The First
MONBREC CANAL 40 MILE RACE
(MBCR 2026)
Malpas – Brecon
“The Welsh Run”
Saturday 25th April 2026 07:00 at Malpas Cricket Club, Malpas, Wales
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Join us for the Malpas to Brecon Canal Run, a shared journey along one of the most beautiful and characterful waterways in the UK. Following the way-marked Mon & Brec Canal Towpath, this point-to-point run traces the quiet rhythm of the canal from the English border deep into the heart of Wales.
This is more than just a run — it’s a community-led adventure shaped by the canal and the people who care for it. You’ll pass locks, bridges, boats, and waterside villages, with the towpath guiding you mile by mile through peaceful countryside and ever-changing scenery.
Whether you’re ticking off the miles or simply enjoying the journey, this event is about connection — to the canal, to fellow runners, and to the welcoming canal community that lines the route. Expect shared miles, steady support, and a refreshingly uncomplicated day out on foot.
Experience the Mon & Brec at its best — calm, characterful, and quietly unforgettable.
the mon & brec canal
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal offers a beautifully linear journey through border country and deep into Wales, where quiet countryside, historic waterways, and waterside communities come together. This point-to-point adventure follows the towpath as it winds past locks, bridges, villages, and open landscapes, guided by the steady presence of the canal itself.
Points of interest
The canal is rich with character and history. Expect a rhythm of locks and lift bridges, long peaceful stretches of water, colourful narrowboats, and ever-changing views across farmland, hills, and valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass through welcoming canal communities and timeless waterside spots that make this route as memorable as it is runnable.
A new community journey
This event brings together runners, volunteers, and the wider canal community for a shared journey along one of Britain’s most loved waterways. It’s not about spectacle or speed, but about taking part in something simple, supportive, and quietly special — a day shaped by the canal and the people who care for it.
The challenge
Challenge yourself at your own pace in a friendly, low-key, and well-supported environment, where the miles unfold naturally and the focus is on the experience. With steady support, beautiful surroundings, and a strong sense of togetherness, this is a run that stays with you long after the finish.
Run Day Schedule
05:30 – Registration opens
06:30 – Gentle warm-up, morning brews, and a catch-up with fellow runners and volunteers
06:45 – A few friendly words, last-minute reminders, and plenty of smiles
07:00 – We set off along the canal
Time, pace & support
There is an overall time limit of 15 hours, which gives plenty of time to complete the journey comfortably and safely. This isn’t about racing the clock — it’s about steady progress and enjoying the experience from Malpas to Brecon.
You’ve trained, you’ve committed, and our role is to support you all the way to the finish. Whether you’re moving briskly or taking a more relaxed approach, you’re encouraged to soak up the surroundings, stop for a chat with fellow towpath users, and settle into the easy rhythm of the canal. Challenging yourself doesn’t have to mean pushing hard — sometimes it simply means keeping going.
Checkpoints
There will be three fully supported checkpoints along the route, run by our brilliant volunteers and members of the canal community. Each checkpoint will be stocked with snacks, fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, seating, power banks, and a bit of music to lift spirits.
Please let us know any dietary requirements when you sign up — we’ll make sure you’re well looked after.
Coach Transfer
To make logistics simple, a coach transfer will be available on race morning. This allows runners to leave their cars at the finish in Brecon and travel together to the start in Malpas, sharing the journey before sharing the miles.
The coach transfer is relaxed, sociable, and a great chance to meet fellow runners before the day begins. Full details, timings, and booking information will be provided closer to the event — spaces will be limited, so early booking is recommended.
Mandatory Kit
To keep everyone safe and comfortable on the towpath, please bring the following essentials:
- Suitable trail or road running footwear
Ideal for the firm, mostly flat surfaces along the canal towpath. - Water carrier (minimum 1 litre)
To keep you hydrated between checkpoints. - Mobile phone
For safety, navigation, and the occasional canal-side photo. - Head torch or other light source
Essential for tunnels and in case the day runs into low light. - Survival bag / bivvy bag
A small but important bit of kit, just in case you need to stay warm and visible while help arrives. - Waterproof jacket
Because this is the UK… and the canal has its own ideas about the weather. - Rucksack or running pack
To comfortably carry your kit and supplies. - A good sense of adventure 🌊
You’ll need this one the most.
Included with Your Entry
- A commemorative Canalrace finish memento
- Post-run care at the finish
- Three fully loaded checkpoints along the route
- Friendly, knowledgeable Canalrace crew and volunteers
- A professionally organised, community-led event — and a few nice surprises along the way
What to Expect Once You Sign Up
Once you’ve entered, you’ll receive a friendly “welcome aboard” email to the address you registered with.
We’ll then be in touch again with helpful event updates:
- Around 6 weeks before the run
- Again at 4 weeks out
- And a final reminder 2 weeks before the day itself
A couple of days before the event, you’ll also get a phone call from our Race Director / Chief Gongoozler. Don’t worry — you haven’t done anything wrong! It’s just a friendly check-in to make sure you’re feeling prepared and excited for the big day.
Fancy Volunteering?
Want to experience the event from the other side of the towpath and be part of the support that makes it all happen? We’d love to hear from you.
Drop us an email at hello@canalrace.org.uk and we’ll be in touch with more details.
Race Fees & Refunds
Unsupported: £45, including booking fees. If you are not attached to a UK club, please add £2 extra.
Please note: There is only one price for this event — all participants will be supported along the course by the event organisers (us!).
Cancellations:
- Before 31st January 2026 – 95% refund
- Between 1st February and 2nd March 2026 – 75% refund
- Between 3rd March and 2nd April 2026 – 50% refund
- After 3rd April 2026 – no refunds
To cancel your place, please message Rhys & Cerys at hello@canalrace.org.uk
as soon as possible.
If more than 180 days have passed since the original card transaction, refunds will be made via PayPal to the email address registered with SiEntries. Upon request, we can also make the refund via BACS — please provide your bank account number and sort code in that case.
Entry Information
Entries for the MonBrec Canal 40 Mile Race open now!
