GUCR & LLCR ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN!
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You’ve arrived at the home of some of Britain’s most iconic canal ultras — including the Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR 145) and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Race (LLCR 130) — plus our brand new 40-mile taster event, the MonBrec Canal Race (MBCR 40).
These races aren’t just about the miles (though there are plenty of those) — they’re about the people. Each event is lovingly organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, supported by a tight-knit, slightly sleep-deprived community of runners, helpers, and canal-side legends.
Whether you’re dipping your toe in with MonBrec or going the distance at GUCR, you’ll be cheered, fed, encouraged, and occasionally patched up by people who get it. No big sponsors, no glitz — just real support, real camaraderie, and a shared love of going the distance.
Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race (GUCR) 2026
Birmingham – London
“The Long Run”
Saturday 23rd May 2026 06:00 at Gas Street, Birmingham, UK
Widely hailed as one of Britain’s most iconic ultras, this 145-mile non-stop adventure starts at Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham and finishes in Little Venice, right in the middle of London.
Following the well-marked Grand Union Canal towpath all the way, the route is easy to navigate and mostly flat — winding through a mix of buzzing cityscapes and peaceful countryside. There’s a bit of everything along the way, making it a unique challenge for every kind of runner.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal 130 mile Race (LLCR) 2026
Liverpool – Leeds
“The Trans-Pennine Run”
Saturday 29th August 2026 06:00 at Old Hall St, Liverpool, UK
Starting in Liverpool and finishing in Leeds, this 130-mile towpath race follows the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal through the heart of the “Industrial North.”
Expect a surprising mix of peaceful countryside and engineering wonders like the mile-long Burnley Embankment and the impressive Bingley Five Rise staircase — two of the “Seven Wonders of the Waterways.”
A perfect blend of grit, history, and stunning views for runners seeking a true adventure.
Latest News
KACR 2021 (London to Bristol) Results and Retirements
Ugis Datavs returned to the canal races to go one better and win the inaugural London to Bristol (as he had promised the organiser), arriving at the Lightship John Sebastian in 26 hours 56 minutes. Frances Evans was first lady in 38 hours 12 minutes. Congratulations...
KACR (London to Bristol) 2021 Race Log & Live Results
Starting at 06:00 on Friday 23rd July you can see details of Retirements and Finishers on our Live Results section. Below also shows updates of all goings-on in the form of a race-log for the duration until the last canalrunner arrives in Bathurst Basin....
GUCR 2021 Results and Retirements
Alex Whearity successfully executed his sub-24 hour race plan to defend his 2019 GUCR title, arriving at Little Venice in 23 hours and 25 minutes. Melissa Venables blessed us with her smile all the way to win on her second go in 29 hours and 17 minutes. The 2021 Steve...
GUCR 2021 Race Log & Live Results
Starting 06:00 Saturday 29th May you can see details of Retirements and Finishers on our new Live Results section. Below also shows updates of all goings-on in the form of a race-log for the duration until the last canalrunner arrives in Little Venice....
Covid-19 Secure – Guidance, Policies and Procedures (updated 17 May)
Introduction This information applies to all involved including competitors, volunteers, crews, buddy runners and spectators; it must be forwarded to all those attending the event. If there is any question, contact Keith Godden on keith.godden@canalrace.org.uk or...
How to reach Little Venice
Advice on finishing The 145 from a multiple Grand Union Canal Race finisher Written by Paul Ali. Welcome to the Grand Union Canal Race, a well-regarded classic British ultramarathon event. If you are running this event for the first time then you are likely to have...