Birmingham Canal Canter

Birmingham Canal Canter

The Birmingham Canal Canter is a circular walking and running event based at Moseley Rugby Club in Birmingham. Routes follow canals and the River Cole, and include sections of the Stratford Canal, the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, the Grand Union Canal, and parts of the River Cole Valley Way.

There are three distance options:

• 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 adds a visit to Galton Valley

The routes are mostly off road, with organiser information stating about 98% off road, flat terrain and no stiles. The courses avoid Spaghetti Junction because a towpath is closed, and include tunnels under Curzon Street and Ashfield Road. The marathon and maxi routes use the New Main Line and Old Main Line canals and visit urban heritage sites such as Bournville, Birmingham city centre and Gas Street Basin.

Checkpoints are provided on each route and include food and cold drinks; the maxi has four checkpoints, the marathon three, and the mini canter two. Cups are not provided at checkpoints so participants should bring a drinking vessel. Finish facilities include hot and cold drinks, a meal with vegetarian and vegan options, showers, free parking on site, and a finisher badge plus certificate. Route descriptions and GPX files will be issued before the event. The event also holds an annual cake competition with details to be issued later. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.