR and LLCR first, then submit your GUCR application. We’ll check eligibility before the draw.

One race or all three? Either way, there’s a warm welcome waiting — and a fair bit of towpath.

Two ways to tackle the towpath. The same warm welcome.

Canal Crew — we’re your crew.
Running without a personal support team? Use the support provided by Canalrace. Check your race manual for checkpoint refreshments, kit-bag arrangements and exactly what’s included.

Bring Your Own Crew — familiar faces, familiar snacks.
Your own team supports you along the route. They’ll need to follow the event’s crew guidance and access rules. Enthusiasm is welcome; knowing where to park is useful too.

Choose your category when entering. Whichever you pick, you’re part of the canal family.

Entry to LLCR 130 is first come, first served through SiEntries. Check the entry details for dates, support options and current fees.

No formal qualifying races are required, but preparation matters. Bring your training, your determination and a sense of humour fit for 130 miles. We’ll supply the northern welcome.

Your kit list, checkpoint timings, registration details, crew guidance and race rules are gathered in the runner manual (this will be released at the start of the year). Read it before race day — preferably before packing your bag.

Three races. 420 miles. One year. Your feet may request a meeting.

Complete GUCR 145, KACR 145 and LLCR 130 in the same year to earn the Canalslam title and a special finisher’s award.

Each race is an adventure in its own right. Together, they’re a rather extraordinary year on the towpath.

Canalslam bonus for 2027: the first 40 eligible runners to commit receive a guaranteed GUCR place, whether choosing Canal Crew or Bring Your Own Crew.

To qualify, follow this order:

  1. Enter KACR 145.
  2. Enter LLCR 130.
  3. Submit your GUCR 145 ballot application and tick the Canalslam box.

We’ll check eligibility before confirming guaranteed places. That little tick matters — it tells us you’re going all in.

Three finish lines. One big-hearted canal family. A year you won’t forget.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal Race 2027

‘The Trans-Pennine Run’

28th August 2027
–
DAYS
–
HOURS
–
MINUTES
–
SECONDS

GIVE US A GONGOOZLE…

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