The Thirty First
GRAND UNION CANAL 145 MILE RACE
(GUCR 2026)
Birmingham - London
"The Long Run"
Saturday 23rd May 2026 06:00 at Gas Street Basin, Birmingham, UK
How to Enter the GUCR
Everyone’s welcome — no ultra experience, no problem.
You don’t need to be an ultra veteran, a gear nerd, or someone who calls a 4am start “fun.” If you’ve run a marathon — or just love a challenge and don’t mind a bit of towpath grit — you’re in the right place.
There are no qualifying standards, no gatekeeping, and definitely no need to “look” like an ultrarunner (whatever that means). Whether you’re chasing a new goal, building confidence, or just want to see what you’re made of — we’d love to have you on the start line.
Bring your courage, your snacks, and your sense of humour. We’ll take care of the rest.
Canalrace events are for everyone — all paces, all backgrounds, all kinds of brave.
Whether you’re brand new to ultras or have a wall full of finish-line photos, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by some of the friendliest volunteers you’re ever likely to meet (seriously, they’re the heart of these events — and they bring snacks).
Thinking, “I’ve never run that far before…”? Well, no one has — until they do. You don’t need to know you can finish — you just need to be willing to try. And if things don’t go to plan? No drama. We’ve got a sweeper’s bus and a kind soul to help you get home. No shame. No pressure. Just support.
Worried about navigation? Don’t be. We’ve conveniently placed a canal or river next to nearly the entire route — so just follow the water. And to make doubly sure, you’ll get detailed waterproof maps as part of your race pack.
Not sure about carrying all your kit? You don’t have to. Our experienced checkpoint crews will transport your drop bag from point to point. You’ll have time at each stop to refuel, rehydrate, change clothes, and reset — all well within our generous cut-offs.
Thinking of entering? Here’s what to do next:
✅ Decide if you’ll run Supported (with your own crew) or Unsupported (looked after by our lovely volunteers)
✅ Read the [Race Info]
✅ Read the [Pre-Entry Notes]
✅ Read the [Terms & Conditions]
✅ Read the [FAQs] (you’ll probably find a few laughs in there too)
The 2026 race calendar, including entry dates for GUCR and others, is available here. Keep an eye on the News section for updates, and everything you need to get ready for the towpath, in particular the 2026 Canalrace Season Entry Notes.
Heads up! Pre-registration via SiEntries closes at midnight on 31st October 2025.
Places will be allocated by names drawn from a (literal or metaphorical) hat in early November, and all applicants will be notified of the results shortly after.
You’ll have the option to register for one race or both as part of the new Gongoozler double. If you’re applying for GUCR, there’ll be a few extra questions — just so we can track those aiming to complete the Gongoozler, and make sure anyone who missed out in last year’s draw gets their well-earned extra ticket this time around.
To improve your chances in the draw, we recommend selecting the Supported (with your own crew) category, if that’s an option. Unsupported (tended by the organisers) places are limited and always in high demand.