The ballot is a draw to allocate race places. Submit your application through SiEntries during the entry window, then cross your fingers. No sprint to the keyboard required — applying early doesn’t improve your chances.

• Opens: 10am, 31 October 2026.
• Closes: 10am, 14 November 2026.
• Draw: 10am, 15 November 2026.

There are 200 allocations for 2027. After guaranteed places are assigned, the remaining places go into the draw.

Missed out in the 2026 ballot?
Tick the relevant box when applying. You’ll receive two tickets in the draw instead of one.

Volunteered with us in 2026?
Qualifying volunteers receive a guaranteed place. You still need to submit your application and tick the volunteer box.

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

We’ll check eligibility before the draw. Guaranteed places don’t stack, and extra tickets apply only to applicants entering the draw.

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 GUCR is through a ballot, with some guaranteed-place arrangements. Check the entry details for dates, eligibility and current fees.

No formal qualifying races are required, but preparation matters. Bring your training, your determination and a sense of humour with a little mileage left in it.

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.