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 2024 ‘Uphill’ Results and Retirements
Chris Kelly wins in 24 hours 2 minutes, Melissa Venables is first lady in 34 hours 11 minutes and becomes the first to win in both directions. Official results can be found here and the updated Hall of Fame here. 103...
GUCR 2024 Race Log & Live Results
Starting 06:00 Saturday 25th May 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 Gas Street. [canalrace-event-log...
2025 Canalslam Series Dates
The dates are set for the 2025 not-for-profit* three ultra race series “The Canalslam” totalling over 400 miles. Each inexpensive race can be entered as a one-off, but competitors completing all three receive a special canalslam finishers' award and inclusion in the...
2023 Financial Statements and Community Interest Company Report
Canalrace C.I.C.'s financial statements and annual report (CIC 34) for the year ended 30 September 2023 are now filed on the Companies House website. See filing dated 24 December 2023. A reminder that Canalrace is a Community Interest Company that is limited by...
GUCR 2024 Provisional Entry List
Thanks go to Alex Graham, Ian Sinclair & partner, Ross, Dick, Jan, Dave, Margaret and Cathy for their assistance at The Tap & Spyle for the draw today. Below is the provisional list of runners for the 2024 Grand Union Canal Race allocated from the 208 entries...
2024 Canalrace Season Entry Notes (updated 22 February)
22 February 2024 Rule #5 now updated, as follows: "All competitors must display their race number to the front, at all times, and ensure it is recorded at every checkpoint en route, by showing it, upon arrival, to the timekeeper. The medical form on the reverse of the...