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
2024 Canalslam Series Dates (Updated 4 June)
The dates are set for the 2024 three race not-for-profit series “The Canalslam” totalling nearly 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. The...
End of Season Musings
I’m not asking for a penny in this old man’s hat but, the geese are as fat as they’re likely to get, and therefore, according to the rhyme, Christmas must be coming. Also coming soon to a very select few, will be their 2022 Canalslam Trophies, marking the traditional...
2022 Financial Statements and Community Interest Company Report
Canalrace Community Interest Company's financial statements and annual report (CIC 34) for the year ended 30 September 2022 are now filed on the Companies House website here. See filing dated 7 December 2022. If you have any query then please get in touch. Canalrace...
GUCR 2023 Provisional Entry List
Thanks go to Liz Chamberlayne, Gary Barnes, Kellie Judd, Dick & Jan Kearn, Maisy and Cathy for their assistance at The Barley Mow for the draw today. Below is the provisional list of runners for the 2023 Grand Union Canal Race allocated from the 217 entries received....
CHANGES
In consideration of the success of the “one-off” Warwickshire Ring Canal Race, and of the difficulties experienced by the volunteer crews on the London to Bristol (KACR) event, Canalrace C.I.C. have felt a need to make changes. The man at the top, Keith Godden,...
LLCR 2022 (Liverpool to Leeds) Results and Retirements
Ian Hammett wins in 21h 3m. Laura Watts was First Lady in 28h 35m. Official results can be found here and the updated Hall of Fame here. 79 Starters. 55 Finishers. Unfortunately, the following had to cut...