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
Crewing
What happens on the canal stays on the canal Written by Russ and Sandra Tullett. Some tips and advice for crews to help you stay married or friends after crewing. 1. Always expect the unexpected. Some runners prepare well before the race some do not. Whatever type...
The Role of the Buddy Runner
How to get through your buddy running experience without losing friends or getting a divorce Written by Wendy and Alex Whearity. Below are some tips and advice for ‘buddies’ to help you along your Canal race journey. 1. Know what you are signing up for Being a buddy...
2022 Canalslam Series Dates
The dates are set for the 2022 three race series “The Canalslam” totalling over 400 miles. Each race can be entered as a one-off, but competitors completing all three receive a special canalslam finishers' award and inclusion in the hall of fame. Grand Union Canal 145...
Grand Funk Towpath
The Story of One of the Longest, Oldest UK Ultras This article was originally published by Andy Nuttall in Ultra Magazine, August 2015. Written by James Adams and Paul Ali. I am just standing there, staring down at the moon’s perfect reflection in the canal. It is a...
2020 Company Report and Financial Statements
Canalrace Community Interest Company's annual report (CIC 34) and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2020 are now filed and can be found on the Companies House website here. See filing dated 24 Dec 2020. Canalrace C.I.C. is a not-for-profit ultra...
GUCR 2021 Provisional Entry List
Below is the provisional list of runners for the 2021 Grand Union Canal Race allocated from the 275 entries received. Competitors that have paid their race-fees to confirm their place can be found on the GUCR Entry List. Matthew Aitken Paul Ali Allan Anderson Lewis...