by Rhys Jenkins | Jun 4, 2026 | 2026, Canalrace C.I.C., History
31ST EDITION | GUCR 145 The GUCR 145 is a 145-mile ultra along the Grand Union Canal, following one of England’s most historic waterways from Birmingham to London. The canal is a stitched-together ribbon of industrial heritage and quiet countryside, running through...
by Keith Godden | May 28, 2026 | 2026, Canalrace C.I.C., History
REMEMBERING PETER JOHNSON It is with great sadness that we share the news that Peter Johnson has recently passed away. Many across the canal and wider ultra running community will feel this loss deeply. He was one of the true characters of the canal family, always...
by Rhys Jenkins | Apr 27, 2026 | 2026, Canalrace C.I.C., History
1ST EDITION | MBCR 40 RESULTS | 2026 The MBCR 40 was a 40-mile ultra marathon along a steady, winding route – long, quiet, and subtly demanding in the way only distance can be. With the sun out and the heat building through the day, it became less about pace and...
by Keith Godden | Oct 9, 2020 | GUCR, History
The Steve Phillips’ annual “Run for Your Life” Trophy is awarded to the first “first-timer” to finish. Steve, who collapsed during GUCR 2009 and was diagnosed to have four tumours that could have caused his sudden death had they remained undetected, says that he...
by Dick Kearn | Jun 15, 2020 | GUCR, History
Harry Townsend’s report of the first ever GUCR. This is how it all started. Birmingham to London 145.4 miles July 31st and August 1st 1993 The Grand Union Canal Race was the logical way to celebrate the opening of the first British Waterways Walk along the full...
by Dick Kearn | Mar 7, 2020 | GUCR, History
Left to right in the picture: Ian Hope, Dick Kearn, Geoff Worsley, Fiona Wycherley and Bruce Harding “The 145”, as it was known in its early years, was instigated in 1993 by British Waterways’ Bruce Harding to promote the opening of Canal Towpaths to the public as...