Birmingham Canal Canter

Birmingham Canal Canter - 2 August 2026

The Birmingham Canal Canter is a circular walking and running event organised by LDWA - Heart Of England. All routes start and finish at Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham B13 0TP (grid ref SP088812). The event is scheduled for 2 August 2026. Entry is open from 31 October 2025 and closes on 24 July 2026. Minimum age is 18. Entry fees are £20 for LDWA members and £25 for non-members. Entries so far: 15 participants.

Routes

The event is run anticlockwise this year and includes part of the River Cole Valley Way. The routes are mostly off road and have no stiles. Distances offered:

• 18.5 miles - Mini Canter: river and canal route
• 26.5 miles - Canter Marathon: includes Edgbaston Reservoir and the Soho Loop
• 30 miles - Maxi Canter: extended route visiting Spaghetti Junction

The routes follow many local waterways and features, including the Stratford Canal, Worcester-Birmingham Canal, New Main Line, Fazeley and Grand Union Canals, and the River Cole. Participants pass landmarks such as Kings Norton Guillotine Lock, Bournville, Birmingham city centre features, Gas Street Basin, Edgbaston Reservoir, Soho Manufactory, Winson Green Prison, and Sarehole Mill. The marathon route includes tunnels under Curzon Street and Ashfield Road.

Support and practical information

Checkpoints: 4 on the maxi, 3 on the marathon, 2 on the mini; each will include food and cold drinks. Participants must bring a mug or drinking vessel as cups will not be provided. There will be hot and cold drinks and a meal at the finish with vegetarian and vegan options. Showers and plenty of free parking are available on site. All finishers receive a badge and a certificate. Route descriptions and GPX files will be sent shortly before the event. The event also includes an annual cake competition. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.