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
The One in the Bank (the story of the “Run For Your Life” trophy)
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 owes...
2021 Canalrace Season Entry Notes (updated 5 June)
5 June 2021 Entries for KACR 2021 have re-opened on SiEntries, both Supported (with own crew) and Unsupported (tended by organiser) places are available. 12 May 2021 Entries for LLCR 2021 have re-opened on SiEntries. Supported (with own crew) places only at this...
Harry’s 1993 Report (the first GUCR)
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 145.4...
2021 Canalrace Series Dates
The dates are set for the 2021 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 award. Also see 2021 season entry notes here Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race (GUCR)...
GUC 145 mile Race Early 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...
Coronavirus Statement (updated 14 May 2021)
14 May 2021 The Covid-19 Secure – Guidance, Policies and Procedures document for GUCR 2021 is now available here. 29 March 2021 The race permit for the GUCR starting 29 May, including Covid-19 risk assessment & plans have today been approved by the Trail Running...