Race Introduction

The 2026 GUCR is back—and yes, it’s “downhill” from Brum to Lon (if only it felt that way after mile 100).

Held under UK Athletics rules and with the kind permission of the Canal & River Trust, this non-stop 145-mile race takes runners from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham to Little Venice in London, following the fully waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath.

Open to anyone aged 20 or over, the event welcomes runners of all abilities. Support crews are recommended, but up to 75 Unsupported places are available—these runners are looked after by the organisers, Canalrace C.I.C.
(Trail Running Association Permit Number: TBC).

Widely recognised as one of Britain’s most iconic ultras, the GUCR offers a flat(ish), easy-to-navigate course that winds through a mix of urban and rural landscapes. From canalside cities to quiet countryside, this race delivers variety—and a real sense of journey.

What Makes GUCR Special?

This is a race organised by runners, for runners—built on passion, not hype. It’s friendly, low-pressure, and welcoming to anyone ready to take on the challenge, whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or going long for the first time.

There are no formal entry qualifications—just determination and a sense of adventure. You’ll need to keep a steady pace to reach the finish within the generous 45-hour cut-off.

Here’s what you can expect:

• • Straightforward navigation – Follow the canal and our detailed maps.

  • Regular support – Snacks and drinks every 10–15 miles.

  • Help if you need to stop – Transport to the nearest station for retirees.

  • Generous cut-offs – 45 hours to get the job done. No panic pacing.

  • Open to all – Many finishers have completed just a marathon before this.

Line Map

Course Records

Awards

• The British Waterways perpetual trophy for 1st Man and 1st Lady

• The Canalware trophy for 1st Man and 1st Lady

• A certificate and memento for every finisher

• A special memento for all Gongoozler finishers

Important race details:

• This is a minimum support event, with feed points for Unsupported runners at miles 11, 22, 36, 54, 71, 85, 99, 120, and 133. Drinks are available to all competitors at these stops.

• There is no first aid or medical backup on course, but transport is provided for any Unsupported runners who need to retire.

• Support crews are warmly welcomed throughout the race. Solo buddy runners (not pacers) on foot are allowed—but only from mile 75 onwards.

• Checkpoint cut-off times are set to fit within an overall time limit of 45 hours (finish by 3:00am Monday).

• The race is limited to 100 starters, with most places allocated by a draw.

Rules

1. The full distance must be completed on foot, keeping, wherever possible, to the recognised towpath route.
2. All Competitors must notify Race HQ (Tel. 07778 550945 or 07780 685538) immediately on retiring (even if they have already reported this at a checkpoint) or if they drop behind a schedule in line with the cut-off times.
3. Competitors must reach all checkpoints by the closing times printed on the supplied maps.  They must leave within 40 minutes of arrival.  (Ref. rule 4.)
4. Competitors will be deemed to have retired if stopped for more than 40 minutes at any one time.  Competitors may enter vehicles for warmth, rest and nourishment, but will be disqualified if the vehicle moves.  Any runner seen in a moving vehicle will count as retired, even if the intention is to return to the same place to resume, unless that vehicle is going to the aid of another entrant in difficulty.
5. All competitors must display their race number to the front, at all times, and ensure it is recorded at every checkpoint en route by showing it, upon arrival, to the timekeeper. The medical form on the reverse of the number must be completed including emergency contact name and telephone number.
6. Supported (with own crew) competitors must have at least one support crew member with a vehicle from the Start, and for the duration of the race.
7. All competitors must carry a mobile phone, switched on at all times, for calls to or from Race HQ; and have the financial means to sustain themselves in the event of breakdown of support vehicle.
8. All competitors must carry a whistle, and a survival blanket (140cm x 200cm minimum size), at all times.
9. At night, all competitors and buddies must carry a torch or headlamp, with spare batteries, and wear reflective clothing when on road sections.
10. All competitors must bring their own cup for accessing hot and cold drinks at aid stations.
11. All competitors must carry the provided maps, at all times, in order to pin-point their location should their crew or our transport (in the case of Unsupporteds) need to collect them upon retirement.
12. Unsupported competitors must have one kit bag only, clearly labelled. For overseas competitors, a maximum of two clearly labelled kit bags will be accepted. Competitors must minimise the size and weight of their bag, bringing only what is necessary. Maximum permissible weight: 15kg.
13. Buddy runners (someone who runs with the competitor) must be on foot. They must not run in front of their runner, always beside or behind. If in front they will be regarded as pacers and pacing is not permitted in this event. Competitors may have only one buddy runner at a time and then only from the 71.4 mile meeting point at Cosgrove Village Hall. Buddy runners must not carry any food, water or other supplies for their runner, i.e. muling is not permitted in this event. Buddies must depart aid stations at the same time as their runner.
14. Walking poles are not allowed at this event for runners or buddies.
15. Sharps, any needles, scalpels, or other articles that could cause wounds or punctures to personnel handling them, must be locked within a suitable container inside kit-bags.
16. Competitors, crews and buddies must accept full responsibility for their actions (see Terms & Conditions).
17. If unable to take part, entrants must undertake to inform the organiser – before race day please (see Pre-Entry Notes).

Route

This is an illustration of the route only, and should not be used for navigation. Official detailed race maps will be provided to competitors before race day. Note for the elevation profile: London is to the left, Birmingham is to the right.

Registration, Start & Finish

Early Registration on Friday evening 22nd May is open from 18:00 until 20:00 on the pavement at Gas Street, B1 2DS. Brindleyplace multi-storey carpark is nearby on Brunswick Street, B1 2JF. There is limited roadside pay and display parking nearby on Granville Street and Tennant Street.

Registration on race day Saturday 23rd May opens at 05:00 at Gas Street, B1 2DS. Ample car parking is available on Gas Street (at this time of the morning), right next to the start.

The Finish is canalside at Little Venice, Delamere Terrace, W2 6ND within 15 minutes walking distance of Paddington Railway Station. Roadside parking is available on Delamere Terrace, right next to the finish.

“Downhill” Aid Stations & Cutoffs

Race Fees & Refunds