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
GUCR 2017 Provisional Entry List
Thank you to Baz Taylor, Gin Lawson, Mark Haynes, Glyn Raymen, Dick Kearn, Maisy and Cathy for their company and assistance for the draw tonight. Below is the provisional list of runners for GUCR 2017 drawn from the 215 entries. Best. Keith 160 competitors in surname...
LLCR, KACR, GUCR & Canalslam 2017 Entry
2017 KACR, GUCR and Canalslam series entrants should Pre-register on SiEntries. Or request entry information from Keith. For the LLCR Pre-register on SiEntries or contact Dick. Note our new Canalrace C.I.C. email addresses below. LLCR 130 PLACES Available To compete,...
LLCR 130 2016 places available
We've had a few withdrawals so if you know of anyone who fancies a longish run over the August Bank Holiday weekend - dickjan@talk21.com is the email address to contact. Thanks, Dick.
Canal Race News
Some may already be aware, but for those who haven’t heard, Keith Godden, Wayne Simpson and I have joined forces to form the Canal Race C.I.C. Now before anyone thinks that after all these years Old Dick’s gone commercial on us, I should explain that the Canal Race...