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 2019 Race Log & Live Results
Starting at 06:00 on Friday 26th July 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 Paddington....
2020 Canalrace Series Dates
The dates are set for the 2020 GUCR 145 Birmingham – London (26th Edition), KACR 145 Bristol – London (4th Edition) and LLCR 130 Liverpool – Leeds (7th Edition) Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race Birmingham – London 0600 Saturday 23rd May 2020 (Spring bank holiday...
GUCR 2019 Results & Retirements
Alex Whearity has crossed the Finish line at Little Venice in a time of 25 hours and 8 minutes and becomes the fourth fastest finisher in the 25 year history of the GUCR. Official results can be found here and the updated Hall of Fame here. 97 Starters. 52 Finishers....
GUCR 2019 Race Log & Live Results
Starting 06:00 Saturday 25th 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....
GUCR 25th Anniversary Reunion Party
To celebrate the 25th running of the Birmingham to London Canal Race, we are holding a party! The venue is the Eagle and Ball pub in Birmingham; the date Saturday 27th April; the time 1300 to 2300 hours. We are hiring, and will have sole use of, the entire three...
GUCR 2019 Provisional Entry List
Thanks go to Baz Taylor, Mark & Nikola Coutts, Simon Prytherch, Lucy Longrigg, Glyn Raymen, Dick & Jan Kearn, Maisy and Cathy for their assistance at the draw this evening. Below is the provisional list of runners for the 25th Grand Union Canal Race allocated...